Always a solid Sonoma cab. Some anise and dark fruit, dark chocolate and anise. Slight bit of dill and vanilla. Drinks young, this could go for a bit longer. Good strong tannins but smooth enough to balance my prime rib. — 9 months ago
With some decent chill, very nice. Perfect NYE pairing with prime rib (as you can see in the background). For a riper and less “traditional” year, this is quite nice. Only 13% abv which is appreciated. Very typical dark fruit, earth, leather, don’t get much of the graphite. Very nice seamlessness and acid on the finish. — 2 years ago
Perfect with prime rib — 3 years ago
Popped and poured from a magnum; no formal notes. This is probably the third or fourth time I’ve had the 2014 Caravina and while it’s still quite primary, this is the best showing yet. Bright red and black fruits with tobacco, a whiff of bell pepper and some baking spices. Firm structure with grippy tannins. The acid is elevated but welcome, particularly since it helped to slice through the fat of the prime rib. Finish is long and satisfying. Drink now and through 2034. — a year ago
This wine poured a dark blood to brick red. It had flavors of cedar, dried fruit, earth, and may be a little bit of graphite. It was very smooth and balanced. It had quite light tannins but some nice acidity. I do not have a lot of experience with Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but this was a very good example. It was nice to try an old world GSM blend, and compare it to American versions. It was certainly less fruity and more earthy. It went perfectly with the prime rib we cooked for Christmas Eve dinner. Many thanks to good friend Mike P. For this gift. — 2 years ago
2005 Wine Spectator wine of the year.
1 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A thrilling dark garnet with some bricking. Nose: beautiful aromatic notes with cherry, old leather, wet earth, floral, licorice. Taste: velvety smooth, creamy, balanced wine with dark berries, cedar, licorice, spice, espresso, dark chocolate, and a nice satin long finish. YUM! Just gonna sit back and enjoy the ride tonight. Paired with a Christmas prime rib roast dinner. Cheers! — 6 months ago
Way too young. Still pretty tough after a 5-6 he decant. There’s is a lot of structure here and the dark roasted fruit plays well with the other aromas / flavors like charcoal, pencil lead, and soil. Not my go-to style of wine, but decent with prime rib. — 3 years ago
Henry Fuseler
2/2024. Nice bold cad full of flavor. Good fruit. Paired well with the prime rib at Hall’s Chophouse. — 4 months ago