James Cole

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.3105 ratings
9.327 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

This shows an astonishing amount of wood. It is like sucking on a wood plank. Also, show a touch of heat-alcohol burn on the back throat.

The fruits are floral, bright and perhaps a tad overripe. Blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries, strawberries, dark chocolate to pudding, a fair amount of wet clay, the wood is almost punishing, leather, dry tobacco, dark, rich soil with leaves, lighter spice than the Privado, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dry sage, tree bark, good acidity, red florals with violets for days. This needs to lay down another 5 year. The finish is still a astringent and needs to evolve until the earth and wood clam down.

This shows an astonishing amount of wood. It is like sucking on a wood plank. Also, show a touch of heat-alcohol burn on the back throat.

The fruits are floral, bright and perhaps a tad overripe. Blackberries, black raspberries, plum, dark cherries, strawberries, dark chocolate to pudding, a fair amount of wet clay, the wood is almost punishing, leather, dry tobacco, dark, rich soil with leaves, lighter spice than the Privado, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dry sage, tree bark, good acidity, red florals with violets for days. This needs to lay down another 5 year. The finish is still a astringent and needs to evolve until the earth and wood clam down.

Jul 17th, 2023
Boris Mathiszik

Nice cab. Very smooth.

Nice cab. Very smooth.

Mar 13th, 2023
Victor Aul

Dark fruit along with pallets long finish

Dark fruit along with pallets long finish

Oct 7th, 2020
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

I opened this bottle last night, vacuum sealed it and put it back in my cabinet last night. Despite that, it’s showing some slight signs of wear.

The nose reveals; dark berry liqueur notes, dark cassis, ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, stewed black plum, brown sugar, black licorice, dark, rich, sweet soil, steeped fruit tea, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, clay, burnt ambers, light graphite, rubber toy, savoriness, leather, hints of mint, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, violets, lavender and dark withering florals.

The body is full, very rich with dark, tarry tannins. The structure & tension are still big. The length and balance just falling into place. Dark berry liqueur notes, dark cassis, ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, stewed black plum, bright cherries, boysenberries, brown sugar, black licorice, root beer characteristics, dark, rich, sweet soil, steeped fruit tea, herbaceous notes, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, dry brush, clay, burnt ambers, charcoal, light graphite, rubber toy, savoriness, leather, signs of mint, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, violets, lavender and dark withering florals. The acidity wonderful. There’s a slight alcohol sting. The finish is rich, ripe, lush, elegant, well balanced, persistent and if not for the alcohol sting would receive a slightly better score.

Photos of, James Cole Winery & tasting room, iconic bronze statue that is branded on their label, harvesting Estate fruit and property grounds.

I opened this bottle last night, vacuum sealed it and put it back in my cabinet last night. Despite that, it’s showing some slight signs of wear.

The nose reveals; dark berry liqueur notes, dark cassis, ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, stewed black plum, brown sugar, black licorice, dark, rich, sweet soil, steeped fruit tea, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, clay, burnt ambers, light graphite, rubber toy, savoriness, leather, hints of mint, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, violets, lavender and dark withering florals.

The body is full, very rich with dark, tarry tannins. The structure & tension are still big. The length and balance just falling into place. Dark berry liqueur notes, dark cassis, ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, stewed black plum, bright cherries, boysenberries, brown sugar, black licorice, root beer characteristics, dark, rich, sweet soil, steeped fruit tea, herbaceous notes, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, dry brush, clay, burnt ambers, charcoal, light graphite, rubber toy, savoriness, leather, signs of mint, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, violets, lavender and dark withering florals. The acidity wonderful. There’s a slight alcohol sting. The finish is rich, ripe, lush, elegant, well balanced, persistent and if not for the alcohol sting would receive a slightly better score.

Photos of, James Cole Winery & tasting room, iconic bronze statue that is branded on their label, harvesting Estate fruit and property grounds.

