Austin Blackwell

9.4

Several layers of cherry and black cherry complimented by cedar and a hint of smoke. Medium to full tannins for a Pinot and not too rich like some Sonoma Pinots can be. Delicious. — 2 months ago

with Angelina

Bob McDonald

9.1

See previous Delectable notes. Light to medium crimson in colour - a tawny rim developing. Aromas of Sous Bois, compost heap and stewed fruits. As I said in a previous note “sinewy “. Savoury red fruits and earthy. Judd vineyard seems to be the pick of the individual Pinot Noir Cuvées at Ten Minutes by Tractor. — 6 months ago

Colleen

9.0

Easy to drink. Not too dry. — a year ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; consumed over two days with little way in evolution. Cork pulled perfectly. The 2013 Caravina pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core and some very fine sediment. Medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is intense…redolent with black fruit, black currants, blackberries, some black cherry, black plum, tobacco leaf, eucalyptus, espresso, some green bell pepper, iron rich tilled earth, purple flowers, vanilla and baking spice. On the palate, the wine is very dry with medium++ tannins and medium+ acid. The tannins are integrating well but remain very firm. The black fruits dominate on the palate coming across tart and fresh in the most becoming way. Dark chocolate, earth, tobacco, vanilla and baking spices are there too. The finish is super long and incredibly satisfying. This wine has such a dark and sexy streak to it. It’s like, the Portishead of wines. It’s drinking very well right now and should continue to do so for at least another ten years. One of my favorite vintages of Caravina to date. — 3 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2020 vintage. Last tasted 7.7.24 (9.3) and 3.15.24 (9.2). Medium-heavy body. Previously hesitant and reticent tannins beginning to creep into the finish right off the bat. Starts off fairly fruity, then tapers that down a bit at the end. Harmonious and über-pleasant. PNP now, double park it for a ten-spot or investigate somewhere in between. Consider the invitation proffered. Haut-Médoc doesn't move the needle at work (wish it did) but always more than happy to crush this Bordeaux bestie off premise. Consistent catch-all producer with "that's all?!" pricing. 12.03.24. — a month ago

Gor

9.3

Wonderfully balanced but mature. Wine from our wedding ten years ago. Getting close to its peak now. Strawberries, black cherries; Provence herbs, hint of leather on the nose. Fruit is starting to reach peak expression. Long finish. — a year ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.4

A wine that captures the history of the Malbec grape’s journey to Argentina and this historic producer. Dark purple/black color. Intense aromas and flavors of black currant, blackberries, ripe blueberries, dark chocolate, baking spices, tobacco, dried purple flowers and minerals. Salty blueberry note on the finish. Rich and intense but not cloying and heavy. Even at its young age, quite soft and easy drinking. Stunning! Thanking Alex L. For bringing this outstanding bottle. — 2 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

I would invite you to find a bottle like this older & well stored 03, “The Sisters. “I would enjoy tasting this blind w/ Napa Cult wines & lovers. Then, watch their eyes open wide when I pulled off the brown bag. Many would call Colgin, Scarecrow, Harlan, Bond & the like etc.. I recently paid $50 for this 2003 at auction. That includes tax & auction fees. For vintage, they would call 10, 13 or 14. This is still youthful. Beautiful M+ somewhat rounded tannins, fruit buffet w/ dark pronounced spice. This has ten years plus left.

The palate is round, plush, phat fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries, strawberries, purple fruits with blueberries. Dark, well pronounced spice, soft baking spices, sweet graphite, soft, fresh, tobacco notes, used leather warm, gray clay, river-stone, mocha, caramel notes, dry crushed rock, limestone marl, some dry top soil, dark, purple red fresh & withering florals, excellent, round acidity and a well made, balanced, beautifully structured and elegant finish that lasts minutes falling on elegant earth & spice.

TRB made wine. Stunning!!!! — 4 months ago

Bruce Dunbar

9.3

The anticipation and patience displayed holding this for 10 years was amply rewarded. Clear, brick-ish color, tight nose that eventually opened to loads of red fruit, Burgundy like in its combination of lushness and reserve. Subtle and layered even after all these years. — 9 months ago

John W

9.4

Dark ruby coloration. Some translucency- classic Pinot appearance. On the nose, cherry, dark berry, plum, forest floor, earth, and minerals. On the palate, cherry, plum, dark berry, cola, fruit forward. Jammy. Nice medium to full body with velvety mouthfeel. Nicely balanced tannins and longish finish. — a year ago