James Cole

Aliento Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend

9.426 ratings
9.33 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Red Bordeaux Blend
Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, White Rice, Mushrooms, Pasta, Pork, Salami & Prosciutto, Pungent Cheese, Lamb, Tomato-Based, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Beef, Hard Cheese, Venison
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Upon opening, the nose is heavy expresso roast, black olive, a slight touch of pyrazine, anise, dark chocolate, mocha, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, blueberries, cinnamon, vanilla, whiff of clove, dark rich soil, crushed rocks, cedar, soft leather and fresh and dry, dark flowers. The body is full and rich. Tannins are supple & round with plenty of life ahead. It’s nicely layered; dark currants, earth and spice. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, plum, strawberries, pomegranate brings the end of the first layer. Second layer shows; turned rich black earth, dry top soil, soft volcanic minerals. Third layer show, Asian spices and just a touch of meat grilled meat rub. Dark chocolate bar, mocha, vanilla, cherry liqueur notes, cedar, tobacco with ash, bright red florals, violets, acidity like a waterfall and a long, rich, balanced finish that lasts and lasts. Another Charles Hendricks work of art. Photos of; James & Colleen (Owners) with their children, road signage on the Silverado Trail, tasting patio and their estate building.

Upon opening, the nose is heavy expresso roast, black olive, a slight touch of pyrazine, anise, dark chocolate, mocha, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, blueberries, cinnamon, vanilla, whiff of clove, dark rich soil, crushed rocks, cedar, soft leather and fresh and dry, dark flowers. The body is full and rich. Tannins are supple & round with plenty of life ahead. It’s nicely layered; dark currants, earth and spice. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, plum, strawberries, pomegranate brings the end of the first layer. Second layer shows; turned rich black earth, dry top soil, soft volcanic minerals. Third layer show, Asian spices and just a touch of meat grilled meat rub. Dark chocolate bar, mocha, vanilla, cherry liqueur notes, cedar, tobacco with ash, bright red florals, violets, acidity like a waterfall and a long, rich, balanced finish that lasts and lasts. Another Charles Hendricks work of art. Photos of; James & Colleen (Owners) with their children, road signage on the Silverado Trail, tasting patio and their estate building.

Oct 7th, 2017
Mike R
9.6

Of all the cabs I have had in the last month or so this cab blend is in the top five - hard to find but will not be disappointed - from opening to finish - nose appeal - slides on like a great broken in Italian loafers - taste great with the lamb chop so structure and palette was amazing

Of all the cabs I have had in the last month or so this cab blend is in the top five - hard to find but will not be disappointed - from opening to finish - nose appeal - slides on like a great broken in Italian loafers - taste great with the lamb chop so structure and palette was amazing

May 6th, 2016
Paul T HB

Nice wine,
My first James Cole. Got a few different Vineyards to try, so far so good

Nice wine,
My first James Cole. Got a few different Vineyards to try, so far so good

Dec 19th, 2017
J Mcconeg

I opened this bootle three days ago. The initial glass was a big wine with balance but not much else. Yesterday I had a glass and noticed that it was better. Today I finished the bottle. I am very glad that I saved most of it for the third day. It was really good. Lots of berries, kind of jammy, but still a little restrained. I have noticed that this younger wines (less than 20 years) can benefit from some open time in the warm part of a refrigerator with the bottle sealed. It seems that the slow opening caused by the chill allows the wine to open nicely. All you need is a few days and some patience. :)

I opened this bootle three days ago. The initial glass was a big wine with balance but not much else. Yesterday I had a glass and noticed that it was better. Today I finished the bottle. I am very glad that I saved most of it for the third day. It was really good. Lots of berries, kind of jammy, but still a little restrained. I have noticed that this younger wines (less than 20 years) can benefit from some open time in the warm part of a refrigerator with the bottle sealed. It seems that the slow opening caused by the chill allows the wine to open nicely. All you need is a few days and some patience. :)

Apr 16th, 2017
Steve Martinelli

Great Bordeaux blend, not overdone at all. Nice balance. This will lay for plenty of years in the cellar but enjoyable now!

Great Bordeaux blend, not overdone at all. Nice balance. This will lay for plenty of years in the cellar but enjoyable now!

Jun 2nd, 2016
Dave Wismer

Beautiful blend. Deep red fruits. Rich with a long smooth finish. First James Cole wine but will not be our last. Happy Friday !

Beautiful blend. Deep red fruits. Rich with a long smooth finish. First James Cole wine but will not be our last. Happy Friday !

Jul 10th, 2015
Kellee Eavenson

Smooth and delush

Smooth and delush

Mar 30th, 2013
Doug

Patient takes precedent and breathing the wine is a necessity! Drinking it now is a must.

Patient takes precedent and breathing the wine is a necessity! Drinking it now is a must.

Nov 15th, 2020
Scott Kirkpatrick

Scott had this 9 years ago

Scott had this 9 years ago

Dec 21st, 2014
Dustin Ramey

Dustin had this 11 years ago

Dustin had this 11 years ago

Feb 5th, 2013