Shafer
Anakota
Helena Montana Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Nose: raspberry, blackberry, cassis (?), dust. Subtle herbs, the kind you’d find in some kind of health food herbal tea for what ails you. A little leather.
Taste: absolutely delicious. Weighty, tastes as it smells, but bigger and juicier more red fruit than the nose - yet very balanced, with lots of mineral flavors besides. Not as complex as the very best I’ve had, but extremely tasty. A little more toasty coffee on the palate as you sip it. I may like this better than the Shafer I had recently. 94.
— 2 years ago
Dominus Estate
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1990
Not what I was hoping for,
Gave it some air but not too much so that we didn’t lose the sweet spot. Didn’t touch the Shafer until this was finished. Just a typical older Bordeaux blend from Napa but very ordinary considering the price point. Secondary market purchase so who knows prior storage. — a year ago
I’m 1 for 2 so far
BV later today or tomorrow
Shafer Vineyards
Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2014
An excellent Chardonnay. Rich, fruity and a touch of oaky flavor. — 5 months ago
Bob McDonald
Rich, buttery and luscious. Barrel fermented. Oak is there but the right amount to balance the ripe fruit. Definitely a full bodied opulent Chardonnay - stone fruit and cashew. Low in acid. I think Jancis’s drinking window of 2021-2025 is about right. I wouldn’t want to be drinking this in 2028 or later. — 3 days ago