Jay Kline

9.1

From magnum. Popped and poured into red Solo cups; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2008 pours a deep ruby purple color with a near opaque core; medium plus viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart, red and black fruits: mixed brambles, black cherry, black pepper, leather, dry earth and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is medium plus. Still pretty fresh and considering this is one of the more long-lived examples of Zinfandel I can think of, there is almost no end in sight. Drink now through 2043. — 2 months ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Purple in color with a purplish rim.

Fresh fruits on the nose with cedar, licorice and chocolates notes.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with black currants, black plums, blackberries, light oak, spices, chocolates, coffee, licorice, light vegetables, tobacco, light earth, herbs and black pepper.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a delicious 5 year old Cabernet Sauvignon based blend from Pauillac. Elegant, fruit forward and rich.

Wine Spectator 96 points. Wine Advocate 94 points.

Still young, and a tad subdued at the moment, but with good structure and nice complexity. Will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.

Already showing a great mouthfeel, nicely balanced and good by itself or with food.

A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot. Aged in (75% new) French Oak barrels.

A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with a big piece of steak.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$90. — a day ago

Eric Urbani

9.0

Still reliable. $32 at Costco ! — 2 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

This was drinking beautifully showing rich red & black fruits, earth, cedar, leather, spice & tobacco — 11 days ago

Tom Garland

9.3

2 hour decant. A marvelous medium garnet color (decent fine sediment). On the nose: dark berries, cassis, forest floor, sandalwood, pencil shavings, chocolate, and cigar box. Taste: layered, balanced, still young wine with dark cherry/plum, cedar, dark chocolate, charcoal, and a lingering tobacco/leather finish. YUM! No hurry, a long distance Las Cases. — an hour ago

with Brenda

Anthony Cammarata Jr.

9.7

This wine is a well-balanced Napa Valley red showing both power and elegance. It offers aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco, with flavors of black cherry, cocoa, and spice on a silky, structured palate. Love it. — a month ago

with Daniel and Michael

Jody Scharf

9.2

smooth pinot, enjoyable. — 2 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Another 08 that is drinking well showing notes of cassis, plum, sweet spices with graphite, cedar, leather & tobacco — 10 days ago

Matt Schwartz

9.0

Dried red fruits, baking spices, cedar, Price Albert tobacco, coco nibs, stewed tomato and leather. Maintains good acidity with softened tannins. A bit past its prime but still drinking well.

Perfect wine for watching the Las Vegas Grand Prix! — 14 days ago

Jerry Raphael

9.5

I purchased this wine for $60 as a Bordeaux future offering from MacArthur’s in DC, with the hope of opening it when my younger son—born in 1982—was old enough to share it. We finally did just that this Thanksgiving, celebrating both him and the bottle.
The fill was mid-shoulder, but the family was together and it felt like the right moment. I gave it about an hour in the decanter before dinner. Early on it showed blackberries, a touch of veg, lead pencil, cedar notes and a smooth elegant finish. As the evening went on it opened a bit more, gaining some depth.
A few hours later I revisited the small amount I’d saved and found it had dried out some—but that was expected for a 43-year-old First Growth. Ultimately, it was a wonderful experience and a memorable way to share both the wine and the moment with family.
— 8 days ago