Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

I’ve had this vintage several times over the last few yrs. I had it two yrs ago w/ Andy Beckstoffer & Tor Kenward. This is the weakest link I’ve had. It simply lacked the proper storage of the previous bottles I’ve had.

The color is still dark and the fruit is still intact. But this bottle has just started its plum, date, dark raisin and fig stage. Let me say again…just.

This is 13% ABV…love it. As I do with many 80’s Napa & Bordeaux’s. It does get better with each coldish coravined sip.

The tannins are well resolved and there is complete integration & evolution. Ripe, juicy; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, dark spiced strawberries & circling raspberries. Potpourri, baking spice delight-soft clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick & vanilla, understated caramel, dark chocolate baking bar to chocolate pudding, milk chocolate, moist herbs, hints of mushrooms, saline, dry soil/limestone powder, forest floor with leaves, used tobacco & leather, gentle graphite, moist clay, dark spice w/ mid palate heat, withering dark, red flowers, violets & lavender, round, rainfall acidity with a well balanced, elegant finish that lasts 90 seconds and long sets on earth & spices. — a day ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

1973 vintage. Okay fill. Opened with a Durand. Cork 80% saturated. Musty, hot, slightly “raisined” nose. Light medium body. Drank more like a Burgundy at this stage of life. Amplifying savory aspects currently. Definitely instructive and an absolute blast to hit the FLB (Friday Lunch Bunch) with. These formative, ancient Napa Cabs always so revealing, primal and archival. The 1973 cork a little longer than those short stuff 1968 and 1969 ones. 6.12.26. — 3 months ago

Krista Wrona

8.9

My father has a case of these 1983 BV in his father’s wine collection. Have sat undisturbed for a few decades since my grandfather passed. Opened this for Easter dinner if braised lamb shanks. Had some cork breakage but decanted and let it breathe… it was quite delicious! Looking forward to drinking the rest of his collection! — 4 years ago

Evan Bozman

9.0

Great wine for a good cause.. Nice blackberry after notes. — 7 years ago

Doug

9.5

The insight that breathing this wine is a must was respected and the difference in my initial sip to 30 minutes later was validation of the recommendation!
Cherry and mildly dry. 2013 vintage — 8 years ago

Fredybeans

9.6

Robe vieil or
Nez épicé agrume
Bouche ample puissant ou l’acidité est présente et pioche incroyable de longueur
— 8 years ago

Cindy Glennon

9.6

Really delicious before and during meal. Great Bordeaux. Cosgrove. — a month ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.0

vintage 2018 | Laurel, brushwood and strict tannins. American oak. High bitters. I found this wine very far developed for a wine from 8 years old with a slight oxydative touch. — 3 months ago

Andy@andyberke.com

9.0

Solid. Plenty of cab taste without being overwhelming — 3 months ago

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

Trying it again with more attention. Last tasting was at a party and it was the last wine. Old, old wine. Pretty rusty and old looking. Smells like old books and cooked berry products. Flavors are more interesting. Some complex berry notes. Dusty cherry. Strange mossy or forestal thing in the finish. This is pretty interesting stuff. Probably an amazing vineyard that is making $500 bottles now… — 9 months ago

Michael Williams

9.0

Very drinkable with a mild flavor. Pairs very well with salad since it is not overpowering — 6 years ago

Ron R

9.2

Cherries, sandalwood and white pepper on the nose. Lovely expression on the palate, with notes of red and black fruits, overripe cherries and brown sugar. Very well done - burger and wine night at Capital Grille, Paramus.
Wifey rating - 93 pts. — 7 years ago

with Anne-marie

Justin Miller

9.0

One of my favorite Blends — 8 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2021 vintage. Medium/medium-heavy body. Nice, definitely nice for half a c-note. Wasn't compelled to pick it up tho, unlike the amazing 2018 version/model. 8.5.26. — 2 months ago

Kapyrick Wine

9.1

v17. Very good! Dusty pepper and tobacco nose. Fresh, rich black currant and soft plum fruit. Smooth, long, dry slightly chewy mocha and leather finish. Nicely made. — 3 months ago

Andy@andyberke.com

9.2

A real favorite. What a value — 5 months ago

joy horn

9.7

Bought at BV 10/25 $133. Ombre if the best Cabernets we've ever had. Bold, rich, smooth. — 10 months ago

Veronica

8.9

Enjoyable wine and a shockingly good buy. — 6 years ago

Eunsun Chang

9.2

Nice natural vin — 7 years ago

Kari

9.2

Birthday present from my sister and brother-in-law... boy do they know me! — 8 years ago