This really pops with acidity, and that is a huge benefit to the brambly fruit character.  Though this is a late release, it could certainly benefit from some further bottle aging to let the savory character that is just peeking out to really shine.  I would start in on this in about five years from […]

 It’s not often that I see such an acid-driven Cabernet cross my desk.  This is shimmering with acidity to a degree that the wine is totally backward at present.  There is a little red fruit peeking out, but it’s going to take quite a while for this to resolve.  Hints of menthol and dried herb.  […]

 BoomBoomZin!  Peterson’s 2019 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is a beast, but it works really well in its style zone – super ripe fruit delivers the jam, but it is not so ripe as to lose its pepper.  There aren’t too many sites in California that can pull this off.  Well done!  Contains 5% Petite Sirah.        

 Some grippy tannin hits a bit strong at present here, but this Napa Valley Cabernet shows bright fruit, a little pepper spice, dried herb and though quite tight now, it should unravel itself nicely with a few years of aging in the bottle.  As usual, decant this wine thoroughly if trying it anytime soon – […]

 Here is a serious wine at a very unserious price as Pinot Noir goes these days.  Sweet cherry fruit aromas and flavors take the wheel, bringing along bright fall spice, moderate wood toast and a dash of stemmy character and a long, lip-smacking finish that will no doubt be on your candidate list for “house […]

 I met Ben Mayo at the Orange County Fair some years back when we were judging homemade wines, and we both agreed that a Malvasia Bianca merited a perfect score.  I can say I agree with Ben’s choices again, this time on this excellent blend that he made for the winery high line.  The blend […]

 Here is a bold Cabernet Sauvignon with full throttle extraction on display.  Blackberry and black currant fruit are almost raisiny, but stop just short thanks to a firm grip, and a menthol note deepens the fruit character.  This is just entering its drinking window, and will go long in your cellar.  If you appreciate how […]