Cobden Wini

Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

9.2

Hickory, blackberry, motor oil. Needs a few more years for the tannins to totally soften and integrate.- but a beautiful wine. Well made- great style. Enjoyed. — 3 years ago

Romain, Milissa and 2 others liked this

O'Brien Estate

Passion of the Soul Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Shay A

9.4

Ok. I know this is O'Brien, and they have great wines. This specific cab, along with the rest of the OBrien line up was impressive. But. Winemaker Mark's private label, Cobden Wini, and Steve Distler's label Arnyca, were the standouts. The Cobden Wini late Harvest Sauv Blanc and the Arnyca Cab Franc were some of the best from this trip. Ordered over 2 cases between the 6 of us. The experience at O'Brien was so cool...feel like it was done by guys that I'd like to grab beers with and hangout with on a Tuesday night. If you visit Napa, stop by here! — 8 years ago

David, Jason and 27 others liked this

Mike R

Me too @David L

Mark Flesher

@Shay Aldriedge I still believe the best Napa CF I've had was a 2008 Crocker and Starr. Maybe it was the company I was with, or just that the wine was singing more than usual that night. If Eppler brings his Franc to the tasting as he is notorious for doing, I want to know what you think of that one too.

Shay A

@Mark Flesher : I keep hearing all about Crocker & Starr. Need to try it. Hope to try quite a bit at the event on Wednesday!

Cobden Wini

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2015

Shay A

9.2

My second time having this, I believe. A solid RRV Pinot. Nose is very heavy on cherries and blackberries. Mid palate shows bright acidity and the finish is very rhubarb-esque, with spice, black pepper, cedar and plum. Easy drinking Pinot. — 7 years ago

Bill, Kirk and 27 others liked this

Shawn R

Never heard of this.

Shay A

@Shawn R : If I remember correctly, the winemaker here is the same one from Arnyca, my favorite cab franc. Also the winemaker at O’Brien Estate. Just a nice, solid Pinot.

Cobden Wini

Napa Valley Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Mark Davis

9.7

Huge aromatics and a thick mouthfeel with a finish that lingers. — 10 years ago

Cobden Wini

Clondaire Vineyards Marsanne Roussanne 2015

Paco Suro

8.9

Rich. Rounded. — 7 years ago

Jack Winery

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Shay A

9.4

Steve Distler, owner of Arnyca, is doing consulting for a few small labels out in Napa. As I've posted before, his Arnyca cab franc is my favorite out of Napa Valley. He was the former GM at O'Brien Estate and was able to add them to his portfolio, along with Cobden Wini (winemaker for Arnyca and winemaker at O'Brien), Frias Family and Jack Winery. Killer line-up of small production stuff. We hosted him for a wine dinner and all of it was stellar.

Jack Winery utilizes the talents of Aonair winemaker Grant Long Jr. Jack was started by Vernon Wells (former MLB player) and Chris Ianetta (current MLB player). This '14 cab is from Diamond mountain and drinking well at a young age. Not as monstrous as young Howell Mountain cabs. Red and black fruit dominant with a decent amount of espresso and pepper. Needs to rest for a few years but has very good potential to be extremely good. — 8 years ago

with Steve

Steve, Greg and 45 others liked this

TheSkip

Nice note!

Greg Ballington

Worth checking out thanks @Shay Aldriedge!