Ira Schwartz

9.5

Thanks to 2 wine store owners that I became good friends with over the years I’ve had the opportunity to have a good stash of Vatan. For me Vatan is one of those wines that adheres to the cliche, “ there are no great wines just great bottles”. In this instance it was a great bottle. Intoxicating aromas of lychee, lime and florals. One of those wines you’re happy just to smell. There is no disappointment on the palate. Beautiful balance and texture, nothing out of place. Layers of concentrated fruit; mango, green almonds, star fruit and lemons. Ripe fruit that is fresh and managed by the wonderful acid. A finish you never want to end. The only flavor missing, which I often find in Vatan, is “spearmint”. — 2 days ago

Adam

9.0

My review may not be beneficial to all because of my drinking style. I drink the bottle myself over the course of a week. With this Freakshow Cab Sauv, my review changed from the first to last glass. The first glass was strong, thin, and barely enjoyable. With subsequent glasses tasted a developing sweetness and thickness. I realize this is counter intuitive to wines normally being best when being allowed to breathe a bit after opening. Just wasn’t the case for me with this one. Rating was a 6.5 to start and a 9.5 at the end I’m grading with a curve to give it an overall 9. Will buy again based on Freakshow reputation and hope for a better early result. — 20 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Blend of 75% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petite Verdot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petite Sirah, deep Ruby red color, purple edges, with aromas of black fruits, baking spice and cedar notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry, currants and ripe black cherry with pepper, oak, cacao and floral notes. Fine savory tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, oak and spice. — 3 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Beautiful CA Syrah that mimics North Rhône well. This 18 needs another 5 yrs.

Beautiful fruits, black fruits, roasted chestnuts, smoked meats, round acidity and rich, well polished finish. Reminds me of many Rostaing’s I’ve had. — 13 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.3

Ines en beach club monaco — 6 days ago

Jeffrey Trezek

9.2

Beautiful zin with full, silky body. Black and red fruits, plum, and fingers with smooth tannins. Great wine. — a month ago

Martijn

9.2

Even at 13 years this is yet as powerful and robust as in its first years.
Loads of blackfruit and chocolate in the nose and some hints of tar.
In the mouth silky, long and a nice acidity to balance. It benefits btw from decanting as it is way better on day 2. — 23 days ago

KP

9.4

I would absolutely buy this one again! Especially at the $20-$25 price point.
Delicious blueberry and rhubarb pie on the nose. Silky tannins with low acidity, and a long vanilla finish with mild oak. Well balanced and very enjoyable. — 5 days ago

Paul Masson

9.3

Generous and rounded with youthful fruit, minerally but no oxidative development — 10 days ago

FabianG

9.0

#wineaccess — 19 days ago