Jay Kline

9.1

This bottle was opened several hours prior to service and enjoyed over the course of four days. Best on Day 4. The 2022 Peterson Family Vineyard pours, an inky purple color with an opaque core, moving towards a magenta rim; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of black cherry, black plum, lavender pastels, smoked meat, dry earth, Madagascar vanilla and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and silky. The alcohol is high…but remarkably in balance. Still, this is an enormous wine and while it’s really well made, it’s something I wouldn’t be able to drink often. Drink now through 2042. — a year ago

David Kline

9.2

Dark rye toast, blackest of currant, raisin and dried plum complement a nose of toasted sesame and maduro tobacco. Palate shows grill char, burnt brittle, toffee and resin knit into a rich and comforting blanket of espresso, bakers chocolate, black and red currant, blackberry, violet extract, cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla. At once a treat and a depth charge!

#cainfive #springmountain #napavalley #bordeauxblend #redblend #springmountaindistrict #estategrown #estatebottled #cainvineyardandwinery #sthelena — 4 years ago

Marc Ouellette

9.6

This young Tempranillo comes with several gentle fragrances of plum, cherry and a hint of strawberry. On the palet- a lingering strawberry licorice, Madagascar cinnamon and rustic spices. A forward boldness and yet a refined smoothness enhances the “bite” followed by a beautiful symphony of ripe tannins. A delicious wine paired with a variety of creamy cheeses, pepperoni, apple and roasted pepper and artichoke bruschetta!! — 5 years ago

Bree Falcon

9.0

The 2015 Insignia is densely hued with rich dark fruit, cocoa powder and fragrant dried flower notes. Velvety texture and weight on the palate with layers of juicy black plum, Madagascar vanilla and bergamot. Bold, creamy and supple with integrated tannin structure and a lengthy finish. — 7 years ago

Ebbe Bonde Soerensen

9.3

Decanted for 30 min, very dark color almost black, oozing of Syrah, dark berries, smoke, some barnyard(which blew away), taste very Big and pure velvet, wow a blockbuster, needs more time🇫🇷 Had it New Years Eve with Madagascar pepper Tournedos in creamy sauce a winner🙏🤩 — 8 years ago

Eric AE Decombe

9.8

A good malagsy rhum. — 9 years ago

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

9.6

From magnum. The velvety tannins are to die for here, and while rich and concentrated, it also provides sincerity and elegance. Ripe red berries, pan fried herbs, Madagascar vanilla and blackberries are framed by juicy acidity and tannins; but not just any tannins... the silkiest tannins ever invented? Glorious. — 9 years ago

with Johan

Jay Kline

9.1

Initially popped and poured a small glass but it seemed all knees and elbows so I grabbed a decanter which made a significant difference. The 2016 pours a deep ruby color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with ripe and some bruised red and black fruits: Bing cherry, dark chocolate, black plum, salmiakki, purple flowers, new leather, espresso, a touch of Madagascar vanilla, and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, savory and absolutely decadent like a fine chocolate covered cherry. It’s also quite powerful but remarkably balanced despite the high alcohol (15%). However, it’s unquestionably Right Bank. Hard to imagine a more impressive wine from Côtes de Bourg. Drink now with a 30min decant and enjoy through 2036+? — a year ago

Gor

9.4

Gorgeous nose of blueberry compote, musk, violets, fig jam, Madagascar vanilla, hint of Rosemary, cedar and even smoked meat. The mid palate is mouth coating with an incredible backbone of salinity that complements the fruit upfront. This leads to a long finish that still has the acidity that keeps things fresh. Drink now. — 5 years ago

Marc Ouellette

9.4

Starts with fragrant Austrian cherries 🍒 and hint of Madagascar vanilla to boot! A light to medium body along with a refined sweetness at the end. Supple, ripe and a detectable wine to share with those you love most! — 6 years ago

