True & Daring

True Believer

Santa Maria Valley Grenache Blend Rosé

Ming L
9.3

My last bottle of this amazing 19’ Rose. Prior notes apply. — 3 years ago

Bob, Tom and 1 other liked this

Produttori del Barbaresco

Barbaresco Nebbiolo

As the summer is slipping out of our hands, its time to to pop those complex reds that we’ve been lastning for. Produttori del Barbaresco is considered one of the best cooperatives in the world and its 2016 Barbaresco is a solid proof of that statement.
Restrained at first and needs a couple of hours in the decanter to reach its climax. True to its provenance its clasically crafted, and puts up complex profile of red cherries, rose hip, strawberries, spice, bitter orange and a volatile dried floral lift over a canvas of wet soil.
An offensive approach on the palate with a high acidity and a generous portion of mouth coating tannins that is well accompanied by a pronounced fruit profile with an evolving finish. Very good indeed, but is a couple of level behind to reach the higher tiers.
— 6 years ago

Josh, Daniel and 7 others liked this

Lorenza

True California Carignan Rosé Blend 2019

Very pale salmon color, little bouquet when cold, very light in the mouth, a touch sweet but also some dryness there. Low alcohol so no bite. Some strawberry, maybe green apple. Pretty good but too light for me- — 6 years ago

Peggy Cohen
with Peggy

Hammell Wine Alliance

True Believer Santa Maria Valley Grenache Rosé Blend 2018

Lively and fresh...a fun wine — 7 years ago

Shay, David and 1 other liked this

One True Vine

Stanley Ranch Vineyard Cherry Pie Pinot Noir

Omg. Past it’s prime but so good nonetheless. — 8 years ago

Rick BaraffLisa Walter
with Rick and Lisa

Parducci

Reserve True Grit Mendocino County Red Blend 2012

Tall grass. Fruit forward. Slight spice finish. Medium body, smooth. Would buy again — 9 years ago

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1987

From a really fine, structured Napa vintage, this shows dark fruits and mineral notes aromatically, still has loads of Dunn Howell Mountain structure and tannin, long, lingering finish, but the finish suggests that it needs 10-20 more years of aging, simply an incredible, old school (13% ABV) Napa mountain Cabernet with amazing length and freshness, a true WOW wine (if you’re moderately unoffended by the enormous structure still remaining)!!! — 2 years ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Tom, John and 15 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Whoa!!!🤯
ESF

ESF

Holy Grail
Jan A

Jan A

We had the '95 this weekend: also very youtfull and fresh. Loved it

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2013

Mike R
9.7

WOTN - I was impressed - besides always being a crowd pleaser this wine always acts like the postman and always delivers

1 hour decant - was not planning to open but we drank the other bottles like thirsty sailors after 90 days on the boat - color has not changed - the smell has gotten even better - the finish was spot on and the taste was impeccable- remarkable- memorable- a true stunner - blue fruits dancing with black and reds fruits - tobacco cassis sweetness from caramel- tamed but striking how this baby keeps growing - drink now if you want but I will not try again for 5 years or more - this Napa cult classic will last 10 years plus and seems to find a way to get better - bravo
— 6 years ago

Mike, Ira and 70 others liked this
Deborah M

Deborah M

Oh yes 🙌🏽

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron

Baron de Pichon-Longueville Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2000

Needs at least 1-3 hours to open up! But once it does it’s a Bordeaux true to style; black fruits, spice, silky smooth with a touch of acid and tannin. — 6 years ago

Glendora, Hiedi and 6 others liked this

Outpost

Immigrant True Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

This 2012 BDX blend could easily go another 7 years. It is still bound up (aeration required) and seething with intense blackberries, black currant and firm tannins. After mild aeration, the darker fruit gives way to a little bit of ripe cherry, tobacco and some faint but of vanilla. After heavy aeration, the vanilla comes out more noticeably on the nose, dominating everything else basically, with a hint of cherry at the end. On the palette the jamminess starts to show through, with ripe cherry and red plum overshadowing the tobacco and finishing with a strong white pepper note. — 7 years ago

Cherish HartJen Masar
with Cherish and Jen
Sarah liked this

Parducci

True Grit Reserve Mendocino Petite Sirah 2014

Toasty and alcohol dominant upfront, but a little decant or time in the glass and this peppery, oaky, berry petite Syrah is ended up nicely. Actually had enough glycerol flavor and structure to have some layering of flavors after 30 minutes, and would likely be even better in a couple more years. Dark fruit moves to the forefront with balanced spice and wood with some time. Not a huge wine, but really good value. — 9 years ago

Ryan liked this

Château Lafite Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

Happy New Year Delectable!

Double decant and pour. A splendid tawny red color. On the nose: dark fruit, cigar ash, cedar, smoked meat, pencil shavings, mint. Taste: soft, silky, elegant, still fresh wine with dark red fruit, worn leather, graphite, loamy soil, spiced herbs, minty black tea and a dry medium finish. YUM! What a fun wine to end 2024 with. A wine bought at auction, and a cork which was not in the best shape, so not sure if this is a true representation of where this wine is at.

FOOD:
Island creek oyster and cavier
Lobster butternut bisque
Pan roasted duck breast
Braised beef short rib
Black forest chocolate cake
— 2 years ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Bryan and 25 others liked this

True Vineyard

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Really good as always. Had it at dessert which challenged it. — 4 years ago

Ron, Shay and 5 others liked this

Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 1999

Wow. The over shadowed ‘99 vintage from La Mission. Intensely aromatic, deep and complex. Dried black fruits, sweet red currants, worn leather, black truffles, bbq spices and wet forest floor. Finishes with excellent length, elegance and poise. A fantastic showing now and with emphasis that it has the stuffing to go at least 10 years before decline. A true dark horse vintage for La Mission. — 6 years ago

Ira, Shay and 11 others liked this

Château Cantemerle

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2012

Dan R
8.9

One of the best BDX QPR killers, never disappoints. The 2012 isn't quite there yet, quite linear and still tight, but the cassis / blackberry backbone is there, as well as an herbal scrub midpalate and pencil lead finish. Maybe not the deepest or broadest vintage, but quite enjoyable nonetheless, and at less than €20, tough to find a better true expression of old school BDX. Give it a year or two before checking back in, this won't have the legs of a classic vintage, but should provide great pleasure relatively soon. — 7 years ago

Ericsson, David and 10 others liked this

C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)

Cune Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010

Nine years after the vintage, this is a classic Rioja seemingly evolving for many years. We enjoyed it with friends enjoying an early Christmas dinner. We originally tried this vintage three or four years ago when it seemed more fiery. We commented at the time that it would make a great taco wine. While that may still be true, it has smoothed out considerably. Not a robust wine by any means, but a great sipper with friends. — 7 years ago

Anita Beishuizen
with Anita

Rodney Strong Vineyards

A True Gentleman's Port Sonoma County Port Blend 2009

V09. Very nice port. Candied black cherry nose. Rich, thick blackberry fruit. Hint of dryness, within the cloying sweet finish. Very good. — 8 years ago

Daring Escape

Paso Robles Red Blend 2015

Delicious cherry and dark plums!! — 9 years ago