Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

This is a producer that should be more revered than it is. His 90’s were amongst my favorite Napa Cabernets. Especially, the 94, which is exceptional and I’ve had on 3-4 occasions.

2007 is a grand vintage but this one needs more cellaring. It is still in its adolescence. I would like to try this in another 8-10 yrs. Don’t get me wrong, this drinks nicely now but it’s best is still ahead.

I coravined & decanted this in a big Bordeaux glass for an hour and it is still a 1/2 monster.

The nose shows; dark currents/cassis, blackberries, black plum w/ skin, very black cherries, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries with understated raspberries in the glass edges, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mocha powder, caramel, chocolate baking bar, understated baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, both black & red licorice/cola, moist herbs, tree sap, limestone, dry top soils-river stone and beautiful, withering/candied dark & red florals framed in candied violets.

The M+ tannins are round, velvety, dusty and still meaty. Dark currents/cassis, blackberries, black plum w/ skin, very black cherries, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, liqueur cherries with understated, hovering raspberries. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mocha powder, caramel, chocolate baking bar, understated baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, both black & red licorice/cola, moist herbs, tree sap, soft, moist cigar box, leather, anise, rounded very dark spices, moist clays, limestone, dry top soils-river stone and beautiful, withering/candied dark & red florals framed in candied violets, very round, pleasant acidity with balance for days, still pronounced structure/tension, great length and a smartly, polished, ruby two-minute finish that long sets on on deep, dark spice, earthiness & ruby, dark currents.

Right now a Filet steak, not a fatty steak, Ribeye or Ribcap.

Still so youthful! Add a point or two in 7-10 yrs. .

Philip is in his 90’s and still involved in the winemaking. He walks the property daily. — 5 days ago

Carter White

9.0

Red fruit, green, polished, balanced. — 2 days ago

Paul J

9.4

PnP. This was great! Drove by the winery on Spring Mountain last week! Dark red color with dark, candied fruit on the nose. Classic Napa cab with nice terroir elements. Great depth and awesome texture. Another excellent Wine Spectator recommendation. — 2 months ago

with Brooke

Bob McDonald

9.5

I’ll just commence this tasting note to see if it is accepted. Dense Ruby in colour. Blackcurrant and tobacco notes - ripe blue and black fruits - luscious texture. Anytime I’ve had a Napa (or Washington State) Cabernet I have always been impressed - probably better than most good Aussie Cabernets (and more expensive). Has a good future but irresistible right now. Have the last bottle in a year or two. Interestingly reverse osmosis was used to reduce the alcohol. Now at 13.9%. — 3 days ago

Nathan Renfro

9.2

Less tannic and more fruit forward than what I would expect from a young Howell Mtn cab. Big red and black fruit, ripe, nice mouthfeel but the fruit is dominant. Pretty good deal though finding it at an HEB in Houston. — 17 days ago

Richard Adams

9.6

Excellent balance and precision. Not overpowering with secondary notes just opening. In a great spot. — 24 days ago

Alden Ridley

9.6

Very special 2000 Red blend from Spring Mountain, Napa served with a special Sunday dinner: Pasta a la Zozzona. Completely different wine in the first 30 minutes of drinking than it was after decanting for 30 minutes. Black Cherry, leather, tobacco. Soft round tannins and a LONG finish. But it’s really interesting, I’ve had wine aged half as long that showed its age 10x more than this wine. I feel like it could have aged even longer. — 16 days ago

Michael Amoruso

9.2

2013 vintage. Full body. Better with time in the glass. Balanced dark fruits. Hint of mint on finish. — 11 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2019 vintage. Light-medium body. The prettier side of dirty/earthy. 4.8.26. — 14 days ago

Michael Burke

10

Tasty - good for steak — 12 days ago