Central Coast, California, United States, WINE

Syrah/Shiraz from Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California

[ 100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): Coming entirely from the Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard and composed of 89% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Grenache and 2% Viognier, using 28% whole cluster, the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement is just starting to evolve into beguiling earthy/meaty tertiary notes with suggestions of sandalwood, mossy bark, black soil, patchouli and salami over a core of blackberry compote, preserved plums, mincemeat pie and star anise with a touch of dried lavender. Rich, concentrated and decadent, the full-bodied, opulent palate explodes with black fruits preserves peppered by meaty/savory nuances and culminating in epically lingering exotic spice notes. 866 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced. Drink: 2018-2038. (Sep 2017) ] 100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): Coming entirely from the Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard and composed of 89% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Grenache and 2% Viognier, using 28% whole cluster, the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement is just…

Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands, Central Coast, California

[ 90 points Wine Enthusiast: Deep aromas of black-plum sauce, dark rose petals, sugar plums and roasted pork show on the nose of this appellation blend by Adam Lee. Freshly cut plums, cherry pits, squeezed cranberries and cocoa show on the vivacious sip. Alcohol 14.7%. (Jul 2018) ] 90 points Wine Enthusiast: Deep aromas of black-plum sauce, dark rose petals, sugar plums and roasted pork show on the nose of this appellation blend by Adam Lee. Freshly cut plums, cherry pits, squeezed cranberries and cocoa show on the vivacious…

Syrah/Shiraz from Santa Ynez Valley, Central Coast, California

[ 91 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: The approachable nose of this wine shows baked blackberry pie in vanilla crust, with touches of dried purple flowers. The palate is similarly crowd-pleasing, with dark berry and baking spice flavors given intriguing depth through hints of game and rosemary. Alcohol 14.5%. (Sep 2017) ] 91 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: The approachable nose of this wine shows baked blackberry pie in vanilla crust, with touches of dried purple flowers. The palate is similarly crowd-pleasing, with dark berry and baking spice flavors…

Syrah/Shiraz from Edna Valley, Central Coast, California

[ 97 points Jeb Dunnuck: The 2013 Syrah Reva sports an inky color as well as notes of crème de cassis, charred earth, licorice, wood smoke and just hints of the classic iodine and seaweed character that really defines this cuvee. Supple, seamless, silky and opulent, with sweet, sweet tannin and a silky finish. It shows more and more spice with time in the glass, is incredibly polished, layered and balanced. Drink it anytime over the coming 15-20 years. (8/10/17) ] 97 points Jeb Dunnuck: The 2013 Syrah Reva sports an inky color as well as notes of crème de cassis, charred earth, licorice, wood smoke and just hints of the classic iodine and seaweed character that really defines this cuvee. Supple, seamless,…

Grenache/Garnacha from Central Coast, California

[ 98+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): The 2015 Grenache Le Chemin Vers L'Heresie is a blend of 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional and 4% Petite Sirah, coming 35% from The Third Twin (Estate) Vineyard, 9% from Bien Nacido Vineyard, 28% from the Cumulus (Estate) Vineyard, 26% from the Eleven Confessions (Estate) Vineyard and 2% from Molly Aida (Estate) Vineyard. It was produced using 44% whole cluster and aged for around 22 months in French oak, 11% new (bottled August 21, 2017). It has a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant nose of violets, kirsch, blueberry compote and dark chocolate with hints of lavender, smoky bacon, Provence herbs and menthol. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and bold, the wines bursts with energy, superbly framed by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with lingering sautéed herbs and black pepper notions. 1,204 cases of 750 milliliter bottles and 600 magnum bottles were made. (Sep 2017) ] 98+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): The 2015 Grenache Le Chemin Vers L'Heresie is a blend of 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional and 4% Petite Sirah, coming 35% from The Third Twin (Estate) Vineyard, 9% from Bien Nacido…

Grenache/Garnacha from Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California

[ 100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): The 2013 Grenache Jusqu' a l'os was produced from 79% Grenache from the 11 Confessions Vineyard along with 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, produced using 89% whole cluster and aged for around 38 months in 51% used oak, 6% new French oak and 43% concrete tanks (bottled December 6, 2016). It displays a medium to deep garnet color and rock star vibrant red currant and black raspberry scents with hints of licorice, mocha, Indian spices and peppered salami plus oh-so-fragrant and seductive touches of potpourri and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and opulently fruited in the mouth, the alluring, velvety tannins support savory, spicy layers right through the long, mineral-laced finish. This is one drop dead gorgeous, femme fatale of a wine. 868 cases of 750 milliliter bottles, 223 magnums and 30 double magnums were made. Drink: 2018-2035. (Sep 2017) ] 100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): The 2013 Grenache Jusqu' a l'os was produced from 79% Grenache from the 11 Confessions Vineyard along with 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, produced using 89% whole cluster and aged for around 38 months…

