Tulocay
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
Popped and poured. This bottle didn't need any time to breath; it was ready for action the moment the cork was pulled. I found it to have a rather remarkable nose. The most striking characteristic would have to be the amount of espresso. I mean...it smelled like someone pulled a fresh shot into my glass. I've never encountered such a strong coffee note and everyone agreed. It was actually quite charming as it differentiated itself from your typical Napa CS experience. There was more there too, of course; currants and some thyme. On the palate, there was more than a decent amount of dark fruit with some leather and forest floor also peeking through. Tannin has softened from earlier bottles. Acid enough to keep this alive in the cellar until it's 20th birthday. Unfortunately, this was my last bottle of several that I had and now looking back at my previous notes...I was wanting to hold this a lot longer than I did! Oh well, it further reinforces that this has the stuffing to last. This was the best showing yet. Drink now or Hold.
Popped and poured. This bottle didn't need any time to breath; it was ready for action the moment the cork was pulled. I found it to have a rather remarkable nose. The most striking characteristic would have to be the amount of espresso. I mean...it smelled like someone pulled a fresh shot into my glass. I've never encountered such a strong coffee note and everyone agreed. It was actually quite charming as it differentiated itself from your typical Napa CS experience. There was more there too, of course; currants and some thyme. On the palate, there was more than a decent amount of dark fruit with some leather and forest floor also peeking through. Tannin has softened from earlier bottles. Acid enough to keep this alive in the cellar until it's 20th birthday. Unfortunately, this was my last bottle of several that I had and now looking back at my previous notes...I was wanting to hold this a lot longer than I did! Oh well, it further reinforces that this has the stuffing to last. This was the best showing yet. Drink now or Hold.
Apr 5th, 2017This is true, classic California Cab Sauv. Lots of fresh, crunchy red berries, black currants, tobacco. Tannins are not quite resolved and there is a stiff acidic backbone that really brings a nice zip to the finish. Deft balance. Will easily bring pleasure for years to come.
This is true, classic California Cab Sauv. Lots of fresh, crunchy red berries, black currants, tobacco. Tannins are not quite resolved and there is a stiff acidic backbone that really brings a nice zip to the finish. Deft balance. Will easily bring pleasure for years to come.
Sep 12th, 2015
I like Tulocay wines a lot. Always rustic but classic. This is a good effort, but slightly misses the mark.
I like Tulocay wines a lot. Always rustic but classic. This is a good effort, but slightly misses the mark.
Sep 27th, 2015
About as good a California Cabernet from the 70s as I can recall... and we have had lots of the greats. Plenty of life left, but my only bottle. Wows!
About as good a California Cabernet from the 70s as I can recall... and we have had lots of the greats. Plenty of life left, but my only bottle. Wows!
Feb 21st, 2015
Just pulled the cork and WHAM! Hello delicious. Looking forward to what this hadsin store for us. #wifesbirthyearwine
Just pulled the cork and WHAM! Hello delicious. Looking forward to what this hadsin store for us. #wifesbirthyearwine
Oct 18th, 2013
$30.00, MUCH better after 5+ years of lay-down!
$30.00, MUCH better after 5+ years of lay-down!
Mar 10th, 2013
This bottle was a bit tired, but still showing elements of sage, pine. Love the weight at 12.4%
This bottle was a bit tired, but still showing elements of sage, pine. Love the weight at 12.4%
Sep 24th, 2016