The Full Dozen

Stags' Leap Winery

Napa Valley Petite Sirah 2020

Expected inky purple-black color in glass. Opens up earnestly after uncorking and a few days in the wine fridge. Blackberry and plummy fruit on the nose, drinks the same with dialed-back acidity and soft tannins on the finish. While it’s not a full-on #napavalley fruit bomb, it’s wanting for complexity - too one-dimensional for my taste. — 15 days ago

"Odedi" liked this

Mollydooker Wines

The Boxer Shiraz

Need to sit a minute. Full bodied. Nice fruit flavor, very smooth finish — 4 months ago

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2003

After 20 years, it still took extensive decanting to soften the initially gripping tannins. Once it did, beautiful dark fruits came through. Black currants, stewed prunes, delicious and full on the palate. Outstanding. Paired well with Brie and beef chow fun!!  — 6 months ago

Thomas liked this

Penfolds

Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Shiraz 2008

Cassis and oak - the latter quite noticeable. From a ripe year where the fruit should be apparent but at the moment the oak dominates - mocha notes, but then again still has a huge future. Amazing what a solid core of self contained full body this has for 16 years of age, but still of profound intensity - dark chocolate and black currant. Will go on for literally decades - only have 2 left. Penfolds “Rewards of Patience “ say through to 2050! That is not as crazy as it sounds. This wine is close to immortal Next one in 10 years. — 3 months ago

Scott@Mister, Anthony and 25 others liked this

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2002

I love this vintage now. Cedar, camphor and pine as well as dry roses and pot pourri. Long finish full of elegance. The marker of Pauillac for me is blood sausage/iron/cured meat and here it was just exploding. Great bottle, classic, perfect for a blind tasting. — 5 months ago

Joel Gott Wines

815 California Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

A great alternative to Josh. Not too dry. Not too full. It’s Goldilocks. — 6 months ago

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Same review of the past dozen I have had. — 4 months ago

jesus and Daniel liked this

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 2015

Smooth but full bodied and complex Dark fruit delicious — 4 months ago

Steve, jesus and 4 others liked this

Orin Swift

Papillon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2021

Traditional Bordeaux style blend. Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of blackberry jam, violets and toasted bread. Palate is full of jammy black currant/berry flavors with additional notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, blueberry, graphite and baking spices. Full bodied and juicy. Not overly complex but very well made. A bit more bottle age is necessary for the wine to calm down a bit. Thanks for sharing, Ron B! — 5 months ago

Austin, Paul and 2 others liked this

Bodega Catena Zapata

High Mountain Vines Mendoza Malbec 2019

Really good Malbec, still some tannic strength, but complex and full bodied, with some dried dark cherries and cocoa or tobacco. Lingers really well — 6 months ago

Rivka FriedmanNavin Nayak
with Rivka and Navin