Classic Napa

Chateau Montelena

The Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Very nice wine and drinking fresher than the 2007 Tignanello we had alongside. Classic Napa, but also with the right level of restraint. Quite delicious. — 9 days ago

Jason, Severn and 3 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

+1 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A splendid dark ruby red color. On the nose: Intoxicating/intense nose of black fruit, dark currants, worn leather, forest floor, coffee grounds, minty dark chocolate. Taste: smooth, satiny, structured, balanced wine with chocolate covered brambly blackberry, tobacco, earth, cedar, black pepper, and a herbal licorice long finish. A medium body old world style wine that shows well right now and should continue to provide more years of enjoyable sipping. — 4 days ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Tom and 19 others liked this

Dunn Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1993

Great freshness and fruit purity. Lovely acidic silver linings. Backed up by some rusticity/sturdiness and a smoky, ashy, mineral finish. Still some chewy tannines present.
Peak drinking now, plenty of life ahead.
— 10 days ago

Jan, Stef and 8 others liked this

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1997

Earthy and not giving away much initially, was worried after 20 mins. By 30 it blossomed, full on cassis and vanilla tannins, undergrowth. Dark red fruit, Rutherford dust. Notwithstanding a Bordeaux vibe there was no mistaking this for anything but a high-end Napa cab. Awesome one at that. I wouldn’t wait much longer… — 16 days ago

Ira, ESF and 23 others liked this

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003

Served alongside beef short rib, xo sauce, pickled mustard seed, cumin stir-fried asparagus. Yes, the 2003 Dominus is big. However, it is also balanced and showing classic Napa typicity with beautifully ripe and some slightly wizened black and red fruit, tobacco, cocoa, some purple flowers and baking spices. I found this to be quite balanced after all the air it saw. Wonderful structure for continued aging as well. Drink now through 2043. — 18 days ago

Ira, Jan and 18 others liked this

Hall Wines

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

2018 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 2.5 hours. It’s easily been a decade+ since tasting their entry level stuff. Medium/medium heavy body. A bit riper than expected. Haven’t come across those levels of ripeness on their higher end stuff in the last few years. Can see why some would absolutely love this tho. Missing structure that usually accompanies Hall reds. For such a big *ss vintage, thought there would be mas. Sadly, no. 11.7.24. — 12 days ago

Tom, Ted and 8 others liked this

Chappellet

Signature Donn Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (77%) with the balance being a blend of Petite Verdot (12%), Malbec (8%) and Merlot (3%). Aromas of blueberries, kirsch, violets, forest floor and cedar wood. Well integrated flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, chocolate, tobacco, and graphite. Beautiful notes of vanilla, wild herbs and clay on the long and earthy finish. Amazing complexity and balance! Medium-plus bodied. Beautiful creamy texture and velvety tannins. So good for being so young. Looking forward to trying this wine again in a few years. Thank you so much for sharing this one, Keith S! — 18 days ago

Scott@Mister, Paul and 5 others liked this

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1992

Enjoyed alongside some other Napa legends from the 80’s and 90’s. This was stunning and to my palate, on this night, seemed to show the best of the Napa flight. The 1992 shows classic Dunn Howell with ample dark and red fruits, tobacco, earth, leather and fine baking spices. Stout structure. Everything in beautiful balance. Drink now with unmitigated glee and through 2042 because just like Barry, this has Staying Power. — 18 days ago

Jan, Ira and 12 others liked this

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Red Wine 2013

Double decanted two nights before service. The 2013 Insignia pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing but still quite youthful with notes of tart and ripe dark fruit: dense brambles, purple flowers, tobacco, vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. At 11 years of age, this remains tightly coiled and needs more time to open up and tell more of its story. All that being said, this is very good now…but to my palate, better after 2027 and through 2043. — 9 days ago

Ely, Jan and 12 others liked this

Robert Mondavi Winery

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

On nose, it shows straight napa character with sweet vanilla, herbs, black fruits. On palate its solid in intensity with fruits, licorice, chocolate. Medium acidity. It drinks well now. Cheers! — 12 days ago

Ira, Vanessa and 2 others liked this