Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

This is a producer that should be more revered than it is. His 90’s were amongst my favorite Napa Cabernets. Especially, the 94, which is exceptional and I’ve had on 3-4 occasions.

2007 is a grand vintage but this one needs more cellaring. It is still in its adolescence. I would like to try this in another 8-10 yrs. Don’t get me wrong, this drinks nicely now but it’s best is still ahead.

I coravined & decanted this in a big Bordeaux glass for an hour and it is still a 1/2 monster.

The nose shows; dark currents/cassis, blackberries, black plum w/ skin, very black cherries, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries with understated raspberries in the glass edges, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mocha powder, caramel, chocolate baking bar, understated baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, both black & red licorice/cola, moist herbs, tree sap, limestone, dry top soils-river stone and beautiful, withering/candied dark & red florals framed in candied violets.

The M+ tannins are round, velvety, dusty and still meaty. Dark currents/cassis, blackberries, black plum w/ skin, very black cherries, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, liqueur cherries with understated, hovering raspberries. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mocha powder, caramel, chocolate baking bar, understated baking spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanillin, both black & red licorice/cola, moist herbs, tree sap, soft, moist cigar box, leather, anise, rounded very dark spices, moist clays, limestone, dry top soils-river stone and beautiful, withering/candied dark & red florals framed in candied violets, very round, pleasant acidity with balance for days, still pronounced structure/tension, great length and a smartly, polished, ruby two-minute finish that long sets on on deep, dark spice, earthiness & ruby, dark currents.

Right now a Filet steak, not a fatty steak, Ribeye or Ribcap.

Still so youthful! Add a point or two in 7-10 yrs. .

Philip is in his 90’s and still involved in the winemaking. He walks the property daily. — 4 months ago

Brandon Boesch

9.7

The nose is fantastic. We made lamb stew and got our Christmas tree today and the nose is really fresh like the tree. There is definite pepper, cedar, fresh herbs, a hint of paprika, some other light spices, and a touch of fruit jam. Palate still has strong tannin but it is much more round than I’d expect on those, but fitting merlot domination from Napa. Tons of herbs, a bit of cigar box, dark fruits some dried apricot and dried flowers. I like this better than the nv9. It’s such an amazing value for Napa Bordeaux style. — 6 years ago

Lauren Wise

10

Got this for $3.99 at the 99 cent store. It tastes like a $25 bottle of wine. SCORE. — 8 years ago

Paul Secombe

9.0

Lovely rich and complex Coonawarra red blend ... my only regret?? Not buying more of it when I had the chance! — 9 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I've been curious about this wine for some time. The original 05 Ausone review from Parker was revised and one would think it was at the request of the Chateau. Parker's 💯 point review started something like this...if you are over the age of 55, you'll want to decide if you want to buy this this wine. Largely, due to his call on it's years of drinkability; which was from 2055-80. Parker's review was mysteriously revised within two months of it's original review. Tonight, I Coravin-ed this tasting of the Chapelle D'Ausone. The 05 Chapelle D'Ausone is still very big & tight but starting it's journey into a decent drinking phase. The tannins are still chewy and dark. The fruits are; ruby blackberries, dark cherries, a mix of blue fruits, strawberries paint the back palate, dark & milk chocolate, caramel, Christmas cake, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, spice-box, black tea, a whiff of green bell peppers, irony minerals, loamy soils, tree bark, a touch of leather, lead pencil shavings, dry stems, dry stones & dark moist soil. The acidity is perfect. The structure, length, balance and tension flirt with glory. The finish runs ripe to dry fruit and the minerals are rich with a dark elegance that lasts and lasts. As good as this wine is tonight, I'll put this bottle back; which is 1 of a 6 pack and wait another 7-10 years to reopen it. Both of Ausone's 05 wines are meant for most collectors end of life or meant to be left for their children. — 9 years ago

David Kline

9.3

Tight!!! Really wound up and still young in all respects! Black shadows of broiled currants, blackberry pie, licorice, pure cocoa, rosemary, tree bark, graphite and charred spice box...
Didn't have time to watch this one develop into its full fruit plate, but amazing entrance, and stunning presence. #stagsleap #napa #napavalley #stagsleapwinecellars #cask23 — 11 years ago

with Madeline, Josh and 2 others

Jeff Holloman

9.5

This was the 2010 vintage - very, very good Aussie red — 12 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

92 is rounding up a bit.

