James Cole

Saxum Vineyards

James Berry Vineyard Red Rhône Blend 2010

2010 vintage. Thinned out somewhat, body-wise, yet still packing a punch. Lots of complexities still in the tasting grasp. 9.20.23. — 4 days ago

Bob, Severn and 8 others liked this

Saxum Vineyards

James Berry Vineyard Grenache Blend 2013

Big night for the 305! — 2 months ago

Shay, Jose and 7 others liked this

James Cole

Privado Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend 2019

David T
9.2

Thought I’d try the wines Charles Hendricks trained before he left in 2014. While I say the wines are nice, so far, they lack his richness and ability to drink well young. I assume that will age 10-15 years.

The fruit is leaner. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, plum, strawberries, leather, tobacco, barrel shavings/dust, dark spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, dark cola, wet clay, dry top soil to brush, some minty notes, fresh & withering dark, red and purple flowers, a little high on acidity but a nice structured, balanced finish to holds wire to wire and lasts over a minute.
— 2 months ago

Andrew, Shay and 6 others liked this

Martin Woods

Jessie James Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

🍒, rasberries, lime, plenty of tannins left, really well made, essentially like a red burgh at a much better price. In my quest to move on from the overpriced burgs this is a clear winner. Not like an Enderle & Moll they just have an additional twist to their Black Forest Wines. But as a Burgh killer oh yes. 13.2% only! — 21 days ago

Neil, Peter and 2 others liked this

James Cole

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

David T
9.1

This shows an astonishing amount of wood. It is like sucking on a wood plank. Also, show a touch of heat-alcohol burn on the back throat.

The fruits are floral, bright and perhaps a tad overripe. Blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries, strawberries, dark chocolate to pudding, a fair amount of wet clay, the wood is almost punishing, leather, dry tobacco, dark, rich soil with leaves, lighter spice than the Privado, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dry sage, tree bark, good acidity, red florals with violets for days. This needs to lay down another 5 year. The finish is still a astringent and needs to evolve until the earth and wood clam down.
— 2 months ago

Shay, Laura and 5 others liked this

Tobin James

Notorious Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Didn't get a chance to take notes, but I loved this wine. — 2 months ago

Tobin James

Estate Private Stash Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018

Cab Sauvignon 52% Merlot 30% Cab Franc 18%. Outstanding Blend. — 7 days ago

Paul Hobbs

Edward James Estate Chardonnay 2012

This wine has aged wonderfully! Deeply nuanced with many layers. Nice balance between fruit, acid, tannins, body and structure. — a month ago

Billy, Shay and 1 other liked this

James Cole

Umbral Estate Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

David T
9.3

This is more tame than the Mud’s Kitchen. Not as astringent. More 93.5.

The fruit is prettier, nice ripe, not over the top. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries, hints of boysenberries, black licorice, tarry notes, Indian spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, salted caramel, mocha powder, dry clay, sandalwood, moist tobacco, moist clay, forest floor, eucalyptus notes, volcanic ash, dark, red, flowers framed in lavender & violets. Nice acidity with a highly structured, well tensioned, nearly balanced finish that last minutes.
— 2 months ago

Shay, Dawn and 7 others liked this

Tobin James

French Camp Paso Robles Zinfandel 2019

Light fruit aroma, intense deep nearly opaque purple, jammy and thick with notes of raspberry and strawberry. Delicious. — 2 months ago