Vanessa

9.2

Cimarossa, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rive di Cimarossa. Vintage 2011. ABV 14.20%.

This wine is deep ruby with garnet secondary hues. On the nose this wine has medium(+) intensity of developing aromas. Aromas include blackberry preserves, black cherry, dried prune, fig, also black pepper, molasses, cedar, tobacco, mocha, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, earth, and wet moss. On the palate this wine is dry. It has medium acidity, a full body, high alcohol, firm (high) tannins, and medium(+) intensity of flavors consistent with the nose but with delicate vegetal notes. The baking spice is also very prominent. The finish is long.

The 2011 vintage in Napa Valley was on the wetter and cooler side, which offered an extended growing season allowing the grapes to ripen and develop slowly. This wine comes from a vineyard located in Howell Mountain, on the Northeastern side of the Vaca Mountains, which afforded it additional exposure to winds that kept the vines dry and sunshine which aided in the ripening process.

Fun fact! Howell Mountain legally became its own appellation in 1983, the year of my birth, making this Howell Mountain Cab a fine choice for a Birthday weekend (there’s always a connection).

In addition to owning this spectacular winery, owners Corry Dekker and Dino Dina both come from an impressive background in medicine and biotechnology and have left, and continue to leave, an indelible impact on the vaccine industry. Cheers to that!! And cheers to Mia Kline for her excellence in winemaking and fruit expression.

This label features an image of the yellow monkeyflower, a wild flower that grows along the edges of the vineyard from which this wine comes.
— 4 years ago

with Deked1

Henri Gabriel

9.7

Funky la mo dina! What a treat — 10 years ago

Ketil Målbakken

9.1

Drakk hos Dina, det var godt mmm — 5 years ago

Jason Somerville

8.9

Pleasant but light Nebbiolo. A bit tart and a touch much acidic than I would like. Easily pared with lighter and heavier foods. — 8 years ago

George

9.5

Had in Tahoe with Josh and Dina. Tastes and smells much more expensive than it is. Disappeared quickly on the tongue. Fruity. Lovely. — 9 years ago

Selim Tlili

9.1

Dina loves this wine — 11 years ago

Jean Pierre Faou

9.7

Had with Mary and Dina at Bar Bégonia.very pleasant and well balanced — 7 years ago

Beth McCarthy

9.0

Armenian Wine with Dina, Lesley, and Michael — 8 years ago

Kyle B

9.5

Subtle hints of charred bluefin tuna belly and melted 75% cacao fondue. Nose is mild with berry scents and a smokey salt. Finishes well, strong tastes of ground asparagus and liquified paper. Pairs well with imitation crab meat and exotic string cheeses. — 9 years ago