California |
Paul Hobbs |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Piedras |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£1,320 |
|
|
98 |
California |
Paul Hobbs |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard |
4 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£1,920 |
|
|
98 |
California |
Paul Hobbs |
2016 |
Fraenkle Cheshier Vineyard Pinot Noir |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£390 |
|
|
|
California |
Penville |
2013 |
Ballard Canyon Grenache |
1 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£50 |
|
|
|
California |
Peter Michael |
2005 |
Belle Fille Chardonnay |
3 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£100 |
Rating 94+
Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date 28th Dec 2007
Source 174, The Wine Advocate
Again, orange blossoms, hazelnuts, brioche, smoke, and honeysuckle along with some peach notes are present in the full-bodied, beautifully well-delineated, pure, zesty 2005 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille. There are only 1,600 cases of this wine, which has superb uplift and vibrancy. This 121-acre estate with 114 producing acres of vineyard all located in Knight’s Valley continues to be at the top of their game and I can’t recommend the wines highly enough. I was surprised when I showed up at Peter Michael to find both Nicolas Morlet, who replaced his brother Luc, and Luc Morlet himself, were at my tasting. It seems that Luc is still doing consulting work with his brother firmly entrenched at the winery. This is still one of the best-run wineries in the world, and one might quibble over the fact that there are so many different cuvees of Chardonnay, but they are all subtly different in style/personality. The Morlets proclaimed to me that essentially there is very little difference in the character of the Chardonnays in 2005 and 2006, except they thought the acid levels were slightly higher in 2005 and the 2006s were riper. In any event, these are sensational Chardonnays, and readers couldn’t go wrong no matter which one they buy. Previously recommended: 2005 Sauvignon Blanc l’Apres Midi (93), 2004 Chardonnay Point Rouge (95+), 2004 Chardonnay Mon Plaisir (94), 2004 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille (94), 2004 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene (97), 2004 Chardonnay La Carriere (95), 2004 Chardonnay Belle Cote (95). Tel. (707) 942-3200; Fax (707) 942-0209
Tasting Notes |
|
94 |
California |
Peter Michael |
2013 |
L'Esprit des Pavots |
3 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£70 |
|
|
90 |
California |
Peter Michael |
2014 |
Coeur A Coeur |
2 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£65 |
|
|
|
California |
Peter Michael |
2014 |
Moulin Rouge Pinot Noir |
2 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£75 |
|
|
|
California |
Peter Michael |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Paradis |
3 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£310 |
|
|
94 |
California |
Peter Michael |
2015 |
Moulin Rouge Pinot Noir |
3 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£90 |
|
|
|
California |
Peter Michael |
2016 |
Moulin Rouge Pinot Noir |
3 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£90 |
|
|
|
California |
Peter Michael |
2016 |
Coeur A Coeur |
3 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£95 |
|
|
95 |
California |
Peter Michael |
2016 |
Pinot Noir le Caprice |
1 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£95 |
|
|
97 |
California |
Peter Michael |
2016 |
Pinot Noir le Caprice |
1 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£210 |
|
|
97 |
California |
Philip Togni |
2013 |
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon |
1 |
Case |
6 |
150cl |
£1,650 |
|
|
96 |
California |
Philip Togni |
2014 |
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£420 |
|
|
94 |
California |
Promontory |
2012 |
Promontory |
4 |
Case |
3 |
75cl |
£1,190 |
Rating
97
Release Price
NA
Drink Date
2016 - 2046
Reviewed by
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date
28th Oct 2016
Source
227, The Wine Advocate
The 2012 Promontory, which is the softest vintage to date, was slightly better this year than last year, as it had rounded out. It does not have the depth of the 2013, but it is a great wine on its own merits. Notes of new saddle leather, loamy soil, and crushed rock intermingle with blackcurrants, plum, tobacco leaf and spice in a full-bodied, wonderfully pure and large-scaled style with ripe, well-integrated tannin. It is accessible enough to enjoy, and in spite of its massiveness, it is certainly capable of evolving beautifully for 30 or more years.
