Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

I’ve had this vintage several times over the last few yrs. I had it two yrs ago w/ Andy Beckstoffer & Tor Kenward. This is the weakest link I’ve had. It simply lacked the proper storage of the previous bottles I’ve had.

The color is still dark and the fruit is still intact. But this bottle has just started its plum, date, dark raisin and fig stage. Let me say again…just.

This is 13% ABV…love it. As I do with many 80’s Napa & Bordeaux’s. It does get better with each coldish coravined sip.

The tannins are well resolved and there is complete integration & evolution. Ripe, juicy; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, dark spiced strawberries & circling raspberries. Potpourri, baking spice delight-soft clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick & vanilla, understated caramel, dark chocolate baking bar to chocolate pudding, milk chocolate, moist herbs, hints of mushrooms, saline, dry soil/limestone powder, forest floor with leaves, used tobacco & leather, gentle graphite, moist clay, dark spice w/ mid palate heat, withering dark, red flowers, violets & lavender, round, rainfall acidity with a well balanced, elegant finish that lasts 90 seconds and long sets on earth & spices. — 8 hours ago

Tim O’Brien

9.3

Really good cab sav someone gave us for engagement, not bitter at all but still rich (in a good way) — 3 months ago

Michael Wehner

9.0

Apparently not a Tuesday wine — 5 months ago

with Margaret

Randy Fuller

8.9

This wine is colored yellow-gold. I found the nose to be strange, with apple, pear, and nectarine aromas up front, followed by an odd scent of vanilla and butter. It has a hint of the smell of the butter offered on popcorn at the movies. The palate gives the fruit center stage as well, with oak notes a bit more prominent. The acidity is nice and the mouthfeel is full. It's not a wine I will seek out in the future, even though I rather like buttery Chardonnay. — 2 years ago

Brad Taylor

9.2

One word....outstanding. — 6 years ago

John Malcolm

9.7

A spectacular wine. Rich and elegant. Black cherry, cassis, and other dark fruits. — 6 years ago

Ron from VA

9.0

Nice lemon — acid friendly…at amalfi. — 4 days ago

Adrian Layfield

9.3

One of my go-to cheaper wines. Dry and woody. — a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

1973 vintage. Okay fill. Opened with a Durand. Cork 80% saturated. Musty, hot, slightly “raisined” nose. Light medium body. Drank more like a Burgundy at this stage of life. Amplifying savory aspects currently. Definitely instructive and an absolute blast to hit the FLB (Friday Lunch Bunch) with. These formative, ancient Napa Cabs always so revealing, primal and archival. The 1973 cork a little longer than those short stuff 1968 and 1969 ones. 6.12.26. — 3 months ago

James Mosman

8.9

Let’s have another. — 10 months ago

Maddie Madewel

9.0

berry and spice, paired well with pesto cream cheese chicken and sundried tomatoes — 5 years ago

Barny

9.1

Gereift aber trotzdem noch frisch, im Glas schon richtig bernsteinfarben, muss man mögen, mir gefällts — 6 years ago

Ally Mumm

8.9

Great white wine we enjoyed both before and during dinner. Will buy again. — 7 years ago

Andy@andyberke.com

9.3

Really excellent. Fantastic with steak. Classic cab — a month ago

Barny

9.0

I wouldn‘t have thought it would be so fresh; a wonderful accompaniment to a meal on the patio — 3 months ago

Chris Buggy

8.9

Smooth and easy, cherry currant and plum-the moms love it — 5 months ago

with Jennifer

David Carter

9.0

Unexpectedly really good. Medium oak, not too buttery. Nice fruit notes. Not too acidic. From the Cove. A solid Cali Chardonnay to me. Good value. — 9 months ago

Natalie Abinante

9.1

Does not taste like a Pinot. But it is delicious. Hefty, but not tannic or spicy. Dark berry flavor, but not super earthy — 5 years ago

Fran Medina

8.9

Great aroma and taste of blueberries, mild oak, mild dry — 5 years ago

Clifford Hanchett

9.0

Absolutely a very good red blend. The flavor is outstanding. Will definitely stock up on this. — 7 years ago