This small Calistoga producer falls largely under the radar. I am thankful. The 12 vintage brings such fruit. However, this 12 Sisters rides the fence of 12 & 13. Shows dark currents, concreted mouthfeel in addition to its ripe, rich opulence.
The nose ascends with rich dark, purple, blue fruits, dark spice, violets framed in lavender for days.
The palate is ripe, ruby, lush, concentrated fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, boysenberries, very dark cherries, creamy raspberries, in & out strawberries & blueberries. Big, heated, dark spice-box, round, meaty, sweet tannins cigar ash, led pencil, tarriness, anise, moist, fresh tobacco, black licorice & cola, dark, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla, rich soil w/ dry leaves, dry, crush rocks/limestone, dry herbs-bay leaves, sage, parsley, notes of eucalyptus bark shavings, tree bark w/ hints of sap, touch of black sandalwood to barrel shavings, pepper, moist, volcanic clay, fresh & withering; dark, purple, red, blue floral bouquet framed in violets & lavender, excellent acidity with a lush, rich, big, round & meaty structure, still shows great tension, well balanced with endless polish & finish. 10 years of life ahead…properly stored. Wine post 4,600.
Such a deal at the Benchmark Bin Sale. @Paul T- Huntington Beach if you find any of this, just tell me about em, don’t buy em. 😂🤥 — a year ago
18. Terrific fruit, balance, good length. Rich. Off-dry. A big wine. — 4 years ago
@Lyle Fass thank you for this wine! Big, authentic intoxicating Medoc nose immediately upon opening w/Bing cherry, cassis, boysenberry and raspberry beautifully integrated with savory, bay leaf, mossy tree bark, mushroom, sweet damp Earth and vein of minerality. Seductive inky & opaque, mid to heavyweight, fluid luxurious mid palate with solid tannic structure clenching tightly on finish. Strutted w/roasted leg of lamb. Long life ahead - bump for QPR — 4 years ago
Drinking a 3L from 2013 in late ‘24. Love the big format bottles and aging potential. This could go a lot longer I think but is also fine to drink now.
Standard Caymus flavors and aromas that made the brand known. Dark inky crimson color. Blueberries and blackberry fruit mixed with vanilla alongside the tell-tale signs of wet band-aid. Great tannins, medium-to-big acidity, good long finish. Really nice. — 7 days ago
Out of this world very ripe Cabernet Franc nose. Stunning depth. Cassis, red berries and so pure and almost glossy fruit. Lovely earthy lift. Tweed jacket, moss. Tree bark but that’s the background to the incredible ripe fruit. Huge florals as well. Big time violets. Wow. 9.7 nose. Sick! Palate is deep, structured and sappy with incredible depth and cut. So so pure and lovely hit of opulence in the mid palate. Drop dead purity and stunning length. Superb tiny berry fruit intensity and killer acids and freshness. Complexity starting already. So long. A stunning wine impeccably made. — 2 years ago
My buddy Ian brand coming correct. Sf chronicle wine maker of the year a few years back. Making a good name for our place Monterey. Listen to the bedrock podcast with Ian! It’s a good listen and the wine is super thoughtful. I can say im super thankful he and heather are keeping this going! Thank you heather brand for pouring and being the great host! Always gracious and kind. Ian and heather are bringing Monterey back up where it should be with the likes of Mark Chesebro (arroyo seco), tira nanza, russel Joyce and a few others. Big ups @Lee Lightfoot for letting me join you and Julie today. No doubt Carmel valley is on the rise again. Worth a visit! Contact me for appointments before summer — 4 years ago
The nose on all these 2020’s reveal it’s warm/hot vintage. The fruits are quite ripe, some over ripe vs many other vintages. #ClimateChange
The nose shows ripe, even slightly stewy & candied fruits of; blackberries, dark plums, dark cherries, plum framed in raspberries. Dark tarry notes, dark chocolate, dark rich forest floor w/ dry leaves, light bay leaf, dark berry cola/licorice, powdered rocks, limestone marl minerals, spice, tarragon, hints of mint with ruby, withering dark red, purple florals surrounded by violets.
The palate is dark lush currants. Fruits of; ripe, even slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, dark plums, dark cherries, plum framed in raspberries. Dark tarry notes, dark chocolate, dark rich forest floor w/ dry leaves, light bay leaf, dark berry cola/licorice, powdered rocks, limestone marl minerals, dry top soil/sand, dark spice, tarragon, tree bark, eucalyptus, hints of mint with ruby, withering candied, dark red, purple florals surrounded by violets. The acidity big and round. The long well polish finish is well balanced/structured that is fruity running to dry austere and lasts a minutes.
Lots of time needed here.
@Delectable I can post but can’t leave comments back due to error code 500 — 2 years ago
Medium plus intensity black berry and cherry that meet violet and herby pine. Palate is fine, pure, with a perfect balance of acid and silky tannins. More red fruit, tree bark and iodine hints, so fresh yet elegant ending with a big smile. — 4 years ago
Austin Moberg
Delicious super rich and creamy loaded with dark chocolate, toffee, coffee, and some raisin. Big fan of these after today wanting to try their unique releases now. — 21 days ago