Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

1999 vintage. This review a bit of a mixed bag. “Inherited” this bottle and had been looking sideways at it for the better part of three years. Fill decent but both the front and back labels pretty trashed. The foil up top a tad crimped in places. Ugly duckling syndrome. See a ton of this at work and occasionally able to resuscitate what appears to be an abused bottle. Cut off the foil and there was some seepage at the top trapped between the cork and the foil. Not good. Extracted the cork in three passes (3!!!) with the Durand. Cork was half saturated and dunzo. Did not decant. Color was on point at least. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.1% ABV. Less than expected sed. Poured out a fifth of a glass and let sit for 2-3 mins. Nose was big white pepper, roasted cashews and white sage…three notes that I don’t come across often over the years with Napa cabbage and flavors were hidden beneath for a spell. Gave it 15 minutes. That initial nose dissipated and a bit of magic unfolded. Light-medium body, cocoa powder, graphite, feminine, sumptuous milk chocolate, a little sweaty, dried legumes, spearmint, supremely resolved tannins. Echoes of Haut-Brion/La Mission Haut-Brion. This old-school, Stags Leap District Napa cab came through in the clutch. Seemed to gather strength the longer it was open. Given that this particular bottle was not exactly mint, more than a bit curious as to how a decently stored example of this wine would perform. Van the Man was right. Wild night is calling. Come on out and dance. 05.16.25. @Shay A — 12 days ago

Austin Hohnke

9.0

Rich and smooth with nice balance at this age. Not worth it at $40, but stellar sub $20 on a close out. Well made oaked Sauv. Blanc. — 5 years ago

Rob Sternthal

9.4

Underrated by all accounts. Hartwell and Merlot. Drinking really well right now. Super texture and finish. — 5 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2017 vintage. Last tasted 01.22.25 (9.4). Said no then but said yes this time. $50 a bottle on two cases. Medium body with dark fruit and grip for days. Vineyard planted to the Hartwell (Grace) clone. Helluva deal with many/most of the Napa cabs previously in this price range having rocketed up to the $80-$100 range. Needs a decant/air time but is a ringer in a blind Napa cab tasting. Decided, old-school stylings. 04.02.25. — 2 months ago

Paul J

9.3

1hr+ decant. Red, maroon, prune color. Dark stewed fruit with some floral elements on the nose. Nose and flavor weren’t connected. Wine was pretty one dimensional with no real standout characteristics. Medium minus depth and finish. Not bad, had higher expectations. — 7 months ago

with Brooke

Rob Sternthal

9.2

Wanted to celebrate today’s Realm Release, but my inventory is just dwindling thanks to Coronalcoholism, so went with next best thing. This is such a great go-to wine. Full-bodied, great mouthfeel. Could drink this all the time. @Benoit Touquette is a sexy Mfer. — 5 years ago

Joe Flo

9.9

Realm is killing it. — 2 months ago

Chris K

9.6

Stellar. Could smell it across the table — 3 months ago

with Mary

Paul J

9.5

This was awesome! Dark red color. Baking spices dominate with black fruit. Medium plus depth and very refined. Loved it!! — 9 months ago

Mono Head

9.2

2010. Tasting with the 2014 Hartwell. This one is more herbaceous. Minerally backbone. Flavor is more complex but not as smooth and round. 9.2+ — 5 years ago