Mike Lev

9.2

rich with high structure. More tannins than expected, and delighted at that. long finish, juicy while showing restraint. Elegant. — 3 days ago

Eric LaMasters

9.5

This is really good! Black cherry, cocoa, and pipe tobacco notes with a big, luxurious mouthfeel. — a day ago

S.R.Alexander

9.5

Feet, barnyard, socks, wet hay, pepper and strong blackberry, meaty backbone. Blown away. Thanks @Eric S!! — 18 days ago

with Kim and Eric

Donald Williams

9.2

BBQ ribs, collard greens, coleslaw, and wasabi mashed potatoes. And Turley Rattlesnake Ridge Zin. A perfect Memorial Day dinner. — 9 days ago

with Bonnie

Ken Venezio

9.2

You can taste the dominant violets in this Cab. Loads of cherry and some mild blueberries, but the purples dominate. Lovely Howell Mtn Cab and another classic from Ladera. — 9 days ago

Delectable Wine

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9.5

Full ruby to the rim. Superripe, deep scents of cherry, mocha and gravel. As fine-grained and suave as the last two but enters the mouth with more obvious definition and mineral firmness, giving the middle palate more energy and thrust. Finishes with unmistakably powerful yet suave Howell Mountain tannins and outstanding slowly building length. Unlike the other two 2010s from Dana Estates, this very large-scaled wine really still needs a couple more years of patience. Good minerality and structure here, but still plenty of alcohol at 15.7%. Finishes with outstanding length and excellent lift. (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, May 2020)
— 7 days ago

"Odedi"

9.4

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Here is a beautiful one from Howell Mountain.

Dark ruby in color with a short brick rim.

Great nose of blueberries, black currants, chocolates, tobacco, cedar, leather, vanilla, licorice, spices, vinaigrette, earth and black pepper.

Full bodied in body with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, blueberries, black plums, vanilla, cedar, licorice, light cola, black tea and black pepper.

Long finish with soft tannins and raspberries.

This is a wonderful Merlot based Bordeaux Blend from Napa Valley.
Nicely balanced with a great mouthfeel and great complexity.

This 8 year old from the great 2012 vintage is drinking very nicely now. Tasty, smooth and easy drinking.

Good right out of the bottle and better as it opens up (30 minutes). Just delicious. I loved smelling on it for a long while.

Thank you Wendy for sharing this with me.

Wine Spectator 92 points.

I had it a couple of years ago, and it wasn't quite there. Blossoming now. Delicious and yummy.

I paired it with a charcuterie board of meats, cheeses and fresh berries.

A blend of 64% Merlot and 36% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes are grown at an elevation of 2,100 feet. Aged in (50% new) French oak barrels for 24 months. Less than 600 cases produced.

15.1% alcohol by volume.

94 points.

$125. — a month ago

Ron R

9.5

Daughter and son-in-law distancing in the house. Great times and great wine. Easy outstanding rating on every level. — 9 days ago

with Benny, James and 1 other

Peggy Hadley

9.3

@Ron R I knew that would get your attention. Lol. How’s NY? Are you working from home? — 12 days ago

with Katie, David and 2 others

Jid R

9.6

Color is a deep ruby, not seeing signs of aging in the color. Sediment is visible. Aromas are medium+, red currant, black berry, black cherry, black cherry jam, dark chocolate, vanilla, cloves, allspice earthiness, hints of tobacco, prune, and dried violets. Palate is balanced. Tannins are medium+ to high, fine, and matured. Acidity is high. Flavor intensity is medium+ and characteristics of concentrated black cherry, black cherry jam, currants, dark raspberries, vanilla, cloves, mulled spices, prunes, cocoa, Long finish that stays on the palate. Surprised at fruit intensity here vs tertiary development given the age. Overall excellent, could still go another 5+ years. Will pair nicely with a full bodied red meat meal. — a month ago