5/17/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Dark cherry red with an even translucence across the surface. earthy forest floor with cherry notes on the nose. Smooth and polished on the palate, black cherries, vibrant strawberry, lovely spice accents. Gine, lovely tannins, bright acidity, beautiful balance. Finishes long and gradual, black cherries, bit of black pepper. Gorgeous Pinot Noir and at peak. Drink next 5 years

5/17/2024 - Charlie C Does not like this wine:

Translucent cherry red, slightly murky. Faint floral nose. Bit harsh on the palate, raspberry, cherry. The alcohol is obvious (15.3% ABV). Harsh tannins, overly acidic and out-of-balance. Finishes moderately long and hot. Not a good example of Pinot Noir now or when it was released.

5/19/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Pale yellow. Flinty, lemon/lime nose with a hint of herbs. Crisp and exhilarating on the palate, lemon confit, minerals, a hint of tropical fruits, no grassiness. Bracing acidity, great balance. Finishes long, subtle and minerally. A lovely Sauv Blanc with a subtle elegance. Drink next 4 years.

5/15/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Dark red at the core, clear at the edges. Raspberry and moist earth on the nose. Full and precise on the palate, black cherries, raspberry, earth notes. The raspberry notes become more prominent with air. Fine tannins, brilliant acidity, great balance. Finishes long, bright and red-fruited. Lovely stuff that should drink well for 4 to 5 years more. The Sea Smoke pinots from this period have all held up well.

5/10/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Cherry red with faint translucence. Bright berry nose with tobacco notes. Rich and balanced on the palate, blackberry, cherry, sweet tobacco. Smooth mouthfeel. Sweet tannins, nice acidity and balance. Finishes long and sweet with blackberry notes. Quite nice. Drink next 5 years. If you're waiting for this to get better with more age -- I wouldn't. It is what it is.

5/9/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Pale gold color with a greenish tint. Minerally nose with lemon and melon notes. Crisp, full and slightly viscous on the palate. Lemon/lime, green apples, bit of melon, light touch of oak. Nice minerality. Bright acidity, excellent balance. Finishes long and graceful with green apples. Bit richer than previous vintages. Drink next 4 years.

5/8/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Pale amber/gold color. Herbs and bright melon aromas. Rich and crisp on the palate, lemon, pear, apple, bit of mineral. Lovely acidity and balance. Finishes long and gentle with bracing acidity and lemon/lime notes and a bit of salinity. Lovely and refreshing. A bit more on the elegant side than prior vintages. Drink next 3 to 4 years.

5/4/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Dark red with the slightest fading at the rim. Lovely nose of currants and blackberries. Rich and forward on the palate, but not in your face. Blackberry, cherry, sweet tobacco. Fine, sharp tannins, acidity if a bit sharper than I care for, but not a problem. Good balance. Finishes long and highly flavored with black cherries. Nice, not great. Drink next 5 years. This was throwing considerable sediment.

5/4/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Note taken after 90 minutes open. Pale red color but no browning. Cedar and faint cherry aromas. Delicate on the palate, cherries, bit of cedar. On first opening, there was almost nothing (good or bad) on the palate. Very fine tannins, clear acidity, lovely balance. Finishes moderately long with muted cherry notes. Delicate and a bit faded but lovely. If you want big fruit this wasn't for you. If you treasure mature wines this was definitely for you. I'm glad I had a bottle in the cellar. If you happen to have one, don't wait.

5/3/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Vibrant purple color, faintly translucent. Lush blackberry nose. Soft, rich and full on the palate. Cherries, blackberries, moist earth, accents of strawberry. Beautiful. Brighter with strawberry coming more to the fore as it airs. Fine, polished tannins, elegant acidity, great balance. Finishes long and red-fruited with spice notes. Lovely stuff. Drink next 8 years.

5/3/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Vivid yellow color. Creamy on the nose with lemons and minerals. Very fine and very active bead. Absolutely precise and beautiful on the palate. Lovely notes of lemon, green apple and minerals. Precise acidity, gorgeous balance. Finishes long, long, bright and delightful. Superb. Disgorged May 2023.

4/28/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Soft, translucent cherry red color. Spicy on the nose with raspberry accents. Smooth, crisp, clean on the palate, bright raspberry and cherry fruit. Bit one dimensional but really enjoyable. Soft tannins, bright, pleasing acidity, great balance. Lingering finish of bright red fruits. Nothing profound here, but what a joy to drink. Drink next 4 years.

