This is a field blend of Negrette, Zinfandel, Mondeuse, Petite Sirah and Carignane. An interesting red. Lots of cherries with some milk chocolate and a bit of cedar. Still some tannins showing although mostly integrated. Tasty wine that drinks well on its own and will work with with roasted chicken or Turkey. A nice choice for Thanksgiving. Drink over the next five years.
Such a fun wine. The biggest issue I have is that I tend to drink this on (or near) Halloween as soon as I get it.
This is a blend of 93% Syrah and 7% other Rhone varietals. It is in a great place right now and seems to be at peak. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, bramble, gravel and smoke. Full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, great texture. Plenty of ripe black raspberry fruit with some underlying char. Nice finish. Nice on its own, this will work well with grilled or roasted foods. Drink over the next five years.
Clearly made as nothing but an enjoyable glass of wine, which wine always should be, The Mill Keeper offers an incredibly viscous, smooth and velvety texture, leading to soft notes of blueberry, blackberry, and light mocha notes. In the background, vanilla, red raspberry, and Rainier cherries fill out the profile. What’s unusual about this wine is that it is pulled from multiple vintages and vineyard sites. The fruit is sourced mainly from vineyards in Napa and Sonoma that utilize sustainable management programs.
Shafer Hillside Select is truly an American First growth. It has the production levels, the long history and the quality. A great bottle of wine. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, slight blueberries, char, graphite and spice. Full bodied. Firm tannins. On the palate, great texture. Notes of cassis with graphite and char. Deep and complex. Long finish. This is not yet at peak but getting there. Delicious. Drink over the next twenty years. Great on its own, but this will work with hearty foods as well. This would be perfect with brisket.
It was great to try this wine again. The last bottle about a year ago was stunning and so was this one. The wine is opening up nicely if still young. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is excellent with cassis, blueberries, coffee grounds, spice and graphite. Full bodied. Firm tannins. Wonderful texture. Lots of energy and great balance. On the palate, cassis, coffee, blueberries and spice. Long finish.
Inky purple in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is great with cassis, graphite, dark chocolate and cigar box. Full bodied. Tannins mostly resolved but a few hanging around. This is complex and layered and unwinds beautifully in the glass. Notes of cassis, black cherries, and underlying earthiness. Good acidity. Good finish. This seems at or just past peak, but drinking well. The vintage was a bit difficult but there is no lack of ripeness. Drink up. This will be better with food. It would work well with beef stroganoff.
Stunning wine. This was tasted blind in a flight with some truly great labels and this was my favorite. Blind I guessed that this was a 2013 Schrader Cabernet. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is gorgeous with cassis, pencil lead, cedar chocolate and gravel. Full bodied. Medium to firm tannins. Incredible, seamless texture. Great balance. On the palate, cassis, slight blueberries, chocolate and char. Long finish. Complex and deep. Very impressive. This is young and will no doubt evolve more but its great right now. Drink over the next 25 years.
Served as part of a high end blind flight, this was perhaps my "worst" guess of the night. Blind, I called a 2018 Solaia or Sassicaia.
Served blind, I got lucky and guessed 2017 Scarecrow. This was more open and ready than I might have expected for 2012, which is why I guessed 2017. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, cedar and clay. Full bodied. Firm tannins. great energy and balance. On the palate, this is seamless. So smooth. Cassis with wet rocks/light earthiness. Long finish. This may still improve and will undoubtedly age more. Drink over the next fifteen to twenty years. Great on its own, this is a classic steak house wine.
