David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Many of you that see my posts know I don’t open a Napa Cabernet this young. However, this was selling at my Costco for $69.99. K&L Wine Merchants $99.99. Delectable at $115. So, I had to buy a four. I coravined this bottle for a Somm friend last weekend who likes his Napa reds young. 🤷‍♂️

While this has seen a bit of bottle evolution, it still needs another 6-8 yrs before I open another and has the potential to pick up another point or two then.

Nose shows; brambly blackberries, stewy black plum, black raspberries, darkest cherries, boysenberries and strawberries off the glass edges. Dry tobacco, leather, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon notes, vanilla, anise, dark, rich, turned earth and withering, dark, slightly candied flowers.

The palate expresses some evolution. It is rich, ripe; brambly blackberries, stewy black plum, black raspberries, darkest cherries, boysenberries, hints of blueberries and strawberries off the glass edges. Tarry, dry medium plus tannins. Dry tobacco, leather, dark spice with a touch of heat, mixed darker berry cola, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon notes, vanilla, black tea, anise, mixed fresh & drier herbs, dark, rich, turned earth, barrel shavings/dust, a hint of black pepper, moist, grey clay, dry top soil, dry river stone and withering, dark, red, slightly candied flowers with violets, very round, phat acidity with a well; balanced, big structured, tensioned, lush, elegant and nicely layered & polished finish that lasts a full 90 seconds. Still kind of in its primary stage.

This is made by Chris Carpenter who also makes; Lokoya, Cardinale, La Jota, Hickinbotham (Australia) made at Yangarra. Sofia & I tasted at Yangarra and after tasted his Hickinbotham with him in 2017.

Photos of; staff picking on Mount Veeder, Chris Carpenter in the cellar and scenic shot of Mount Veeder. — 8 months ago

Scott Soren

9.4

Drinking very well. Outstanding vintage. Chris Carpenter did it agin. — 6 years ago

Michael Fiur

10

The walrus and the carpenter Seattle (Ballard) with Katherine and james. 7/3/23 lots@of oysters Amazing — a year ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.2

Warlus and the carpenter seattle 8/16 — 5 years ago

S Butterfield

Sommelier Flask Fine Wines

9.4

Carpenter coming correct!! This is wound up like a starstruck boy around the finger of his celebrity crush. You get hints of all the lovely Pinotness, but it actually needs some decanting (of the second day) to really truly explode. Classic Cali PN, but with a clean mineral depth that speaks of other influences. — 5 years ago

Adrienne Leistner

9.3

With Craig, Jessica, and Jeff at Walrus and Carpenter. Super delish with oysters! 💕 — 7 years ago

Charlie Elliott

9.6

Really yummy — 3 years ago

Nikki Southwell

9.0

Dark cherry and currants on the nose. Well balanced in tannins and acid on the palate. — 4 years ago

with Eric and Josiah

Graeme W

9.2

Chocolate notes. Slight cigar flavor as well — 5 years ago

Carl Fischer

9.4

Clean and crisp, this Bordeaux blend made by Chris Carpenter is heavy on the citrus - grapefruit, lemon and lime - with a touch of creaminess from the oak and a hint of sweetness from the semillon. The flavors are layered making this very enjoyable. There’s a nice acidity to this. The flavors were suited to this being well chilled and perfect and quite refreshing on a hot day. As much as I enjoyed this now, I think In 1-2 years this will be even better (it is only a ‘17). Hope everyone is enjoying this Memorial Day weekend! — 6 years ago