4/27/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Dark red at the core, clear at the rim. Earthy, cherry nose. Smooth on the palate, cherry, blueberry, earth. Fine tannins, bright acidity, great balance. Finishes moderately long with bright red fruits. Very nice. Drink next 5 years.

4/27/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Dark cherry red color with faint translucence. Earthy, berry nose. Dark fruited on the palate, black cherries, blackberry, tobacco. Gets brighter with air. The cherry fruit comes more to the fore. Smooth tannins, bright acidity, excellent balance. Finishes long, long, smoky and dark-fruited. Fully mature. Give it lots of air. Throwing fair amount of sediment. Drink over the next 3 years.

4/27/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Deep gold color. Fine, active bead. Crisp lemony nose. Very crisp and fruity on the palate, brioche, peach, lemon. Lovely acidity, nice balance. Yeasty notes across the palate. Apple notes develop as it airs.

4/25/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Much better than my first bottle. Pale gold color. Slightly lemon/mineral nose. Clean and full on the palate, green apples, touch of minerals and lemons. Slight sour lemon notes on the mid-palate but here it seems a nice accent. Decent acidity, good balance. Finishes moderately long with lemons and minerals. Nice enough but it lacks any varietal character. Drink in the short term, 1 to 2 years. Yet another white wine from Kelley that shows great bottle variation.

4/25/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Soft, slightly translucent cherry red. Gentle strawberry and cherry aromas. Rich and elegant on the palate. Deep strawberry fruit and bright cherries. Soft but structured tannins, subtle acidity, great balance. Finishes long, full and spicy. Lovely. Drink next 5 years for its peak. Will go another 10 years in total.

4/23/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Soft, opaque red at the core, translucent at the edges. Dark berry aromas. Still rich on the palate but with a slight astringent note. Blackberry, cherry, hint of sweet tobacco. Fines tannins, good acidity and balance. Finishes long and dark-fruited with a hint of spice. Still very nice but on the start of the downward slope. I'd drink over the 2 to 3 years.

4/23/2024 - Charlie C wrote:

Badly oxidized

4/20/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Transparent, vibrant red color. Gorgeous, expressive nose of sweet cherries. Delicate but forceful on the palate. Almost riotous cherry flavors with strawberry accents. With air, a hint of earthiness develops. Fine tannins, great acidity, perfectly balanced. Dusty minerals on the mid-palate. Finishes long and bright with strawberries. Stunning example of Pinot Noir. Drink for the next 5 to 7 years. It may go longer.

4/19/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Dark strawberry red at the core, fading to translucence at the rim. Lush strawberry, cherry on the palate. Rich but not overpowering. Fine tannins, bracing acidity, lovely balance. Finishes long and bright with cherry notes. Lovely and it will improve for the next 3 to 4 years. Drink for the next 7 to 8 years.

4/19/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Lovely bright yellow color. Clean, light and citrusy on the nose. Very fine bead. Light and lovely on the palate, lemon, minerals, bit of tropical fruit. Bracing acidity, excellent balance. Finishes very long with crisp acidity and lemon notes. First rate.

4/18/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Dark purple with faint translucence at the rim. Blueberry notes on the nose. Rich and well defined on the palate, but the longer it gets air, the more it turns a bit muddled. Blueberries, currants, bit of tobacco, bit of milk chocolate. Fully resolved tannins, bright acidity, good balance. Finishes bright, red-fruited and long. This was probably better a few years ago, but still quite drinkable. I'd drink over the next 2 years.

4/15/2024 - Charlie C Does not like this wine:

Disappointing. Deep gold color. Muted nose. Some Golden Delicious appl on the palate but with a weird metallic aftertaste. A sour note on the mid-palate. OK balance and acidity. Finishes short and mediocre. I'll try another bottle, but my expectations are low. If you have a choice, don't bother.

4/14/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

From vines planted in 1934. Dark cherry color with faint translucence which grows to the edges. Blackberry, blueberry aromas. Plush, yet detailed on the palate. Blackberry, violets, anise. Hint of spice on the mid-palate. With air, a bright raspberry note develops. Just thrilling to drink. Fine, vibrant tannins, beautifully balanced with lively acidity. Finishes long and vibrant with dark fruits. Gorgeous Zin. Drink next 8 to 109 years.

