Jay Kline

8.9

Year in, year out this is one of the more reliable values in California Cabernet. I think it’s sort of a second wine of Optima and I’m certain I’ve tried every vintage since 2001 because it rarely disappoints. I used to be able to swoop it for around $17 but it’s closer to $30 retail these days. Nevertheless, great QPR. Popped and poured; consumed over three days and best on Day 3. The 2017 pours deep ruby with an opaque core. The nose black currants, grilled kofta, purple flowers, baking spice and very light pyrazines…almost undetectable. On the palate, dark and red fruits, smoke and baking spice. Dry. Medium tannin; medium acid. Finish is medium…and savory. A totally respectable Tuesday night wine. — 4 years ago

Nena Widtfeldt

10

Smooth with some deep fruity notes — 7 years ago

Doug Dodson

9.0

2015 - fruity with a mocha note. A bit of smokiness with each sip. — 8 years ago

Taylor Slyder

9.0

Tried this one for our Napa Valley edition of Wine x Read club. Really big fan - it felt slightly lighter than most of the cabs I drink.

“Aromas of blueberries, spices, chocolate and flowers with some herbal undertones. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Bring this wine with you to your next dinner party!”

I didn’t really get blueberries but definitely the herbal undertones and spices. Could smell the chocolate a little but not in an overly sweet way. Definitely agree on this being perfect for a dinner party! I would buy this in bulk and swap out the Leese Fitch for dinner once in a while. — 5 years ago

Greg Calhoon

9.1

Dry. I like it. — 7 years ago

Sam Oriach

8.9

I dig this. Well-structured and medium-bodied, with the kind of acidity one would expect from a much lighter wine. — 8 years ago

David Saenz

8.9

Very easy drinking red, not a ton of flavor — 6 years ago

Matt Lassiter

9.1

Fair amount of alcohol in the nose. Plummy with good body. Not too much pepper in the finish. I usually feel like I notice pepper in the finish of zinfandels. An enjoyable glass of wine. — 7 years ago

Wes Duncan

9.3

Wonderful! Touch of oak, great acid balanced with a little cream from leese contact. — 8 years ago

James Gordon

9.3

Thanks @Collin Moody and @Nelson Fitch! — 8 years ago