4/6/2019 - tward wrote:

This is a PSA that I hope the CT PTB won't mind. From the information in "Stores" for this wine, it looks like the vast majority of CT users bought from Garagiste. Garagiste sent an email on Feb. 22, 2019 clarifying that the wine they sold is *not* this wine. Dolin does indeed sell *this* wine - see https://dolinestate.vinespring.site/#/purchase/item/prod_5aa9a1cde55abf00010c1391. So those who own the actual labeled Bien Nacido Vineyard wine probably don't want notes mixed with the Santa Maria Valley bottling. The Santa Maria Valley bottling, which is what Garagiste sold and delivered, does not mention Bien Nacido vineyard anywhere on the front or back label, but Garagiste's email quotes the winery saying all grapes were from there, but it is indeed a separate bottling. That one is over here on CT: https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3234082. That's where I changed my purchase information to and that's where I'm making my note.

6/13/2018 - jayw wrote:

Too much buttery oak, but partly redeemed by the ripe orchard fruit and oily floral character of this wine. Nice acidity, too, and an expressive nose. I would not buy more of these at $19, but I'm not a big fan of New World Chardonnay, so I don't know... I guess this is OK. Paired well with a rich roasted salmon.

4/20/2018 - wmccone54 Likes this wine:

I’d love to hear from a quasi expert who has lots of experience with drinking or tasting aged Rieslings? Jon Ritterman sold this as “trocken”; however, the label clearly states Auslese, indicating a very ripe must weight at harvest, along with 9.0% ABV and nothing to indicate on the label this is made in a dry, “trocken” style! Regardless...

Cork appeared a bit mouldy after the foil was removed, but the length of the cork was clean when removed. I then poured it into a chilling carafe to allow it to settle. Color reflects a clear, medium gold color with some slight, greenish tinge. Very developed and complex aromatics, nose reflecting mostly pronounced tertiary aromas: very noticeable petrol and rubber, mushroom, pine sap, spicy nutmeg, and fruit blossom. Medium dry on the palate with medium plus, very complex flavors of dried, spicy apricot and apple, piney forest floor, salty minerality, and light turpentine. Medium plus acidity more than offsets any sweetness. Low alcohol and medium minus body. Very long finish.

An outstanding wine as evidenced by its deep complexity, long length, concentrated aromas and flavors, and excellent balance. Drink now, fully mature and unlikely to develop with further aging. Should drink well for another year, maybe slightly longer based on good cellaring. Very good with spicy chicken stir fry.

10/4/2014 - jayw Likes this wine:

Smells like raisin. Tastes like walnut. Very sweet, but not as sticky cloying as you might expect.