4/12/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Bright, translucent red. Fragrant nose of violets, lavender and hints of cherry. Bright and rich on the palate. Lush strawberry, hint of raspberry, warm spice. Fine, polished tannins, bright acidity, exquisite balance. Finishes long and gentle, black cherries and a bit of raspberry. Lovely now and it will get better with 3 to 4 years of development. Drink next 10 years. 94 points with an upside.

4/12/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Yellow-gold color. Fresh peach and brioche aromas. Very fine bead. Clean, rich and refreshing on the palate, pears, apples. Lovely, light acidity. Excellent balance. Finishes long, gentle and lemony. Lovely.

4/10/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Perhaps the best baseline Gruner I've tasted. Vibrant yellow-gold color. Lovely aromas of melon and peach. Sparkles on the palate (no, it's not frizzante). Peach, lemon/lime, minerals. Delightful. Dancing acidity and fabulous balance. Finishes very long with minerals and stone fruits. Drink next 5 years (maybe longer). My wife and I happily drank the whole bottle.

4/9/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Gorgeous, transparent strawberry color. Fragrant nose of strawberries and lavender. Bright and precise on the palate. Strawberry and cherry dance on the tongue. Beautiful hint of moist earth. Fine, polished tannins, beautiful acidity, exquisite balance. Finishes long and lingering with cherries and strawberries. Simply beautiful. Drink next 6 to 8 years.

4/8/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Soft cherry red color. Black cherries and cedar on the nose. Plush, yet precise, on the palate. Black cherries, blackberry, tobacco, leather. Intense but not overpowering. Fine tannins, excellent acidity, good balance. Finishes bright and red-fruited. Lovely Cab. Not their best, but lovely. Drink next 3 to 4 years.

4/7/2024 - Charlie C wrote:

Dark cherry red with slight fading at the rim. Bright berry aromas. Bit astringent on the palate, blackberry, cherry. Some heat (16% ABV). Fine tannins, sharp acidity, bit out of balance. Finishes moderately long and sharp. Much poorer showing than my last bottle. Probably better a few years ago.

4/7/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Dark red at the core, fading to the edges. Anise and cherries on the nose. Still soft on the palate, blackberry, cherry, roast meat. Fine tannins, nice acidity, good balance. Finishes long and bright with cherry liqueur notes. Still very nice but on the downhill trek. Drink up.

4/6/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Pale gold color. Rich nose of grapefruit and lemon. Rich and crisp on the palate, lemons, minerals, grapefruit, hint of sharp spice. The grapefruit softens with just a bit of air. I'd suggest letting this sit open for 60 minutes (unless grapefruit is your thing) or even better, decant it. The grapefruit was much less pronounced (and the wine was better for it) on Day 2. Lovely acidity, great balance. Finishes long, gradual and surprisingly elegant. A lovely and refreshing wine. Hard to miss its NZ origins! Drink next 4 years.

4/6/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Bright purple-red color with slight translucence. Spicy, blackberry nose. Deeply flavored on the palate, big blackberry fruit, hint of raspberry, anise. Firm tannins, bright acidity, good balance. Finishes moderately long with bramble fruits and spice. There is a touch of heat (15% ABV). Classic Zin. Drink next 3 years.

4/5/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Deep gold color. Vigorous bead. Yeasty nose with pear notes. On the palate there are pear notes, spice, bit of lemon, hint of Granny Smith apple. Brilliant acidity, great balance. Finishes long, long, clean and brilliant.

4/5/2024 - Charlie C wrote:

Bright red color, slightly translucent. Gorgeous, fragrant nose of cherries, raspberries and floral notes. Soft and lovely on the palate, raspberry, cherry, bright spice. Almost grenache-like. Bit of rich blackberry on the mid-palate. Precise, fine tannins, lovely acidity, beautiful balance. Finishes long and mellow with bramble fruits. Drink next 4 to 5 years.

3/31/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Lovely light gold color. Minerals and honeysuckle aromas. Precise and rich on the palate. lemons, melons, gobs of minerals, hint of black pepper. Crisp acidity, brilliant balance. Finishes long and delicate, lemons, minerals, spice. Gorgeous wine. Probably at peak. Drink next 5 years.

3/29/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Lovely deep yellow color. Fine lively bead. Spring flowers and lemon on the nose. Lush lemon notes on the palate with pears and apples. Zingy acidity, lovely balance. Finishes bright and lingering. First rate and enjoyable. Disgorged March 2022.

