Donald Williams

9.3

Aged nicely — 15 days ago

with Bonnie

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I used to drink this producer in the late 90’s & early 2000’s. I’ve been revisiting older vintages based on recent price points. I think they sold a bunch of their cellar for revenue. It is out of need after the Glass Fires. They were somewhat consumed by it. The winery & part of their vineyards. Unfortunate!!!

Decanted an hour and enjoyed over 2-3 hours.

I was further inspired to acquire the 2006 by @Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego who posted more than respectful thoughts of the 2006 not long ago. So, I acquired some winery stored bottles at $39. A more than fair price point. The cork had a millimeter or less along its side. The bottle neck showed trapped tannins. Extremely solid.

The nose is inviting. Slightly smoky & nicely ripe; dark core of blackberries, dark cherries, poached/baked strawberries, plum, blueberries and pomegranate. Slate, gentle, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, mid & light berry cola/licorice-red vines, soft dry tobacco, used leather, very soft graphite, graceful herbaceous notes, whiff with black & white pepper, dark, rich soils, mix of limestone/sandstone, red florals/roses, dark florals and purple lily blossoms.

The entry is elegant, ripe, slightly rich with nothing bitty. Medium, softened, mushy tannins. It shows nearly perfect elegance at or just and I mean just the other side of its peak. Ripe; dark core of blackberries, dark cherries, poached/baked strawberries, plum, blueberries, raspberries and pomegranate hues. Slate, gentle, sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, mid & light berry cola, soft dry, used tobacco w/ ash, used leather, graphite, herbaceous notes, stem inclusion, some black & white pepper, dark spice box with mid intensity palate heat, layered baking spices-nutmeg, clove, cinnamon & understated vanillin, dark chocolate, caramel, steeped teas, moist to dry volcanic clays, rich, dark, almost sweet soils, mix of limestone/sandstone, red florals/roses, dark florals and purple lily blossoms, very nice acidity, evolved, well-knitted, balanced, structured, tensioned, elegant finish that lasts nearly two-minutes and long sets on spice and beautiful earthiness. This will drink nicely for another 5+ yrs.

A good revisit and perhaps the most elegant Cain Five I’ve had.

Photos of; the Cain Five vineyards, Chris Howell-Winemaker, pressed grapes and the somewhat unglamorous cleaning out of stainless steel tanks after initial fermentation. — 2 months ago

Amanda Drazka

9.0

This Malbec dominant Bordeaux blend from Mendoza, Argentina offers a full body with notes of black pepper, plum, and blackberry. It has smooth, developed tannins with a medium finish. This wine paired beautifully with steak. — 3 months ago

Charlie Frago

9.0

Overall nice red blend. Well balanced, moderate fruit. Enjoyed — 4 months ago

Ming L

9.0

Drinking alongside the Sliver, the ‘21 Chalk Hill comes across as richer and more extracted, offering dense layers of blackcurrant, blackberry paste, dark chocolate, and roasted herbs. The palate is deep and mouth-coating, showing ample oak sweetness and firm tannins, but the concentration slightly outweighs its sense of balance. Power and ripeness dominate, giving a bold, muscular Bordeaux style expression. — 5 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Been a bit since my last but still do not think much of the style of their Cabernet. Especially, given its price point.

2022 Napa Cabernet’s more than less boil down to when did you harvest, before or after the 10 days of intense heat during the harvest window.

2026 Taste of Oakvile — 3 days ago

Keri Gawlik

9.0

Meaty (charcuterie) savory notes like olive, good acidity — 2 months ago

Carter White

9.0

Red fruit, green, polished, balanced. — 2 months ago

Brian S

9.2

For the price this is hard to beat. — 3 months ago

Bill Mowry

9.0

Majority Cabernet Sauvignon (89%) with the balance consisting of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. Blueberry and black currant. — 3 months ago

with Amelia and Cristian

Irina Georgieva

9.4

Fruity and well-balanced — 5 months ago

Chad Powell

9.6

Highly rated for a reason. It’s quite good. — 5 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2019 vintage. Sweeter than the last few vintages. 6.17.26. — 2 days ago

Paul J

9.4

PnP. Deep, dark fruit. Dark cherries and blackberries. Exceeded expectations. Massive depth. Really enjoyed! — 22 days ago

with Brooke

Michael Burke

10

Tasty - good for steak — 2 months ago

Andy@andyberke.com

9.2

A real favorite. What a value — 2 months ago

Tom Garland

9.5

1 hour decant(lots of sediment). A gorgeous purplish garnet color. On the nose: Intoxicating musky notes of dark fruit, potting soil, worn leather, truffles, stewed meat, slight menthol. Taste: velvety, seamless, balanced, intense wine with dark fruit, cassis, earth, tobacco, mineral, herbs, and a chocolate graphite long never-ending finish. YUM! This wine has aged gracefully and has more gas in the tank. Enjoy. — 3 months ago

with Brenda

Steve Mitchell

9.4

Nice Cabernet to sip with a filet and grilled potatoes. Medium tannins, full bodied and very nice finish.
— 4 months ago

Kate Parkerson

9.3

Nice easy Malbec. Had with Sarah with pizza — 5 months ago

Jason Phillips

9.4

Complex and pleasant nose, not too fruity. Balanced tannins with hints of blackberry, plum, black cherry, spices, oak, and black pepper. Bold and smooth. Dry finish. — 5 months ago