Tasting Notes |
|
97 |
California |
Ramey |
2012 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon |
2 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£140 |
|
|
95 |
California |
Ramey |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal |
2 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£160 |
|
|
97 |
California |
Ramey |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal |
1 |
Bottle |
|
300cl |
£330 |
|
|
97 |
California |
Ramey |
2013 |
Syrah Cole Creek |
3 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£45 |
|
|
|
California |
Ramey |
2013 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon |
5 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£110 |
|
|
93 |
California |
Ramey |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal |
5 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£220 |
|
|
95 |
California |
Ramey |
2013 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon |
3 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£300 |
|
|
93 |
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Chardonnay Westside Farms |
2 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£40 |
|
|
|
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Template |
3 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£60 |
|
|
|
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa |
3 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£80 |
|
|
|
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay |
1 |
Bottle |
|
300cl |
£145 |
|
|
93 |
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal |
2 |
Bottle |
|
300cl |
£500 |
|
|
96 |
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Claret |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£144 |
|
|
|
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Platt Pinot Noir |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£180 |
|
|
91 |
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Chardonnay Westside Farms |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£240 |
|
|
|
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£330 |
|
|
94 |
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay |
1 |
Case |
6 |
150cl |
£432 |
|
|
93 |
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard |
1 |
Case |
6 |
150cl |
£450 |
|
|
95 |
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa |
1 |
Case |
6 |
150cl |
£480 |
|
|
|
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal |
2 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£660 |
|
|
96 |
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon |
1 |
Case |
6 |
150cl |
£720 |
|
|
94 |
California |
Ramey |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal |
3 |
Case |
6 |
150cl |
£1,440 |
|
|
96 |
California |
Ramey |
2015 |
Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay |
2 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£76 |
|
|
95 |
California |
Ramey |
2015 |
Claret |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£120 |
|
|
90 |
California |
Ramey |
2015 |
Template |
2 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£360 |
|
|
92 |
California |
Realm |
2014 |
Farella Cabernet Sauvignon |
1 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£140 |
|
|
|
California |
Realm |
2014 |
Moonracer |
1 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£250 |
|
|
96 |
California |
Realm |
2014 |
Napa Bard |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£640 |
|
|
95 |
California |
Realm |
2015 |
Napa Bard |
1 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£100 |
|
|
|
California |
Realm |
2015 |
Napa Bard |
2 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£225 |
|
|
|
California |
Realm |
2015 |
Farella Cabernet Sauvignon |
2 |
Bottle |
|
150cl |
£310 |
|
|
98 |
California |
Realm |
2015 |
Napa Bard |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£600 |
|
|
|
California |
Realm |
2017 |
Farella Sauvignon Blanc |
1 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£60 |
|
|
|
California |
Ridge |
1999 |
Monte Bello |
1 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£200 |
Jancis
72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. In most California vineyards, yields were cut by a cold, rainy spring. At Monte Bello, where it was colder still, flowering and set were put on hold. When summer finally came, the clement weather allowed a perfect set. Even after severe thinning, yields were two and a half tons per acre, equalling 1997's record. We harvested the separate parcels from the end of October through mid-November, as they ripened. In this vintage, fermentations destined for in-barrel malolactic were started with selected yeast; the rest - including all malolactics - were natural. 93% of the wine was racked to air-dried American oak and - as part of our ongoing comparison - 7% to the best French oak. In February, we chose 23 of the 36 parcels for the Monte Bello.
Fragrant, perfumed, fresh and cedary, still so fragrant and youthful on the nose. More Bordeaux-like than the other two vintages tasted. Rich, deep and so complex but without loss of freshness. Again some minerality and cedary damson sweetness of fruit still there. Long and remarkably fresh. Holds your attention. (JH)
Tasting Notes |
|
|
California |
Ridge |
2009 |
Lytton Springs Zinfandel |
2 |
Bottle |
|
300cl |
£220 |
|
|
95 |
California |
Ridge |
2018 |
Geyserville |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£185 |
Rating
96
Release Price
$45
Drink Date
2020 - 2030
Reviewed by
Erin Brooks
Issue Date
4th Feb 2021
Source
February 2021 Week 1, The Wine Advocate
The 2018 Geyserville is a blend of 68% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 10% Petite Sirah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. It's incredibly alluring, offering up layers of warm, tricolored fruits and loads of spicy accents on the nose, with a dusty, mineral-tinged undercurrent that adds to its appeal. In the mouth, it's generously fruited and fantastically juicy, its silt-like tannins providing just enough support, and it finishes very long and layered. 9,900 cases produced.
In January 2021, Ridge's long-time winemaker Eric Baugher announced his departure from the company in order to pursue a new winemaking venture in Napa. John Olney, who has been with Ridge for 25 years, is the new COO and head winemaker. He will oversee production at both the Monte Bello and Lytton Springs facilities.
Tasting Notes |
|
96 |
California |
Ridge |
2018 |
Lytton Springs |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£185 |
Rating
96
Release Price
$48
Drink Date
2020 - 2030
Reviewed by
Erin Brooks
Issue Date
4th Feb 2021
Source
February 2021 Week 1, The Wine Advocate
The 2018 Lytton Springs is a blend of 72% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignane and 2% Mataro. The nose is lush and open, with aromas of aniseed, red and blue berries, blood orange and earth plus touches of tobacco leaf and dried flowers. The medium-bodied palate combines intense, powerful flavors with a more ethereal, silty structure, and it finishes with loads of juicy layers. It's stunning straight from bottle but will have more to give with time in the cellar. 11,900 cases produced.
In January 2021, Ridge's long-time winemaker Eric Baugher announced his departure from the company in order to pursue a new winemaking venture in Napa. John Olney, who has been with Ridge for 25 years, is the new COO and head winemaker. He will oversee production at both the Monte Bello and Lytton Springs facilities.
