Jay Kline

9.4

Flight #1 of our 1997 Retrospective. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. This had a really compelling mix of fruit and non-fruit notes; multifaceted, balanced. Superb structure. Bordeaux-like. Called this “Insignia”. This was my favorite of the flight and the most complete wine in the line-up. Drinking well now and should hold that way well through 2027. — 3 months ago

Paul Weil

8.9

David Akiyoshi, one of my favorite winemakers, is the genius behind Lange Twins wines. I myself actually created their first Web site (the current site has nothing to do with me).

While they don’t make a fuss about this in their labels or promotional materials, these wines are produced organically and biodynamically, to the extent that they even create new homes on the estate for any creatures which may be inadvertently displaced by the wine growing.

Lots of organic wines out there simply do not taste very good. A more cynical fellow than myself might even think that there is an intent to make folks feel so good about buying organic that this offsets the low quality of the wine. In contrast, Lange Twins wines do not even trumpet their organic nature, but the wine taste and quality can stand up to much of what is produced in Napa and Sonoma.

This Cabernet has a medium body and a rich, chewy finish. There’s a bit of dried cherries and mocha flavors up front, leading into a sustained blackberry tone. We enjoyed it with Italian style stuffed bell peppers and Caesar salad. Great stuff! — a year ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It’s Cabernet Day today. Let's celebrate with a nice one from Napa Valley.

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity nose with blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, vanilla, licorice, spices, earth, peppercorn, cedar, chocolates, mocha, coffee and leather.

Full bodied, smooth and elegant, with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with blackberries, black cherries, blueberries, cedar, leather, vanilla, licorice, spices, chocolates, tobacco, coke, graphite, earth, coffee and peppercorn.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.

This four-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley is showing nice complexity with a great mouthfeel.

Good right out of the bottle, and better as it opens up and shows the tannins and complexity. An hour in a decanter does the trick.

Wine Enthusiasts 92 points.

Nicely balanced, fruit forward, rich and elegant. Tasty and delicious.

A good sipping wine, that will age nicely in the next 5 to 15 years. I've had a few vintages with much more age before, and it is always delicious.

Good by itself or with food. I paired it with cheeses and crackers.

A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 16 months in mostly French oak barrels (44% new).

14.6% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$46. — 4 years ago

Nicole Ruiz Hudson

9.1

Holding up beautifully and showing up better than remembered after quite a few years.
N: spiced raspberry compote
P:cranberry, rhubarb and light herbs join in on the palate. Velvety texture w just enough lift. — 10 months ago

Namanjaba Mabwa

9.5

Big Cali strong well balanced red blend after it opens up. Best to decant this bottle first. Love the notes here of mint, chocolate, dark ruby color, long legs, deep plum but juicy and tasteful. A definite buy for large occasion to celebrate life. — a year ago

Brian Kaufman

9.7

I knew I had recovered from Covid when I stuck my nose in this glass. The previous day, I couldn't smell a thing, but the next day it was like Dorothy waking up in Oz. Anise and black cherry tantalize on the nose, while the balance of the wine was in perfect harmony. I was afraid I'd opened it too early (Covid not withstanding) but it's drinking beautifully right now. — 3 years ago

B

10

1997 Spottswoode Cabernet. Opened and poured. Served with burgers and homemade fries. A little flat with a sharp finish at first. Not sure if it might have been stored incorrectly. However, it opened up as we ate and all that unpleasantness blew off. Blackberries, blueberries, cassis, vanilla, leather, spices. Should have decanted before serving. — 4 years ago

Shay A

9.3

I’ve had 2011, 2012, 2013 and now 2014. Aside from 2011, the notes are quite similar. This was opened for a merlot theme, and found itself near to the 2012 Reserve (much more layered). Corked and held up well over a few days.

After a few visits here, you start to pick up a signature note in all their red wines which is like menthol wrapped green peppercorn, and that is absolutely present here.

There’s an old world style but with a stamp of new world. Similar to the 2013, this has quite a bit of herb crusted black cherries and cherry tobacco aromatically. On the palate it has nice weight at this age and seems to be drinking at peak but with a great spine of acid. There is bay leaf, powdered dark cocoa, mocha, tart currant and more black cherry notes towards the finish. More right bank Bordeaux like than the other vintages. Really pretty. — a year ago

Andy Hall

9.8

Brought out the closer to secure the win for this pre-TG wine fest. Of course it did not disappoint. Harmony, strength, balance, depth and suppleness all wrapped up in a single bottle!!! — 2 years ago

Laura Woods

9.3

2013 bottle - You open up the bottle and quickly get a smell of chocolate and the aftertaste also lingers chocolate on the tongue. The body is fruity and smooth. I truly recommend this red blend to pair with a nice steak. — 4 years ago