California Merlot

Duckhorn Vineyards

Napa Valley Merlot 2022

Not normally a fan of California Merlot, but this one surprised me. Very drinkable, but with enough complexity. Excellent with a bowl of seafood stew. — 21 days ago

Silver Oak

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Deep purple color. Aromas of black cherry, cigar box, hint of vanilla and cassis. Gorgeous cherry flavors, baking spices and black pepper.

79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
— 23 days ago

Vanessa, Iwan and 13 others liked this

Silver Oak

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Deep purple color. Aromas of raspberry, cherry cola and cedar. This one is still young and a little tight- definitely needs more time or decanting. Very good flavors of red fruit, spices and oak finish.

95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, 0.6% Malbec

🏅94 Points- Decanter
— 15 days ago

Anthony, Scott@Mister and 14 others liked this

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Deep ruby colors with delicious fruit and balanced tannins. Wonderful yeast aroma on the nose. Blackberry fruit with an after taste of current. Very enjoyable wine!!! — 9 days ago

Jeron Senn
with Jeron
DAD, Neil and 4 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

Medium deep ruby , quite thin garnet rim . Quite a lot of cassis, herbal grafite notes , touch of blackberry , scorched earth , a bit for floral after a while in the glass. On the palate this shows more sweet dark fruit, touch of spicy oak, blackcurrant , dark cherry and cacau . Balanced acidity and sweet slightly grippy tannins , just balanced alcohol . Spicy sweet blackcurrant, grafite tinged finish , decent length. This is still young and quite fruit driven but is enjoyable now with food . Better in 5 years or so and will last well a further 8-10. — 14 days ago

Somm, Rob and 11 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

This is not a knock on anyone or this producer. For 10 years a friend of mine was the Assistant Winemaker at Opus. He is now back in Bordeaux, rebuilt & raised the quality of Clerc Milon. Now is in charge of all Rothschild properties. This is just me thinking out loud. I have been to this property many times and bought a glass of their Cabernet to take to their top deck and take in a spectacular view of the Napa Valley. Enjoyed many of their vintages in those very nice moments. However, knowing the quality of 2012 vintage and their price point, I and I think most expect & want more than a 92 point wine. Which begs the question, how long can they push bottle price with this level of quality? At what point does the quality price ratio kick in? To a bigger picture, how sustainable is the high quality respected producer wine economic model going forward? To me, a fascinating question going forward.
Andrew Cullimore

Andrew Cullimore Premium Badge

Yes @Somm David T , this was actually served blind , the only wine at lunch ..and we had plenty of time to get to know it before the big reveal . I was trying to evaluate the quality in the glass without the distraction of the label, which is always an illuminating experience . It’s a good wine, and went very will with our steaks but it certainly doesn’t represent good value nor is it a stellar example of 2012 . I would be perfectly happy to have it again mind you , as long as I wasn’t paying .

Joel Gott Wines

815 California Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Deep ruby in color; cherries, blackberries, and cassis on the nose; medium acidity; medium plus tannins; tastes like plums, black currants, vanilla, and graphite with a long finish. — 2 days ago

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2013

Surprisingly smooth and enjoyable. A point? — 13 days ago

Bob, Tom and 4 others liked this

Faust

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Dark Ruby with aromas of ripe berry fruits, herbs and earthy floral spice, blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc. On the palate flavors of black cherry, raspberry and currants with espresso, cacao and earthy notes. Well balanced, lively acidity, fine ripe tannins long finish with fruit, oak, mineral and floral spice! Nice drinking Cab! — 19 days ago

Tom, Paul and 1 other liked this

Orin Swift

Papillon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Eddie luis l palo riky k — 16 days ago

Jan liked this

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2002

Somm David T
9.5

The last of the 2002 in mags brought from the property. Delicious. I would have thought these would have been saved for their member parties. So, a nice surprise.

From The Cellar event at Pebble Beach Food & Wine.
— 5 days ago

Jay, Neil and 17 others liked this
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Looks like fun! Hope you had a great time.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

@Ron R it’s a good event even worth the effort to travel from the other coast. Cheers! 🍷