Tasting Notes |
|
96 |
California |
Rivers Marie |
2014 |
Joy Road Chardonnay |
4 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£38 |
|
|
|
California |
Rivers Marie |
2014 |
Corona Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon |
2 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£85 |
|
|
96 |
California |
Rivers Marie |
2014 |
Calistoga |
5 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£90 |
|
|
|
California |
Rivers Marie |
2014 |
Lore Cabernet Sauvignon |
3 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£95 |
|
|
96 |
California |
Rivers Marie |
2015 |
Calistoga |
4 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£82 |
|
|
|
California |
Schrader |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon RBS To Kalon |
12 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£240 |
|
|
96 |
California |
Schrader |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer LPV Piedras |
1 |
Case |
12 |
75cl |
£3,000 |
|
|
94 |
California |
Shafer |
1995 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
1 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£295 |
Rating
99
Release Price
$110
Drink Date
2003 - 2030
Reviewed by
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date
1st Jan 2000
Source
126, The Wine Advocate
The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select possesses lots of fatness in the mid-palate. There is plenty of tannin in this full-bodied, rich effort. It is remarkable how the finest California Cabernets combine extraordinary power and richness with balance and elegance. A stupendous wine, it is worth a special effort to obtain. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2030.
Tasting Notes |
|
99 |
California |
Shafer |
1996 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
6 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£225 |
Rating
98
Release Price
$125
Drink Date
2000 - 2030
Reviewed by
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date
23rd Dec 2000
Source
132, The Wine Advocate
Since 1991, Shafer's Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon has unquestionably been one of the top dozen or so California Cabernets. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 32 months in 100% French oak casks (the majority Taransaud), it possesses the elegance and finesse one would expect from the Stags Leap area, but also monumental power, richness, and intensity. The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the vintage's super-stars. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by super aromatics, immense body, great fruit extraction, superb purity and overall symmetry, as well as a 40+ second finish. Revealing exceptional intensity (but no heaviness) as well as perfectly integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol, this fabulous Cabernet will drink wonderfully for three decades.
Tasting Notes |
|
98 |
California |
Shafer |
2003 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
6 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£210 |
Rating
95
Release Price
NA
Drink Date
2014 - 2030
Reviewed by
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date
30th Dec 2014
Source
216, The Wine Advocate
The 2003 is a singular style of wine, but by no means wimpy or undernourished. The 2003 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select has a dense, purple color, notes of creosote, graphite, blackberry and cassis fruit, charcoal and scorched earth. It has a full-bodied mouthfeel and excellent purity, while some rather noticeable tannins kick in on the finish. This wine seems to be moving from adolescence to that early mature stage, where I would expect it to hold for at least another 10-15 or more years. Clearly not one of the superstars in what was a rather astonishing qualitative lineup, but it’s outrageously good Cabernet Sauvignon, and I expect myself, as well as any of my readers, would drink this 24/7.
Shafer’s Hillside Estate Vineyard consists of 54 acres all on steep, amphitheater-like, rocky outcroppings and knolls. It receives the full benefit of southeasterly sunlight, and enjoys the afternoon breezes that blow up from the San Francisco Bay channel. An unusual geographic feature, this vineyard is basically a box canyon. The top soil is virtually non-existent as the bed roots that go into the white tofu volcanic soil base rarely extend more than 18 inches before hitting bedrock. This no doubt is a significant reason for the intense flavors achieved by the Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, and why it is able to spend 32 months in 100% new French oak without a woody taste.
Tasting Notes |
|
95 |
California |
Shafer |
2012 |
Napa Merlot |
3 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£40 |
|
|
90 |
California |
Shafer |
2013 |
Firebreak Sangiovese |
2 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£60 |
|
|
|
California |
Sine Qua Non |
2003 |
Omega Shea Vineyard |
3 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£385 |
|
|
93 |
California |
Sine Qua Non |
2003 |
Papa Syrah |
4 |
Bottle |
|
75cl |
£400 |
There are 860 cases of the 2003 Papa, a blend of 97% Syrah, 2% Mourvedre, and 1% Grenache sourced from six different vineyards. An old black and white photograph of Manfred Krankl’s father holding a baby with a head the size of a large watermelon (presumably Manfred) serves as the label for this wine, which has just about everything one could want in a great Syrah. It exhibits extraordinary power and richness along with large quantities of sexy, seductive cassis, black cherries, and a chocolaty undertone. Unctuously textured, rich, and full, it will provide amazing drinking over the next 10-15 years.
Score: 98Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (166), August 2006
Tasting Notes |
|
98 |
California |
Sine Qua Non |
2003 |
Papa (Syrah) |
1 |
Case |
6 |
75cl |
£2,400 |
|
|
98 |
California |
Sine Qua Non |
2005 |
Mr K The Noble Man Chardonnay |
1 |
Case |
3 |
37.5cl |
£360 |
|
|
98 |