3/29/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Disappointing given its price and reputation. Deep cherry red color edge to edge. Not much on the nose even on the second day. Plush on the palate but without a lot of definition. Dark chocolate, blueberry, black cherry, tobacco. Beautifull resolved tannins, nice acidity, good balance. Finishes moderately long with soft cherry notes. Became almost muddled with even a little air. Not a bad wine, but not great by any means. No idea how much longer this will drink without falling apart. I wouldn't wait.

3/29/2024 - Charlie C wrote:

Dark red with fading at the edges. Green and funky on the nose even after being open for 90 minutes. Plums and cherries on the palate. Sharp tannins, hot, decent acidity, bit out of balance. Finishes short and harsh. Past prime. Bought from winery and stored under good conditions.

3/28/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Why we age White Burgundy -- despite all the uncertainty. Vibrant yellow-gold color. Honey, minerals, hint of lemon on the nose. Precise and rich on the palate, lavender honey, citrus, beautiful minerality. Crisp acidity, fabulous balance. Finishes long, long with flavors that mimic the palate plus a bit of black pepper. No need to wait longer, this is drinking beautifully. Drink for the next 10 years.

3/27/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Cherry red color, fully translucent. Black Cherry and earth on the nose. Light and ethereal on the palate on first impression. Picks up some weight with air. Black cherry, moist earth, bit of strawberry. Minerals on the mid-palate. Fine tannins, lovely acidity, beautifully balanced. Long and lingering finish of strawberry and raspberry. Lovely, graceful Pinot Noir. Drink next 5 years.

3/26/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Deep gold color. Flinty nose with a touch of honey. Crisp and precise on the palate, lemon, honey, gobs of minerals, green apples. Really lovely. Beautiful, brisk acidity, great balance. Finishes long and clean with minerals, lemon/lime, hint of honey. Wonderful and refreshing. It's more like a rich Sauvignon Blanc than a dry Riesling. Becomes flintier and less aromatic as it warms, but still very nice. Drink next 5 years.

3/26/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Dark red fading to translucence at the edges. earthy, berry aromas. Soft on the palate, black cherry, strawberry, forest floor. Fully resolved tannins, light acidity, good balance. Finishes moderately long with strawberry notes. Still quite nice. Drink next 2 to 3 years.

3/5/2024 - Charlie C wrote:

Soft translucent red color. Bright cherry nose, bit of a green note. Soft on the palate but slightly maderized. Harsh tannins and out of balance. Rare to find a Saxum flawed but this one was. Bought from winery and stored under good conditions.

3/19/2024 - Charlie C wrote:

Deep red color, translucent at the rim. Bright berry nose. Sharp and slightly hard-edged on the palate. Black cherries, bit of raspberry, brown sugar. Bit of heat (14.4% ABV). Fine tannins, decent acidity and balance. Finishes long and hard, bit of heat, dark fruits. Past prime but not shot. Drink up.

3/18/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Beautiful deep cherry red with faint translucence. Spicy blackberry nose. Plush on the palate but with enough definition and cut to provide structure. Blackberries dominate with some raspberry and anise. Sweet tannins, bright acidity that lifts the wine. Excellent balance. Finishes long with juicy red fruits. Lovely Zin. No need to wait on this. Drink next 4 to 5 years.

3/16/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Greenish gold color. very minerally on the nose, tropical fruits, iodine, Riesling petrol. Crisp and full on the palate with an oily texture. Honey, sour lemon, minerals, bit of green apple. Sharp (not unpleasant) acidity, fine balance. Finishes long and crisp with lingering lemon notes and cleansing acidity. Well-made but not to my palate.

3/12/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Brilliant red color edge to edge. Lush nose of cherries and sweet tobacco. Smooth and elegant on the palate, cherries, plums, cedar, the barest hint of dark chocolate. Blueberry on the mid-palate. Smooth tannins, bright acidity, fabulous balance. Finishes long, gentle and dark fruited with a final touch of bitter-sweet chocolate. Fabulous wine. Will continue to develop for at least 5 to 6 years more. Drink for the next 15 years. Decanted 90 minutes before service.

3/14/2024 - Charlie C Likes this wine:

Beautiful, transparent ruby red color. Lovely floral nose with hints of strawberry. Smooth, elegant and rich on the palate. Strawberry, cherry, moist earth. Fine tannins, bright acidity, brilliant balance. Finishes long, bright with strawberry, licorice and minerals. Gorgeous bottle of wine.