Same as my notes from two weeks ago. Best served super cold. As it warmed up in the glass, the fruit got a little flat. Nonetheless, when cold, this wine is a fun and fitting start to any lineup.
Same as my notes from last month. We had this wine at the after-party (or rather, the party), after leaving Wren Hop. It started out a little boozy, but then blew off the alcohol after about 30…
A good version of a domestic Gruner (of which I've never had one from the states before). Aptly so, it had more body and fruit than a Pichler Gruner served beside it. I guess my California palate…
Same as my notes from two weeks ago. Normally I like my Chardonnays served at a cooler cellar temperature (54 degrees), but I actually appreciated that this was served a little cooler than that this…
Same as last month. Served alongside a 2013 Wren Hop Architects & Saboteurs. They were very similar, but I gave the slight nod to the Wren Hop because of its superb focus. I remember thinking the…
A fine example of a SB. Certainly a domestic expression. On the sweeter fruit side of the house, as opposed to more grassy or mineral driven styles. Not the most complex rendition, but a pleasant…
Black fruit, with a pebbly, slate aftertaste. A little bitter. A note of cedar crept up after some airtime. Fruit seemed decent, with a frame that slowly appears to be on the downswing. "Not bad,"…
Similar issues as with the 2014 Dry Stack SB. Incredibly sharp, kicking out a harsh lees-driven bitterness that distracts from the fruit. Astringent and drying on the back end. The bitter clamp…
This was much better than a 2011 WS Sonoma Coast Pinot served alongside it. A 2011 DuMol Connor Pinot came along and bested both of the 2011 WS Pinots.
Similar to my notes on 10/22/2016. Much more acidic and linear than the Hustle & Flow. Certainly has focus and frame, but needs another 3+ years to stretch its legs and deepen. Air in the glass…
Same as my previous notes. Not as much tropical nuances and a bit more grass and steel this time (which made it less NZ-esque in its delivery - which I was ok with - but it didn't necessarily elevate…
It was the throw-down "red" at the table. Cedar and red and black currant. Completely dry, like sucking on tanbark that had been marinated in balsamic vinegar and grape seed oil.
Same as my CT notes from 1/21/16. A bit alcoholic on the PnP. Give it two hours in the decanter or hold for another year+ for best results. Really interesting railroad tie and camphor notes on the…
Totally charismatic and full of lively verve, but also charming and beautifully focused and pure, the 2014 Argot Estate Pinot is really compelling. Much more red fruit driven than the Bastard Tongue,…
Wait at least another two years before popping the cork on this. Restrained notes of black currant, river rock, asphalt, and some anise. PACKED with potential but nowhere near ready for prime time.…
Same as my notes from last month. This was served alongside a 2013 Buccella Merlot and a 2012 Bevan Sugarloaf. The Saunter, though very good, was at the back of the pack. It displayed a softer,…
Same as my notes a few months ago. This was served alongside a 2013 Buccella (WOTN for 3 of the 5 of us) and a 2012 Saunter Eagle Summit (a distant third place). For me, the Bevan was the overall…
Same as my previous notes on this wine. This was served alongside a 2012 Bevan Sugarloaf and 2012 Saunter Eagle Summit. The Buccella was WOTN for 3 out of 5 of us. The Bevan was WOTN for the other 2.…