A couple things before notes. I have had other Heidi wines but not hers & Bo’s. Just wasn’t feeling retail-ish on the B&B, nor had anyone open one for me. This surfaced at just under half price. So, time to check this Heidi box.

This is a 2017; which many shied away from. Hence, the buy at half price. I would have said in my two coravined previous tastings on different nights, the fruit was nice and it still is nice. However, in getting to the bottom 1/3 of the bottle, it has taken on some additional depth & character. I imagine still not as much depth & character as their better vintages.

The nose shows some nice candied florals and mid fruits with a dark core. Some smoke (it is not smoke taint as they finished harvesting on 10/3 and the Tubbs & Atlas fires started 10/8) dry tobacco, new leather, oak, dry herbs, darker cola, moist volcanics & clay, withering dark & red flowers.

The palate is definitely one of the drier Napa Cabernets I’ve had lately. Feels like it leaves dry oak powder all over your mouth. M+ dry tannins. The fruits are bright & ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, some purple fruits, lean strawberries & cherries. Smoke, dry tobacco, new leather, oak, dark spice, leaner baking spices profile, a bit of dark chocolate baking bar, dry herbs, darker cola, moist volcanics & clay, dry topsoil, dry limestone powder, black tea, dry tree bark w/ a touch of sap, withering dark & red flowers, acidity is sound-ish, it just ticks the box of balanced, tension & structure is solid, finishes short-under a minute and a little thin in the mid palate, some elegance and lands on oak, earthiness & spice.

It’s still early on this and there is room for improvement with some more evolution & integration but don’t believe this 2017 will ever live up to its winery price point. — a year ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

This small Calistoga producer falls largely under the radar. I am thankful. The 12 vintage brings such fruit. However, this 12 Sisters rides the fence of 12 & 13. Shows dark currents, concreted mouthfeel in addition to its ripe, rich opulence.

The nose ascends with rich dark, purple, blue fruits, dark spice, violets framed in lavender for days.

The palate is ripe, ruby, lush, concentrated fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, boysenberries, very dark cherries, creamy raspberries, in & out strawberries & blueberries. Big, heated, dark spice-box, round, meaty, sweet tannins cigar ash, led pencil, tarriness, anise, moist, fresh tobacco, black licorice & cola, dark, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla, rich soil w/ dry leaves, dry, crush rocks/limestone, dry herbs-bay leaves, sage, parsley, notes of eucalyptus bark shavings, tree bark w/ hints of sap, touch of black sandalwood to barrel shavings, pepper, moist, volcanic clay, fresh & withering; dark, purple, red, blue floral bouquet framed in violets & lavender, excellent acidity with a lush, rich, big, round & meaty structure, still shows great tension, well balanced with endless polish & finish. 10 years of life ahead…properly stored. Wine post 4,600.

Such a deal at the Benchmark Bin Sale. @Paul T- Huntington Beach if you find any of this, just tell me about em, don’t buy em. 😂🤥 — 3 years ago

Ryan M

9.6

WOW at first pour this was incredibly smooth. After 2 hours this tastes like one of the best cabs I’ve ever had. Dark red, tart raspberries, cinnamon, spice box, cherry early but subsided over the decant, clove, pine tree, chocolate early, french oak intensified over the hours. — 9 years ago

with Larissa

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.4

Deep and dark garnet red with bricking on the edges. Real depth on the nose; lots of smoky notes, cigar box, tobacco leaves, broken branches, earthy dustiness, truffles, forest floor, damp leaves, and light red currants. A bit of stinkiness but not off-putting. Moderate silky tannins (6.5/10) and very well integrated with tons of red fruits as well as unsweetened dark cocoa, twigs, tree bark and a rustic earthiness. Full bodied and well rounded, no sharp edges. More red cherries at the end of the palate with a little vegetal note in the long and lingering finish. Mouth is definitely salivating at the finish too, great acidity. Drink till 2021. — 10 years ago

