The Valley

Faust

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Not the fruit bomb I expected in fact there is a brightness to it. Crowd pleaser. — 4 days ago

Scott@Mister, Andrew and 4 others liked this

Merry Edwards

Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Pale yellow color. Smells very citrusy and tropical, with a hint of some creaminess. On the first taste it was very bright, but had a richness on the finish. Definitely fruit forward, leans heavily towards tropical fruits like pineapple in the beginning. Has mineral/earthy notes towards the end. Very clean and dry. I really like this wine. Had it with spanish iberico ham, great combo. — 13 days ago

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

Legendary reputation so I had to try it. A symphony of stewed red and dark fruit. That said, the nose and other aspects didn’t grab me. Very good but would not repeat. — 19 days ago

Paul and Jonathan liked this

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Splash decanted prior to service and presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core, moving towards a light orange garnet rim; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous, with notes of ripe and slightly dried red and black fruits: plum, blackberry, raspberry, dried flowers, leather, cocoa, earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend or a Merlot-based blend from the United States or France. Due to the appearance and secondary characteristics, I think this has 15+ years of age. And, because this was leaning heavily towards its fruit, rather than its structure, I’m calling this being from the United States. Final conclusion, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from Napa, valley floor, from a warm vintage like 2009. Dammit, I should have clued into the softer tannins from Alexander Valley. Scoring significant points though. Drink now through 2029.
— a month ago

"Odedi", Pooneet and 9 others liked this

Heitz Cellar

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Deep ruby color. Aromas of dark cherry, plum, eucalyptus and baking spice. Blackberry on the palate, nutmeg/clove, earthy finish. — 13 days ago

Paul, Scott@Mister and 10 others liked this

Freemark Abbey

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Wow, this is good! I'm not the Napa connoisseur, but I've had a couple vintages of Freemark. This is definitely the best. Upon opening the nose is generous with blackberries and a creamy pastry aroma. Flavors of currant, blueberry, graphite, vanilla bean. Silky tannins and a lingering finish. I think a year in the basement helped this. Definitely could use more bottle age.
Listening to Uncle Tupelo
— a month ago

Barny, David and 30 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Freemark Abbey is a sentimental favorite of ours!
Dave

Dave

That's great! Wish you were here to have a pour. @Tom Casagrande

Shafer Vineyards

One Point Five Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Dark cherry deep flavors. Love the finish. — 5 days ago

Dave, "Odedi" and 3 others liked this

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

2019 vintage. Better than expected as the last few assorted vintage Artemis bottles I’ve had have been less than good. Medium-heavy body. Decent spice and tea flavors on the caboose. 2.12.26. — 21 days ago

Somm, Dave and 15 others liked this
Dave

Dave

I thought 2018 was very good. You?
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

@Dave 2018 a great vintage along with 2019. 2019 is more approachable tho. Can't remember if I had the 2018 but this steady producer/effort had lost my trust. This example semi-restored my faith.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Marchesi Antinori ownership now.

Quintessa

Rutherford Red Blend

I would personally drop the score to 8.7 if considering quality price ratio. — 17 days ago