Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

First a note about the 2012 Napa vintage. Good, right? Yes. While the fruit was abundant & nicely fruity, for me, lacked tannins, skin/juice ratio out of balance which created a lack of tannic depth and will not cellar like 13 or 14 etc..

When I visited w/ The Stag’s Leap Winery Winemaker, he told me, they normally make 75,000 cases of Artemis. In 12, they made 100,000 cases. They grow their own fruit but also contract fruit. While there are terms in their contracts w/ growers to refuse fruit, they could not refuse any. The fruit was that good. They even had to take Artemis out of tank early so they could finish their higher-end Cabernets.

This 12 JC Muds Kitchen was made by Charles Hendricks. His second to last vintage at JC. One of the more unknown & underrated Napa Winemakers. James & Coleen misstepped in the separation but understand Coleen’s reasons. Charles Hendricks Apprentice, went his own way. Can’t say I blame him, just not a fan of his post work. Ok, but not the follow up I wished.

Nose; a dark core of currants/cassis, ripe/lush, blackberries, both plums, mulberries, dark, sweet cherries, black raspberries, strawberries and haunting blueberries, softly, layered baking spices, anise to black licorice-liqueur, sandstone/limestone, steeped fruit tea, melted, dark chocolate baking bar, sweet tarriness, French espresso, withering/candied/slightly floral, dark & red flowers framed in lavender/violets.

The palate fruits are; ripe, juicy, fresh, dark core of; currants/cassis, ripe/lush, blackberries, both plums, mulberries, dark, sweet cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, haunting blueberries & pomegranate high tones. Softly, layered baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, dark, mid spice intensity w/ heat, anise to black licorice-liqueur, sandstone/limestone, steeped fruit tea, melted, dark chocolate baking bar, sweet tarriness, French espresso, dry leather/tobacco, graphite, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dry river stone, dry crushed limestone rocks, dry oak barrel shavings, withering/candied/slightly floral, dark & red flowers framed in lavender/violets, near perfect acidity with a well knitted/toned/balanced, elegant finish w/ great length that lasts two-minutes and long sets on spice & dry minerals. — 2 days ago

Brian S

8.9

Must say I am only a Venus or Mineral guy. — 3 months ago

Pooneet K

9.0

Quite a nice listan negro dominated blend from the Canary Islands. Great restrained fruit, excellent peppery earthy note, not overwhelming at all but complete. Good pairing with a variety of food at shukette. — 3 years ago

Ryan McKinnon

9.4

Deep dark vibrant magenta color. Plum, blueberry, chocolate, old fashioned donut. Smooth, dry palate, with fine acidity. Firm, medium intensity tannins on the longish finish. — 7 days ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity nose with black fruits, cedar, tobacco and chocolate notes.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and very fruity on the palate with blackberries, black currants, plums, cooked cherries, spices, cedar, vanilla, leather, earth, chocolates, tobacco, coffee, cola, licorice and bitter herbs.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.

This 12 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley is drinking deliciously now. Rich and extracted, and 'In your face' kind of wine.

Fruit forward and good right out of the bottle, but would have been even better after a couple of hours of airtime, but it finished way too quickly.

Showing nice complexity with a soft mouthfeel.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.

A great sipping wine that will pair nicely with a big piece of steak.

A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot. 924 cases produced.

14.6% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$150. — 2 months ago

Paul J

9.5

Awesome as always! Make sure to give a long decant. Filled with dark fruit and chocolate. Tannins were bigger than normal. — 4 months ago

with Brooke

Frederic Lebourg

9.0

Well balanced and citrusy notes. Low dosage. Yet not as good as a similar low dosage NV Bereche I had a few days ago. — 4 years ago

Debra Copeland, WSET3, CSWS

9.0

Colour is very pale with just the lightest hint of coral pink. It’s off-dry with lots of ripe tropical fruits on the noise and palate - cantaloupe, peach, and a hint of floral. It’s a very interesting blend of grapes. — 2 months ago

Ron Kyle

9.0

Always reliable. — 3 months ago

"Odedi"

9.4

#AgedWineTuesday

Ruby in color with a reddish rim. Not showing it's age.

Pretty nose with black currants, black plums, blackberries, licorice, cedar, herbs, tobacco leaf, chocolates, dark coffee, pencil lead, light earth and peppercorn.

Full-bodied and elegant with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruity on the palate with black currants, blackberries, black plums, cooked cherries, cedar, spices, toast, licorice, chocolates, tobacco, earth, light alcohol, peppercorn, green tea and herbs.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley. Showing a great nose right out of the bottle.

Rich and extracted, yet elegant. Very complex and spicy. Smooth, yet powerful. Does not feel like it's 18 year old at all.

This Cabernet Sauvignon from the great 2007 vintage in Napa Valley is showing beautifully now. Fully matured, but has enough energy to last it much longer. Drinking at its peak, and will continue to drink nicely in the next 7 years.

I love these aged Napa Bordeaux blends. Easy drinking and good by itself as a sipping wine.

A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Aged for 18 months in (79% new) French oak barrels.

15.2% alcohol by volume.

94 points.

$175. — 3 months ago