Hills Of California

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1998

David T
9.4

1998 not the best Napa Cabernet vintage. However, good producers still find their way through difficult vintages. Joseph Phelps is the rule rather than the exception.

This was poured out of magnum and drinking beautifully by their Hospitality Manger.

Nicely ripe, lush juicy fruits of blackberries, blackberries, both plums, some purple & blue fruits. Dash of spice & lead pencil, anise-black licorice, soft baking spices, caramel notes, some dark chocolate, fresh dark flowers, round acidity and a well balanced, softened structure & tension, elegant, nicely evolved finish that lasted a full minute.
— 9 days ago

Shay, Paul and 18 others liked this

Austin Hope

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Wow. Very subtle? Not.
As stated on the backside of the bottle, all the expressions of the region are in the bottle. Included the warmth. It's al lot of wine.
— 7 days ago

Martijn, Peter and 3 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2020

Wonderful wine. One of my favorite vineyards. This is always a high quality wine. This one is still young but getting its legs. Vibrant and fresh if not yet rounded out. There is complexity that will only build. The length is good now but I know will be significantly longer in near term. Cherry. Fig. Eucalyptus. Loved this wine. Looking forward to sampling the next few I have over ensuing decade. — 17 days ago

Shay, Joseph and 18 others liked this
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

When did you take delivery of this?
Vino Joe

Vino Joe Premium Badge

Sorry. Just saw this: ordered in Aug ‘23. Picked up Jan ‘24

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

David T
9.6

This was a nice pour out of 9L served up by their Winemaker, Trevor Durling. He and his team are a great group of people.

Really excellent evolution. Classic Private Reserve George Latour style. Fine, dark tarry tannins, dark cassis, wet clay, sandalwood, used tobacco, light herbaceous notes, understated lead pencil, some baking spices, dark spice, withering dark & red flowers, excellent round acidity, balance for days, soft structure & tension and an elegant, round, plush, velvety finish that close to two-minutes.
— 9 days ago

Shay, Ira and 16 others liked this

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

At our second special Caymus dinner on Sky Princess serving this wine. I’ve had lots of Caymus wines over the years. This is in line with the brand, but not what I remember from the wines from the late 70’s. As the price increased, I lost interest. It’s ok, but I feel there are better wines at the price point for the Cabernet Sauvignon. — 10 days ago

Merry Edwards

Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Incredible aging in bottle. Like a pineapple cake but not sweet of course. Just so much more intensity of the tropical notes it has when young. — 16 days ago

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

David T
9.2

Had to try it. Used to love their work prior to 2012. After that, their style changed to picking at higher brix levels thus creating a much sweeter profile. SS was one I’d hoped they’d left alone and they did not. Not quite as sweet as their regular Cabernet but sweeter than before. I made the pitch to the property to make Caymus Classic along side their new sweeter style wines. The 94 Special Selection was one of their best. — 11 days ago

Ming, Tom and 6 others liked this

Quintessa

Rutherford Red Blend 2013

David T
9.4

13 from magnum. Been awhile since I’ve had this producer. Still solid but not one I buy.

Some of the tasty treats at opening night Pebble Beach Food & Wine.
— 11 days ago

Andrew, Shay and 9 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2014

Beautiful notes of berry, cedar, and tobacco. — 3 days ago

Caitlin Wells
with Caitlin

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001

#AgedWineTuesday

This is a fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Napa Valley.

Dark ruby in color with a brick rim.

Full bodied and smooth.

Dry and fruity on the palate with medium acidity.

Showing blackberries, black currants, plums, cooked cherries, cedar, leather, vanilla, licorice, spices, chocolates, tobacco, herbs, earth, light vegetables, coffee and black pepper.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 23 year old is elegant and powerful. Rich and extracted, with a nice mouthfeel.

Good by itself as a sipping wine. Well balanced with great complexity. I just love these Napa Bordeaux blends.

Robert Parker 98 points. Wine Enthusiasts 94 points.

A great quality wine that will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.

A blend of of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot.

14.1% alcohol by volume.

96 points.

$400.
— a month ago

Stephen, Bob and 25 others liked this
Stephen Redenbaugh

Stephen Redenbaugh Premium Badge

Brilliant owner, wine, vineyard, and wine-making…these wines age so gracefully.
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Wow! Cheers!!