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Welcome to the wine notes page. The idea here is very simple. We have over 5000 ratings in our wine tasting database that we'd like to share with anyone who might find these opinions useful. The number of ratings grows weekly.

Our primary focus is on the wineries of the Sacramento region. We spend our time tasting in Lodi, Amador County, El Dorado County, the valley and the Gold Country. Of course, we attend the weekly tastings at BevMo as well, so we get a good selection of California and world-wide wines in our database as well.

Below you'll find a list of our 20 most recent ratings. But to search the whole database for what you're looking for please visit the search page. We have a total of 5014 wines in our database currently.

WinerySpecial DesignationVintageVarietalRatingDateTastedNotesBuy Again?
JaineSolaksen Vineyard Columbia Valley2023Chardonnay9810/10/2026 y
Long ShadowsSaggi Super Tuscan2022Cabernet/Syrah9310/10/2026 y
Long ShadowsPedestal2021Merlot9410/10/202682% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdoty
Long ShadowsPedestal2021Merlot9410/10/202682% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdoty
Long ShadowsPirouette Bordeaux Blend2022Blend (Red Table Wine)9610/10/2026 y
Long ShadowsFeather2022Cabernet Sauvignon9710/10/2026 y
Long ShadowsChester-Kidder2021Cabernet/Syrah9410/10/2026 y
Long ShadowsSequel2021Syrah9510/10/2026 y
MatthewsReserve Cuvee2022Blend (Red Table Wine)9310/10/202661% Merlot, 18% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdoty
MatthewsRed Mountain2022Cabernet Franc9510/10/202686% Cab Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignony
MatthewsReserve Claret2022Claret9710/10/2026 y
MatthewsHorse Heaven Hills2022Merlot9510/10/2026 y
TenorColumbia Crest2022Grenache9610/10/2026 y
TenorScarline Vineyard2023Cabernet Sauvignon9610/10/2026 y
Tenor 2021Syrah9810/10/2026 y
Trader JoesPlatinum Reserve, Paso Robles, Lot#1192024GSM+9310/3/2026Why GSM+? Well, this wine consists of 56% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 16% Mourvedre and 10% Cinsault. That extra cinsault give is a +. But it is what gives this wine a bright, elusive sweetness on the palate. This has a medium intensity nose that leaves us searching for individual scents. But we do get strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, earth, pie crust and baking spices. The palate is where this wine shines. It actually explodes. Really run a half mouthful through your teeth, then suck in a little air and it goes BOOM! It has high concentration, intensity, body and a long finish. All of this is balanced with high acidity. The berry flavors almost seem sweet thanks for that cinsault. Don`t let this wine`s nose throw you off. The palate will reward you. It has beautiful spice, berry, cherry that linger is a finish that goes on and on.y
Sans LiegeWhite Hawk Vineyard, Los Alamos, Edna Ranch, Edna Valley2024Viognier9410/1/2026This wine is 100% barrel fermented on lees with native yeast. Then 9 months sur lie in barrel. And this treatment leaves this wine with an amazing texture. And the nose is creamy and dreamy. On the rich nose you get ambrosia melon, ripe pear, cream, tart loquat, honey, honeysuckle flower, toasted pine nut and green apple. But all of these notes are so harmonious. The nose is so balanced between the tart loquat, the textured cream and the honey. The palate is lush, textured, long finished, acidic, mineral and balanced. That`s it and this wine is amazing. y
Sans LiegeThe Offering, Central Coast2023GSM9410/1/202647% Grenache, 38% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre This wine leads with strawberry jam. Then it gives you cherry, raspberry, vineyard earth, baking spices galore, a touch of lime leaf and cream cheese Danish. The palate is alive with high acid, minerality, medium tannins and body. The finish is all berries and goes on and on. This has Rhone Valley written all over it with a superb Central coast twist. It is one of those wines that you say, Damn I`m glad I tried that! And then, how do I get more?!y
Sans LiegeThe Pickpocket, Paso Robles2023Grenache9510/1/2026It starts with a bright cranberry, raspberry, strawberry trifecta. It has earthy spice, rose, cardamom, nutmeg, lime leaf, tart unripe green melon and flinty minerality. The palate is med+ tannins, concentration and intensity. High acid, long finish and spicy fruit. Paso is knocking it out of the park. This wine offers the perfect balance of fresh fruit, jamminess, tart acid and minerals. y
Sans LiegeEn Gedi, Santa Barbara County2023Grenache9710/1/2026Black raspberry, strawberry, gooseberry, dry vineyard soil, watermelon and green melon, old wood, dried herbs and brioche. Very intense nose here. But the palate is explosive -- as many of the En Gedis have been in the past. The tannins are mercifully med+ so that the high acid, ample fruit, soft minerals and kick ass fruit can create one of the best finishes ever. I might not publish this until I get my order in. Just sayin.y
        
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