Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Most of the wines I open tell me a story w/ each sip. Most tied to my late wife Sofia. My memories of this producer precedes her.

This is a producer that flashed early in my wine journey. Generally, one you have moved on from today. That’s until, their 2013 is offered at $39 recently. A grand vintage. For me, I wanted to see the wineries progression and experience earlier memories that flood back w/ each sip. It has done that.

I have a Napa history infatuation. This one is kinda of a pleasure-pain thing. While I enjoyed this producer many years ago, the 2020 Glass Fires destroyed 90% of their vineyards, almost all their structures & their 19 & 20 vintages. I can’t express enough what a gut punch that is for its owners & staff. It is an insurance nightmare and let’s not forget that after all the time it takes to re-plant vines, it takes at least 7 years before you get useable fruit to make wine. So…a ten yr plus setback w/ nearly no revenue stream.

The wine tonight w/o a ribeye, showed excellent fruits that the 13 growing season brought. But what followed was a lean mid plate and finish. With the steak, not so.

The palate shows M+ velvety, dry tannins. Ripe, rich, lush, ruby fruits of: blackberries, black plum, baked plum, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, poached & fresh strawberries & an understated array of purple fruits. Moist, grey, volcanic clays, moist tobacco w/ ash, used leather, graphite, dry, crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, dry brush, dark cola, black licorice to anise, dry herbs-bay leaf, sage, dark, mid spice with some palate heat, sweet tarriness, dark, fresh, candied & withering red roses, lavender & dry violets, excellent acidity with a well balanced-knitted, nicely structured & tensioned, elegant finish that lasts minutes and long sets on dry earth & spice.

This is nice on its own but so much better with a ribeye. 92 on its own with a hour decant. 92-93+ with an hour decant plus a juicy, well seasoned MR ribeye. — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

I recently reviewed the 2016 Angels’ Share Shiraz, however the Gnarly Dudes packs a bigger punch. Deep and dark purple color with aromas of fresh blue/red fruits with spicy notes. The palate revealed rich ripe fruits, plum and blueberry with firm tannins and acidity to match. I noted some cacao, toasty oak, vanilla and black pepper on a lingering finish. If you open a bottle, give the wine a few minutes to let it approach it’s beauty. — 6 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2022 vintage. May eventually clamber up to a 9.3 rating but currently coming across as slightly lacking in terms of punch and verve as compared to the last handful of vintages. Let’s give it 8-10 years. 06.18.25. — a year ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2015 vintage. Light-medium body. Silky but with just enough punch. — 4 years ago

Andrew Mecoli

9.0

Lopez de Heredia rarely fails to impress, and this 2012 Cubillo is no exception. It packs a flavor punch, with herbal, earthy, and cherry notes. The oak is in check, and the bright acidity makes this a great alternative to the darker and more austere Tondonia reds. — 5 years ago

Adam Knoerzer

9.6

So intense, so brooding, so delicious. Black fruits, olives, pepper, and flowers all combine for a knockout punch. This can chill out for a few years. — 6 years ago

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.5

Deep Rich and Polished Nose. The substance is pure, fine and Elegant then comes a punch of Power towards the end.
Really nice buddy here.
94-96 — a year ago

Martin Mazner

8.9

very nice everyday cab from a reliable producer. Enjoyed much more on second day after much airing. Balanced with nice ripe berry flavors but missing the tannins punch. — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Aged in 50% new French oak for 4 months, then in stainless, pale lemon with aromas of tropical and stone fruits with blossom notes. On the palate vibrant flavors of apple, pear and lemon with a zesty punch and a nice touch of vanilla. Savory, long finish ending with mineral and biscuit notes. Very nice. Tasting Sample! — 6 years ago

Paul J

9.2

1hr decant. Lovely nose of earth and tar. Wine lacks depth and fruit, but does have some nice Bordeaux elements. There is even some teriyaki sauce, which I know is weird. Short finish. Wish this packed more of a punch! — 7 years ago

with Brooke