Jan 13th, 2019
Mike R
9.3

One of and still one of true love wines

Still young but when it opens it is a killer - three hours so far and ever sip it gets better

So lady is out with her girlfriends drinking wine and watching bad moms Christmas movie

So I broke into the cellar and drinking a good one

At the mid point of a bumps bruises thrills and spills week

Proud dad this week and Saturday I will demonstrate how proud with a wine toast

All I need is the 14th to fall my way - can't say anything else or I will jinx it

All smiles in anticipation and this wine

One of and still one of true love wines

Still young but when it opens it is a killer - three hours so far and ever sip it gets better

So lady is out with her girlfriends drinking wine and watching bad moms Christmas movie

So I broke into the cellar and drinking a good one

At the mid point of a bumps bruises thrills and spills week

Proud dad this week and Saturday I will demonstrate how proud with a wine toast

All I need is the 14th to fall my way - can't say anything else or I will jinx it

All smiles in anticipation and this wine

Dec 13th, 2017
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Like the updated logo/label. On the nose; beautiful red, fresh, florals, sweet dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, baking spices & perfume florals. The mouthfeel is ripe, rich and juicy. Drier powdery tannin structure, anise, black licorice, ripe; blackberries, creamy black raspberries, black cherries, black plum, nice amount of baking spices, grippy volcanic minerals, soft leather, loamy soils, tree bark, mouthwatering acidity and long, rich, ripe fruit driven finish with just a touch of dry powdery tannins on the long set.

Like the updated logo/label. On the nose; beautiful red, fresh, florals, sweet dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, baking spices & perfume florals. The mouthfeel is ripe, rich and juicy. Drier powdery tannin structure, anise, black licorice, ripe; blackberries, creamy black raspberries, black cherries, black plum, nice amount of baking spices, grippy volcanic minerals, soft leather, loamy soils, tree bark, mouthwatering acidity and long, rich, ripe fruit driven finish with just a touch of dry powdery tannins on the long set.

Sep 9th, 2017
Gary Hill

Aged to perfection. Drinking great. Coco notes with lots of fruit. Could age a few more years.

Aged to perfection. Drinking great. Coco notes with lots of fruit. Could age a few more years.

Jun 14th, 2017
Gary Hill

Snow day wine! Decanted- perfect. It has a few more years but drinking great right now!

Snow day wine! Decanted- perfect. It has a few more years but drinking great right now!

Feb 9th, 2017
Martin G Rivard

@Mike R Holy mother of God!!! Thank you Mary for convincing my Bud Mike to relinquish a bottle and ship this to me. This had it all going on!!! I was a little worried when I 1st opened it. It was somewhat muted. I could not pick up anything on the nose and the palate was shut down as well. Decanted 2 hours and the transformation was EPIC! Tannins were balanced, dark fruits were singing, front mid and back were soaked in a lush blanket of intertwined velvety orchestrated notes. Precise and defined with layers upon layers. The finish was as good as Queen playing at you high school prom.
Nuf Said 👍👏👏👍

@Mike R Holy mother of God!!! Thank you Mary for convincing my Bud Mike to relinquish a bottle and ship this to me. This had it all going on!!! I was a little worried when I 1st opened it. It was somewhat muted. I could not pick up anything on the nose and the palate was shut down as well. Decanted 2 hours and the transformation was EPIC! Tannins were balanced, dark fruits were singing, front mid and back were soaked in a lush blanket of intertwined velvety orchestrated notes. Precise and defined with layers upon layers. The finish was as good as Queen playing at you high school prom.
Nuf Said 👍👏👏👍

Feb 4th, 2017
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Ruby ripe blackberries, black cherry cola, dark fruit liqueur, strawberries, cocoa powder, dark cherry licorice, touch of menthol, dusty tannins, vanilla, velvety leather, slightly faded florals, sage, powdery dry clay, soft refined minerals and a long rich fruit finish. Wine is creamy elegant with good balance and length. It's good but needs another 3-5+ more years to fully develop.

Ruby ripe blackberries, black cherry cola, dark fruit liqueur, strawberries, cocoa powder, dark cherry licorice, touch of menthol, dusty tannins, vanilla, velvety leather, slightly faded florals, sage, powdery dry clay, soft refined minerals and a long rich fruit finish. Wine is creamy elegant with good balance and length. It's good but needs another 3-5+ more years to fully develop.

Aug 27th, 2016