Ian's Recently Scored Wines

92 Points - Ian Blackburn
One of my favorite discoveries of 2024
"It has the flash of Loire valley, the texture of a Mellot family wine (Beautiful), the grit and spirit of a natural wine and the balance of a wine you will love.  Color 14, Aroma 23, Body 23, Overall 32 = 92 points - This is not just a rose - its a super loire valley blend with SPUNK!!!   

93+ Points - Ian Blackburn
Fresh ruby red color … nose sets you back with a smile - notes of flowers, fresh fruits and a vibrant set of spices… there is something so zen and simplistic and yet iconic at the same time - this is absolutely DELICIOUS and focused.  The PUREST and most authentic Sangiovese statement and I have had an increasing number lately… this is the best of them.  It's naked, raw, clean, and backed with chiseled acidic. The seemless finish persists and cleanses the palate, beaconing for a re-taste…  93+ (file under less is more, this is gentle and yet expansive)

93 Points - Ian Blackburn
Do not miss this wine... if you like RHONE.. if you like classics... if you like wine... this is for you.  "Syrah translated by a master producer tthrough the lens of St. Joseph.  Rich classic notes of mocha, anise, bacon fat, pepper - sensational mouthfeel and balance that keeps you coming back for more.  Color 14, Aroma 23, Body 23, Overall 33 = 93 

95 Points - Ian Blackburn
One of the hero's of the Central Coast - and I think Brian Talley should get an award for "constant improvement."  I have always liked this wine but this year - "love' enters the description... there is an elite level of quality showing through with Rosemary's!  Fruit, Flash and Flare - this wine has it all... dense cherry, tea and floral notes, polished and wise winemaking - 2021 is an awesome wine. 

95 Points - Ian Blackburn
Holy Tomato Salad!  This is more of an Orange wine than a Bianco but made from white varietals - call it what you will.  This is like taking a stroll through a fresh garden of wild tomato plants - wild herbs, citrus peals - very savory and thirst quenching, you will love it!  Blind, I might think it had more red wine features - its optimal with pasta's, carpaccio, burrata, and yes tomato salads....So great with italian pasta, pizza and appetizers!  Great dimension, balance and concentration... serve chilled with the best of cuisine!  Color 13.5/15, Aroma 24.5/25, Body 24.5/25, Overall 33.5/35 -=95 points but only for the adventurous 

98 Points - Ian Blackburn
One of the best Merlot's I have ever had from California.  This dense, deep, dark, textured sensation has layers of richness, power, muscle, and hits all the buttons.  Chocolate nubs, cherry skins, graphite... check, check, check. The finish on this wine is over 30 seconds and leaves a smile from ear to ear.  Tremendous effort - and really impossible for a Cabernet fan to not love this wine.  Color 15/15, Aroma 24.5/25, Body 24.5/25, Overall 34/35 = 98 Points 

94 Points - Ian Blackburn
 Rich depth in appearance for a white, Nose shows petrol, white flowers, citrus peel, baked green apples, lees, toasted nut bread, Mouth Dry to the bone with razor like acidity - Thoughts - "Wow - I like a lot - think Chardonnay with extra stoney character and a kiss of petrol." 14.5/22/24/33.5