A good, solid California Cab but what’s all the fuss about? I’m seeing ratings of 98, 99, even 100 from JS. Really? No way. This is a clear case of praise crossing over into hype. Granted, still a bit young and not at its peak but after five years in the bottle and an hour of decanting it needs to be more than just fine if it wants to justify stratospheric scores. This wine compares unfavorably to Ridge Monte Bello, Stags Leap S.L.V. and other peers. It lacked sophistication and poise—where’s the promised minerality, graphite, cedar shavings, oak, leather, blackcurrant, cherry, and complex balance of fine grained tannins, fruit, acid and alcohol? Where? We chose this wine for a birthday dinner at Lawry’s Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. Not a disaster but a disappointment given our high expectations (and the high price).
— 3 days ago
Delicious wine. Went well with shepherds pie. — 5 days ago
Purple in color with a purplish rim.
Fruity nose with blueberries, black plums, stewed cherries, raisins, figs, light oak, licorice, spices, chocolates and peppercorn.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with black currants, plums, cherries, spices, light wood, peppercorn, dark chocolates and herbs.
Medium plus on the finish with soft tannins and tangy cherries.
This 3-year-old Zinfandel from Sonoma County is drinking very nicely now, and will continue to age nicely in the next few years.
Showing nice complexity with a soft mouth feel. Fruit forward and easy drinking. Rich, but not 'too much'.
The alcohol is not very noticeable at this point, although it is very high, so watch out.
I've had a few vintages of this wine and it is very consistent. I usually like it better with a little more age.
Wine Spectator 92 points.
A good everyday wine. Good by itself as a sipping wine, and will pair nicely with burger and fries.
A blend of 83% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 3% Alicante and 4% Mixed Reds.
15% alcohol by volume.
90 points.
$25. — 14 days ago
Opened several hours prior and decanted off sediment and a portion of the cork that had broke and crumbled before returning to the bottle. The 2007 “Howell Mountain” pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and very slight rim variation. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of dark fruit: black currants, blackberries, tobacco, leather, earth and gentle spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory. This is firing on all cylinders right now and the structure suggests the power of the 2007 vintage is not slowing down anytime soon. Drink now with a decant and through 2037 with ease. — 11 days ago
It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.
Dark ruby in color with a reddish rim.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with nice complexity.
Showing black and red fruits with tobacco, chocolates, coffee, cola, cedar, leather, vanilla, spices, earth and peppercorn.
Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.
This is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Complex, spicy and tangy. Rich and elegant.
Showing a great mouthfeel with good balance.
Needs 90 minutes of airtime to open up properly, so be patient.
I've had a few vintages of this wine, and it is very consistent, although not as good as their Estate Cabernet.
Will continue to age nicely in the next 15 years.
A nice sipping wine, good by itself or with food.
14.1% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$150. — 12 days ago
Anthony Cammarata Jr.
The 2001 Opus One is a masterful blend that truly embodies the elegance and structure of Napa Valley wines. The deep ruby color is immediately captivating, and the nose opens with rich aromas of black currant, dark cherries, and subtle hints of tobacco and cedar. On the palate, it delivers an impeccably balanced experience, with layers of ripe blackberry, plum, and a touch of dark chocolate, all interwoven with earthy undertones and a refined minerality. — 3 days ago