with Sean and India

BrixChick Liza

9.4

Met Kim Jackson at Alameda Winebar and loved her style. Drinking the Cab Shiraz blend, which is perfect for this May Grey evening Paired with lasagna and sturdy but elegant wine did great Dark wine lit with spices and rich dark fruit. I wish I had bought more — 11 years ago

with Wine

Andy Bartee

Sales Copain Winery

9.1

Added to my new fav list #Scotch — 12 years ago

Kelly

9.0

Full bodied Pinot - liquor box GP — 2 years ago

Chris Zitzman

9.3

2021 Fallen Tree Vineyard, Petit Verdot. A rich, crimson color gives way to a surprisingly expressive nose of leather, cigar box and crushed raisins. The texture, while powerful, is deft in its subtly, complexity, and evolution. The finish holds-up to the texture that goes before it, though its youth is showing just a tad. You’d never guess Virginia. — 2 years ago

with Beth

Marshall Todd Herron DPM

10

Tim Mondavi’s master piece! This is my 2014 Continuum. One word: FANTABULOUS! Sage mountain vineyard in 2014 was incredible for cabernet! This is the best cab Ive had all year! Who says you dont always get what you pay for? 225 dollars of pure ecstasy in a glass! Wow. Fig newton dipped in grape jelly on the nose. Dark berries fill the palate followed by black pepper and dark chocolate . It is as velvety smooth as it gets. The oak and tree moss come through on the finish with a slight tingle on the corners of the lips and cheeks. The finish is dry and lingers with even more complexity! Cigar box, mineral rich soil, Black licorice, and grape jelly again! Goodness. I have been waiting on this one for a long time and I am so glad it is as good as I thought it would be. I just wish I had someone to share it with!!! — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.2

Nose has ripe black cherry, tree bark (light), mashed fresh red cherry, red licorice (red vines) and maybe hints of red currant/ripe red raspberry.

Palate has under-ripe cherry, mild cedar box, mild dry green herbs, under-ripe blackberry and mild creamy oak on the tale end of the medium finish. Tannins have light grip, but make themselves aware. This needs a few years to come together. Decanted about 2 hours.

We're enjoying our first fire in the chimenea on this cool late summer evening, just one of many to come the rest of the year.

24 Hour Update: More towards ripe black cherry and less towards the cedar notes tonight, more relaxed and in a better mood with extended air. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.8

Wow. This comes from Chris's estate outside his house. It's all dry farmed. Extremely low yields. It's entire yield is only 8 barrels. The fruit is so concentrated. Featured in the photos is; Chris and my wife Sofia, grapes from the property and his olive trees on his estate. His olive trees only yield one 375ml bottle per tree. This 09 is easy to drink but it's a still a baby...easily a 30 year plus wine. Words cannot describe the nuances in this wine. The elegant beauty & beast. It's mouthfeel so big and still so inviting. Luring you in layer by layer. It's starts with baked blue fruits, dark cassis, blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, black plums, layers of asian spice, spice-box, tarry notes. The tannins big yet silky. Slightly bitty but beautiful minerals from the clay, schist, quartz, and loamy top soils. The finish so good but my thoughts drifted to think about how good it's going to be in 10 more years. Chris tells me he has to spray the vines 4-6 times a year with an organic seaweed spray to hold down the acidity. I can't wait to try this wine at 20 years of age. I'm sure it will be close to a religious experience. As many great tastings that I've done, it's hard not to say this one is in the top three. Thank you Chris for sharing your time, knowledge and these amazing wines. It was an honor! — 9 years ago

Pat Hanson

9.0

Really dig this Cab! — 10 years ago

Chris Schaetzle

10

The warmth from the brooding black fruit helps keep you feeling toasty above tree line — 11 years ago

with John