John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.1

Most elegant NDA we’ve had. — a month ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.2

This is an NDA wine from Wine Access that supposedly scores 100 from someone. So listen, I was highly critical first pass on this a couple of months ago-- mostly I found it overdone-- wood, sugar, the works. But this baby has to improved drastically in only a couple of months! It's clearly high quality fruit. Still lots of vanilla on the nose and palate, but it is subsiding. — 4 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.3

From the folks who brought you (in label order from top to bottom) Anamoly and Zeitgeist, Hyde de Villaine and Long Meadow Ranch, Terra Valentine, Massican and Larkmead, Hobel and Milton Road Trading Co., lead by a Master Sommelier employed by Dana Estates, previously with Harlan, Bond, and Promontory, and the sell side being handled by a VP of marketing from Michael Mondavi's Folio.

The stated goal was to create the best pound for pound Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa (highest QPR). The band pooled resources and pulled favors, sourcing the grapes from "one of 'those' vineyards" that cannot be named due to a NDA. 18 months in 1-year old French oak. 15% Merlot and 2% Cab Franc round the balance of Cabernet Sauvignon.

I knew going in this would not be an over extracted fruit bomb, but upon opening I had my concerns that this might be too far in the opposite direction. Fortunately, after 30-45 minutes, it started adding weight like a prize fighter after weigh-in. Acacia flowers, melted licorice, black fruit, with plenty on mineral laced, satiny tannin. Give this an hour, wait for your second glass, and it will envelop you. 93+

And for the record, my guess is they sourced the grapes from a Spring Mountain vineyard. — 9 years ago

Turd Ferguson

9.2

K&L NDA label. Newly bottled 2024, RRV fruit from two westerly sites. Best on day 3. Excellent for $23. Case buy. Wine market is fucked, I can’t keep up with the deals. — 3 months ago

Carlo P

9.0

Graphite, dried figs, red fruit, balanced, less body than traditional NdA. A great proof of concept — 6 years ago

Adriana Fabbro

8.9

Rustic and chaotic. Dark, intriguing and satisfying. Some good funk and black fruit on then nose. Tart boysenberry from the Frappato upfront. Some bass notes from the NDA with a waifier than expected body. A chalky baking-spice, limestone-laced finish. Doesn't seem to follow any decipherable arc though like a story made up of wonderful vignettes that don't fully gel, but you don't care and enjoy it anyway. — 8 years ago

Meghan C

9.4

Wine Access NDA purchase. First enjoyed July 21, 2024. — a year ago

Michael Ardolino

9.1

Way more raisins and port than expected from a NDA, so good! — 6 years ago

Marc Stubblefield

Wine Sales at Vino Carta and Kogod Wine Merchant

9.2

So much NdA is just soft and fruity and quaffable, but not so interesting. This, OTOH, has a depth and complexity that compels additional focus. Elevated acidy and no lack of tannin allow all the beautiful fruit and earth notes top find their own space within the structure. Best NdA I've had in ages. — 8 years ago

Alberto Chinali

8.9

Nice NdA, with a very typical nose. Slightly heavy on the alcohol, very pleasant and long lasting finish of black cherries and earth — 11 years ago