Tom Casagrande

9.2

A nice fully mature Zin, though it certainly will last longer. Almost no sediment, so pooped and poured. The pungent tree bark and cracked Tellichery black pepper I associate with this property are there, but not as prominent as the younger bottles Ive drunk. Some mountain blackberry fruit too. On the palate, it’s rich but pretty zesty on the tongue. The acids and some still present tannins account for that. Lingering dark fruit, bone dry, savory notes in the back half of the palate. Really nice balance for such a big wine. Only 14.5% alcohol, low for an old vine Zin. — 20 days ago

Dave

9.5

I love this wine; I put it up against any of my Napa faves. The cork on this bottle was dried out, but we survived. Great, sublime purple fruit. It's blueberry pie, plum and blackberry, with lively tannins. Well balanced and will probably peak in 3 years. Will see if I have the patience to wait on my last bottle.
Listening to Fountains of Wayne and reminiscing about the amazing performance they put on last night 😍 — a year ago

Nathan Renfro

9.5

Better than my last bottle. Really drank well tonight with big fruit and a solid structure. — 4 years ago

romo

9.3

A wee dram for the last night at the Hawaii house. So many great bottles shared over ten years, recorded by the bowl of corks seen in the photo. I hope the new owner doesn’t drink Napa cab here after I’m gone.. — 6 years ago

Sarah Milsow-Guenther

9.4

This one has held up beautifully. Went very well with our steak dinner last night. — 6 years ago

Paul K

9.5

At peak! Last time I had this wine was 4-5 years ago. It was great then, outstanding now. — 7 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

1979 vintage. Last tasted 12.10.25 (9.4), 8.15.25 (9.4) and 7.15.25 (9.4). Suck it, Trebek. 10.9.26. — 6 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. — 7 months ago

with Brooke

Nishith Jobanputra

9.2

Whoa. It’s been years since my last Schweiger taste….fantastic. Time has been good for this bottle. Big, jammy, well-rounded tannins. — a year ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.5

A top flight of Cimarossa while visiting the winery last month, all were great but the 2018 Rian really struck me. Purity, elegance, structure, allied with density, complexity and length. Black currants, blackberry, cherry, graphite, and spice. I have been a long time admirer of their wines, especially the best ever from outside Italy nebbiolo they make called Foglet. Mia Klein makes these beauties and you can't get them anywhere except from the winery. — 4 years ago

Willie Carter

9.1

Big, dark, and sexy. Impenetrably dark in the glass with a wide brim and just a touch of lavender highlights. The nose explodes with blackberry cobbler and ripe raspberries. Fresh brewed coffee and a touch of cinnamon compliment. The oak and vanilla come in late to show off.

I know I know, this is far too young to drink now. This is obviously better suited to drink 8-10 years from now but that’s clearly not what I chose. Still highly impressive after getting plenty of air, the backbone of a special wine is evident. Dense and bold, it’s high octane and powerful with a ton of intensity. As big and bold as it is, it never sacrifices the innate prettiness of the overall package.

Big and round on the palate, that beautiful mountain acidity absolutely shines here. More blue and black fruits, oak, and vanilla are showcased. Dark and lusty in the mouth, this is built to last. Cellar these, they’re not ready but when they are it’ll be fantastic. — 6 years ago

Richard Adams

9.4

One of my last ‘07s bought on release. Still a favorite all time Napa vintage. Great concentration and depth. — 6 years ago

David Kline

9.0

Pretty rye with elegance and s finesse finish. Medium bodied and very floral overall, with a range of blooms from lily to rose to orchid to violet and cherry blossom. Very lean and racy, with a dancer’s spirit, flowing effortlessly for a rye of this age. Lacks the signature spice expected, but has a fine tobacco sweetness throughout and a dark raisin streak. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Haven’t had a 2000 Napa is some time. Many would say a disappointing vintage. They would be mostly correct. But here is one 24 yrs later in bottle that shined a bit.

It showed excellent integration and evolution. Holding up exceptionally well. Really enjoyed its smooth dark spice on its long finish.

I think $29 on one of the more recent Last Bottle Marathons. — 3 months ago

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%. — 6 months ago

Nathan Renfro

9.4

Always good, unfortunately my last bottle. 9 years ago I first tasted this wine, and it was one of the first bottles of wine I had ever had where I went wow, this is good wine. And here we are today… — 3 years ago

Shengli Hu

8.9

Since 2020 wild yeast fermentation with at least 20% whole cluster (layering in fermenter). They’ve been using whole cluster since 2010 hovering around 10-15% gradually increasing. 1992-1995 vintages not destemmed completely either. Sweet cola nut, cranberry, red juicy cherry, sweet baking spices. High acidity, medium soft tannins. 2018 meatier and weightier locking in at 13.6%. In 2020 they separated the native yeast vs non native yeast ferments. According to Tim, native yeast led to better alcohol conversion, richer wine at same alcohol compared to without.

Precious old vines and newly replanted vines. Completely dry farmed no drip lines at all! Some of which are suffering from Pierce’s disease and leafroll virus.

I was told back in 2016 Kelli White and her husband had a deal with John and Nancy to lease their vineyards but they backed off at the last minute… I for one memorized every little detail about School House from Kelli’s tome Napa Valley Then and Now
— 4 years ago

Eric

9.4

Just a good old fashioned kick ass bottle of wine. Amazing 👃 of wildflowers and blueberries. Great evolution from pop and pour to the last glass where the tannins were fully resolved. A gift from Santa @S.R.Alexander. Thanks Siddy! — 6 years ago

Byron Hewett

9.2

8 yo and kicking butt! Lovely flavors of grapefruit. Austere, but not if that makes sense. Mountain herbs. This will hold for several more years. This is one of my favorite white wines. Last bottle 😔. — 6 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.4

Last time I opened one of these was back in 2012....what a difference six years has made! This wine has come to full maturity. Drinking at the very top and showing everything it has. Dark black mulberry, balckberry, figs and sweet roasted plums. Middle goes dark and gritty. Espresso bean, while still retaining an overt sweetness. the finish of this has great balance, nice acidity, resolving tannin, roasted black fruits and black pepper. Dang. Happy 4th of July everyone! — 7 years ago