Chardonnay from Santa Lucia Highlands, Central Coast, California

[ This focused, elegant Chardonnay s aromas feature sweet golden apple, ripe citrus, tropical fruit and almond with touches of creamy yeast, vanilla and oak in the background. On the plate, the rich flavors are complemented by a light touch of toasty oak and refreshing citrus with mineral notes and bright acidity in the finish Serve this wine with lighter meats and fish or with fruit and cheese. ] This focused, elegant Chardonnay s aromas feature sweet golden apple, ripe citrus, tropical fruit and almond with touches of creamy yeast, vanilla and oak in the background. On the plate, the rich flavors are complemented by a light touch of toasty…

Chardonnay from Monterey, Central Coast, California

[ 88 points Wine Enthusiast: Broad aromas of yellow pear and nectarine meld with hints of butter and gunmetal on the nose. There is decent tension to the palate, where Bosc pear and Gravenstein apple flavors arise. Alcohol 13.5%. (Aug 2018) ] 88 points Wine Enthusiast: Broad aromas of yellow pear and nectarine meld with hints of butter and gunmetal on the nose. There is decent tension to the palate, where Bosc pear and Gravenstein apple flavors arise. Alcohol 13.5%. (Aug 2018)

Other Red Blends from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California

[ 93-95 points Jeb Dunnuck: Starting with the 2016-barrel samples, the 2016 Optimus is the entry level cuvee of the estate and is always based on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. I suspect it s better than most estate top cuvee and looks to be huge success in 2016. Cassis, violets and peppery herbs all emerge from this surprisingly deep, rich, concentrated red that s going to deliver the goods right out of the gate. (8/10/17) ] 93-95 points Jeb Dunnuck: Starting with the 2016-barrel samples, the 2016 Optimus is the entry level cuvee of the estate and is always based on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. I suspect it s better than most estate top cuvee and looks to…

Pinot Noir from Mt. Harlan, Central Coast, California

[ 96 points Jeb Dunnuck (Wine Advocate): More rich and structured, yet still sexy and voluptuous, the 2010 Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard offers up a complex array of underbrush, black cherry, framboise, crushed flowers, toast and spice on both the nose and palate. Easily one of the most impressive Pinot Noirs I ve tasted from California, this ethereally textured, tannic effort should be given 3-4 years of bottle age and then consumed over the following decade or more. Drink 2016-2026. (Aug 2013) ] 96 points Jeb Dunnuck (Wine Advocate): More rich and structured, yet still sexy and voluptuous, the 2010 Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard offers up a complex array of underbrush, black cherry, framboise, crushed flowers, toast and spice on both the nose…

Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California

[ 92 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: This is a great way to experience the richness of Daou without hurting the bank account too much. Hedonistic aromas of candied black cherry, caramel, vanilla cake and cola lead into a rich and powerful palate that's soft in texture and lively with exotic plum and black currant flavors. Alcohol 13.9%. (Sep 2018) ] 92 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: This is a great way to experience the richness of Daou without hurting the bank account too much. Hedonistic aromas of candied black cherry, caramel, vanilla cake and cola lead into a rich and…

Rhone Blends - Red from Central Coast, California

[ 100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): Composed of 80.5% Syrah, 7% Petite Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache and 3.5% Viognier, all sourced from estate vineyards--37% The Third Twin, 36% Eleven Confessions and 27% Cumulus--the 2015 Syrah Trouver L Arene was made using 34% whole cluster and has a deep purple-black color with intense cassis, black plums and black cherries scents plus hints of anise, violets, sage and tar, with wafts of savory/smoked meat suggestions. Full-bodied, this voluptuous beauty is seriously singing in the mouth, belting out vibrant red and black fruit flavor layers, all framed by very fine, rounded, ripe tannins and a wonderful freshness, finishing with persistent perfumed fruit and a spring in its step. 1,778 cases and 600 magnums were produced. Drink: 2019-2040. (Sep 2017) ] 100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): Composed of 80.5% Syrah, 7% Petite Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache and 3.5% Viognier, all sourced from estate vineyards--37% The Third Twin, 36% Eleven Confessions and 27% Cumulus--the 2015 Syrah…