2015, 2016, 2019 2015, 2016 & 2019 Strala, Michel-Schlumberger, Dutton Goldfield & Marimar Estate Red Blend Tasting Lot

“The 2015 Strala Vineyards Proprietary Red is hitting its stride as it approaches a decade in bottle. The low-yield 2015 harvest produced concentrated wines, and this one is now fully coming into its own. Youthful red fruit has deepened into rich blackcurrant tones, layered with fine tobacco and gorgeous loamy earth. The once-powerful full-bodied structure has softened into a more medium-bodied elegance, with smooth, sleek tannins lending finesse. Drinking beautifully now, it’s best enjoyed at cellar temperature at the start of a meal, allowing its complexity to unfold as it gradually warms. (JC)” (01/2025)

“Distinctly cool and high-toned aromas of cranberry, menthol, herbal tea and a whiff of spiced plum introduce the sleek, bright and beautifully delineated medium weight flavors that possess excellent volume, all wrapped in a powerful and sneaky long finale. This is not quite as refined as the Docker Hill, but it does avoid rusticity while offering fine mid-term aging potential. Worth checking out. (AM)” (04/2022)

“Leading with notes of sweet kirsch and forest herbs, the 2019 Pinot Noir Fox Den Vineyard is another full-bodied wine from the estate, offering notes of fleshy black cherry, blackberry, and freshly turned soil. These are wines that can hold up to grilled meats and richer fare at the table. (AF)” (08/2022)

“Bramble berry and fresh flowers. Black berry. Hints of sandalwood. Chewy tannins. Polished texture. Gives energy. Medium-bodied. Best Tempranillo in California? Drink now.” (11/2023)

“This wine is rich and velvety in fine-grained tannins wrapped around blueberries, dark cherries and tobacco. It's a savory-scented, firm-feeling wine that will only get better with time. Best from 2026-2033. (JG)” (03/2024)