Balance

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2004

At over 20 years old, the 2004 Opus One is showing beautifully, striking a balance between maturity and vibrancy. On the nose, it opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, layered with subtle notes of violet, tobacco, and espresso.
On the palate, the wine is smooth and full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and a silky texture that coats the mouth without being heavy. The core is rich with dark fruit—black plum, currant, and a touch of blueberry—balanced by earthy undertones and a whisper of leather. Definitely one of my favorites.
— 3 days ago

Michael Cammarata
with Michael

Château Montrose

Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003

This was rich, ripe, round with dark, berry almost plum like showing good balance that is not your typical Montrose — 2 months ago

Ira, Shay and 13 others liked this

Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2012

Been sitting on it for a decade and boy was it worth the wait. It’s everything I’d want in a St. Julien Bordeaux. Silky tannins, elegant mouthfeel, great balance of red fruit and earthy undertones. Sadly, that was my last one. — 2 months ago

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

A plush, meaty open nose. Dark plum and underbrush. Some iodine and a serious, brooding midpalate. Great balance and poise, and settled. Fantastic — a month ago

Paul WoollsAra Aslanian
with Paul and Ara
Jeroen, Tom and 12 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Blend 2013

Dang this is drinking well. Subdued fruity nose and rich purple color. Great balance with spice and tons of black fruit. Tempted to say hold but not too long so one can enjoy the fruits — a month ago

Château Gruaud Larose

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

It has a nearly opaque, dark fruited appearance that opens up to very appealing and persistent aromatics and flavors of blueberries and blackberries.

There is still a good amount of primary fruit; it is medium/full, well structured with a good balance of juicy acidity and refined tannins at the finish. New oak is there, but unobtrusive.

Overall, this 2010 is a reserved and savory St. Julien that doesn’t whack me over the head with gobs of oak and loads of sweet jammy fruit. It is definitely “worth a search” if you don’t have it.
— 2 months ago

Spottswoode

Family Estate Grown St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

2018 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 15 mins and one hour. Beautifully feminine and expressive nose leapt out of the decanter. Medium body. Nice balance of dark fruits and tannins but slightly disjointed. A bigg Napa vintage so either another decade or a three hour tour...er...decant would seem to be the ticket here. 01.31.25. — 3 months ago

Ron, Ted and 21 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

Somm David T
9.5

From 375ml. @Lira Restaurant The Chef is the Gordon Ramsey winner.

Resolved, velvety M+ tannins. Ruby fruits of; blackberry pie, black raspberries, blueberries, both plums, dark cherries & raspberries. Dark chocolate bar, slightly moist tobacco, sandalwood to barrel shavings, dry top soil, dry crushed rocks, black licorice, sweet tarriness, dry herbs, light cinnamon, clove, vanillin, mocha, dry, volcanic clay, dark, withering flowers, some lavender framed in violets, excellent round acidity with incredible, balance, perfectly tensioned, softly structured, elegance finish that lasts a full minute.
— a month ago

Tom, Joe and 14 others liked this

Chateau Montelena

Napa Valley Chardonnay 2022

Quite light straw , green hints . On the nose this is quite restrained , some apricot , pineapple , white flower notes. On the palate again restrained , lemon peel , touch of apricot , pineapple, hint of toastiness . High acidity and really good balance , nice lemon peel tinged finish . This will probably age well , now and over the next 7-10 years — 2 months ago

Tom, Vanessa and 13 others liked this

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Dark Ruby with aromas of ripe berry fruit and floral spice, pure Caymus signature style, easy drinking, approachable as always. On the palate flavors of ripe blackberry, black cherry and currants with complex spice showing notes of cacao, cinnamon and rich vanilla oak. Fine soft tannins, nice mouthfeel, great balance with acidity, long finish, ending with notes of oak and mineral notes. Nice! — 3 months ago

Veronika, Paul and 1 other liked this