David Kline

9.6

Immaculate aromas of rich tobacco, raspberry reduction and purest blackberry with sweet cedar and Madagascar vanilla, with violets, roses, and mint. Black currant, blackberry, graphite, concentrated forest notes of pinecone, bramble, baker’s chocolate, licorice, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, cedar, Jamaican tobaccos, dried violets, Roobios, and iron minerality. #chateauhauteserre #icone #cahors #frenchwinescholar #frenchred #malbec #swfrance — 8 years ago

Michael Mallon

9.0

Decadent, different, delicious. Madagascar vanilla, mocha, white chocolate, raisins, orange peel, dried herbs. Unctuous as others have mentioned but not distractingly so. — 8 years ago

Paula Strebig

8.9

This light bodied Syrah Rose is a beautiful "cranberry red" color. Subtle, light notes of Madagascar vanilla on the nose. Understated cherry & hints of something that is reminiscent of baked goods - maybe honey. We certainly enjoyed this while tasting in the Deerfield wine cave - brings back memories. We need to drink more roses for educational purposes. (Marinated flank steak on the grill, with asparagus & zucchini) — 9 years ago

with Tim

Christine Havens

9.4

Another heavy hitter from a lineup spanning four decades of Napa Cabs. The 2013 Robert Mondavi To Kalon Vineyard Reserve Cabernet is still quite primary. It's opaque, with a bold magenta rim. Structurally, more opulent than its predecessors in this tasting—the core furnished with juicy black fruit, ripe, glossy tannins and a hint of how it will evolve—a palate pleasing melange of anise, mocha, Madagascar vanilla, black pepper, and savory tones. There is more everything packed into it, like an overcrowded suitcase, something this writer knows about. — 9 years ago

Marc Ouellette

9.6

This Cabernet begins with a glistening dark amethyst color followed by a bouquet of sweet cigar, clove, ripe blackberry, and a pinch of Madagascar vanilla. On the palette, blackberry, jammed plum, French oak and tobacco…a full bodied wine with an exceptional finish that continues to linger until the next sip! — 2 years ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.5

Yes. Substantial and creamy. Musky floral perfume, pure pineapple fruit, spice bazaar, saddle leather, madagascar vanilla, buttercream, well integrated oak. Exotic, yet dry, structured and crisp, in a way. Harmonic. Fantastic stuff. — 4 years ago

Eric Guido

9.2

Hitting the spot after a long day of tasting Rose. The 2012 Vacqueyras is in a bueatifully place today and reminds me quite a bit of the 2011 CdR from Chateau des Tours, which happens to be on my short list of dessert island wines. A bouquet that mixes rhubarb pie, crushed strawberries and mint with hints of Madagascar vanilla and smoke. It's just pure juicy pleasure on the palate, sweet yet focused and balanced, and just goes on and on through the spicy, candied orange-tinged finale. Don't overthink this, just enjoy with abandon. — 5 years ago

Joe Lucca

9.5

Insanely young, however just needed to try this. Double decanted, but still pretty much an impenetrable fortress. The nose is completely intoxicating; molasses, caramelized brown sugar, fresh Madagascar vanilla bean. The palate explodes with black and purple fruits; black plum, cassis, Christmas spice cake, blackberry tart, crushed allspice, deep mineral rich soil, field stones. Finishes with awesome structure. Bury this in the cellar for at least 5 years, more like 10. — 7 years ago

with Diana

David Kline

9.1

Micro-mousse with pixilated lace. Nearly black, brown and opaque. Chicory coffee, near-burnt and boasting mesquite, cedar and extracted vanilla. Bitter entry softens to darkest rye. Burnt s’mores, intensely creamy, tobacco-leaf sweetness, Madagascar vanilla bean, oak tannin, burnt Boston baked bean. Throughout there is a bitter chocolate core and an over cooked-coffee, but it is not unpleasant, but a pleasant contrast to the striking creaminess. #thirstydog #imperialstout #stout #beer #dank #beerbeerbeer #abv — 9 years ago

with Courtney

Garret Nagle

9.5

Black tea, marzipan, Madagascar vanilla, suede leather, butterscotch, turbinado syrup. maintains an oiliness and weight on the palate without any ethyl alcohol burn. For many the archetype of single barrels. — 9 years ago