Sommelier Wine Experience

12/07/2022

Stunning…. Headed into dormancy.

Beautiful mix of late season fall colors and story weather this past week!

11/03/2022

Phenomenal wine maker, phenomenal wines!

10/17/2021

Why does this decanter look so much like an anxious Matisse? Well French it’s not. It’s one of Joey Tensely’s new joint efforts with Bien Nacido Vineyards choice fruit. 2019 Optik Syrah, Block No. 11D1. No there was no Tensley co-fermentation with Viognier. Partially whole cluster. No one knows Syrah in SB County better than Joey Tensley.

It was definitely young but I was dyeing to try it after running into Wes Hagen (the rep)at California Fresh Market in SLO where he was stocking their shelves with this beautiful, unctuous Syrah. Loaded with Hermitage earth, and olive tapenade. Ahhhhh, now I see the Franche! Salute Joey and Bien Nacido.

02/12/2021

In my opinion this is the Holy Grail of new world syrahs! Very reminiscent of Crowz and the great Chave Hermitage. Absolutely stunning.

01/01/2021

The starkness of the valley vineyards in winter.

04/24/2020

Now why they don’t have one of these in every office building is a mystery. It would certainly beat chatting at the coffee machine. This one is in the lobby of The Piccolo in Paso Robles. C’est chic!

04/24/2020

A beautiful Spring release tasting at the stunning Brave and Maiden faculty in Santa Ynez.