Ming L

9.2

The NV13 is blend of mostly Merlot (51%) and Cab (28%) from 2 great Napa vintages: 2012 (60%) and 2013 (40%).

Aromas of black cherry, plum, cedar, fig, dried herbs, and hint of graphite. Medium-full body, the palate shows both power and structure. Long savory finish with a lingering note of dark chocolate.

Skillfully done. At its prime. — 16 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

8.9

NV. 2.11.26. — 3 months ago

Rob French

9.0

Strong body, fruity in a good way, dry spice and earthy. From Christmas party at the mill. — 5 months ago

Ericsson

9.1

Opening my first Jeroboam for twenty guests. Cheers. — 8 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I used to drink this producer in the late 90’s & early 2000’s. I’ve been revisiting older vintages based on recent price points. I think they sold a bunch of their cellar for revenue. It is out of need after the Glass Fires. They were somewhat consumed by it. The winery & part of their vineyards. Unfortunate!!!

Decanted an hour and enjoyed over 2-3 hours.

I was further inspired to acquire the 2006 by @Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego who posted more than respectful thoughts of the 2006 not long ago. So, I acquired some winery stored bottles at $39. A more than fair price point. The cork had a millimeter or less along its side. The bottle neck showed trapped tannins. Extremely solid.

The nose is inviting. Slightly smoky & nicely ripe; dark core of blackberries, dark cherries, poached/baked strawberries, plum, blueberries and pomegranate. Slate, gentle, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, mid & light berry cola/licorice-red vines, soft dry tobacco, used leather, very soft graphite, graceful herbaceous notes, whiff with black & white pepper, dark, rich soils, mix of limestone/sandstone, red florals/roses, dark florals and purple lily blossoms.

The entry is elegant, ripe, slightly rich with nothing bitty. Medium, softened, mushy tannins. It shows nearly perfect elegance at or just and I mean just the other side of its peak. Ripe; dark core of blackberries, dark cherries, poached/baked strawberries, plum, blueberries, raspberries and pomegranate hues. Slate, gentle, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, mid & light berry cola, soft dry, used tobacco w/ ash, used leather, graphite, herbaceous notes, stem inclusion, some black & white pepper, dark spice box with mid intensity palate heat, layered baking spices-nutmeg, clove, cinnamon & understated vanillin, dark chocolate, caramel, steeped teas, moist to dry volcanic clays, rich, dark, almost sweet soils, mix of limestone/sandstone, red florals/roses, dark florals and purple lily blossoms, very nice acidity, evolved, well-knitted, balanced, structured, tensioned, elegant finish that lasts nearly two-minutes and long sets on spice and beautiful earthiness. This will drink nicely for another 5+ yrs.

A good revisit and perhaps the most elegant Cain Five I’ve had.

Photos of; the Cain Five vineyards, Chris Howell-Winemaker, pressed grapes and the somewhat unglamorous cleaning out of stainless steel tanks after initial fermentation. — 25 days ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.1

This fresh, elegant and light but persistent red wine has lovely red fruit character (strawberries, cranberries), some hints of dried flowers, soft spices and forestfloor.
Served slightly chilled on this hot summers’ day. Nice! — 9 months ago

Nate

9.0

NV13 (LB buy $18)
Tasted May 2026 with varsha. Very soft and smooth initially with a gentle wave of fruit at the end. 3/4 — 11 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2006 vintage. Medium/medium-heavy body. Tannins pretty well-integrated at this point. If it is not at the top of its’ particular bell curve, darn near close. 3.20.26. — 2 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.4

Nose: hint of Brett. Lilacs.

Palate: lilacs. Elegant. Fantastic. Licorice

2tt 18 — 4 months ago

K L

9.1

Very enjoyable. Stood the test of time. These were great when we got them and are nice now. Didn’t seem overly aged at all. Earthy and balanced. Lighter than a cab but still solid. — 5 months ago

with Matt