Altamura

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.3660 ratings
9.382 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
Mike R
9.4

First off Merry Christmas and 4 plus years ago I had this wine so I felt it appropriate to reproduce my notes from then as this is exactly the same - loved this wine so here we go

maybe because I am drinking a well rested and well taken care bottle of wine or maybe because it is a Big Bold Beautiful Napa Cab or all of the above but

This wine is singing to me and I am singing back - "that's the way I like it"

Color is dark ruby thick as a meaty steak - the smell opens with a mild smoky oak and blueberry bouquet which I love the blue fruit - The taste on my palate is between a medium / big bodied taste with a balanced and very fruit forward mouth watering experience - it has
flavors of ripe blueberries and blackberries with I think includes raspberries as well - fruit loaded for sure The finish is loooong, smooth / dry and its mild fine tannins and flavors linger slightly but in harmony - best to
tame this with a Kobe steak but enjoy as a standalone - this is a relaxing wine - one that you have to relax as a storm approaches or to celebrate an awesome inspiring moment - "I'm a believer

Will last 10 years easy - all SMILES tonight

That is as retro as it gets for me - ALL SMILES

Last thing is be on the lookout as “we are getting the band back” and “we are on a mission from God” - can’t wait
@Bill Bender In San Diego - go Wolfpack - any others there for the East vs West coast event - reach out and will share some epic stuff I promise
-

First off Merry Christmas and 4 plus years ago I had this wine so I felt it appropriate to reproduce my notes from then as this is exactly the same - loved this wine so here we go

maybe because I am drinking a well rested and well taken care bottle of wine or maybe because it is a Big Bold Beautiful Napa Cab or all of the above but

This wine is singing to me and I am singing back - "that's the way I like it"

Color is dark ruby thick as a meaty steak - the smell opens with a mild smoky oak and blueberry bouquet which I love the blue fruit - The taste on my palate is between a medium / big bodied taste with a balanced and very fruit forward mouth watering experience - it has
flavors of ripe blueberries and blackberries with I think includes raspberries as well - fruit loaded for sure The finish is loooong, smooth / dry and its mild fine tannins and flavors linger slightly but in harmony - best to
tame this with a Kobe steak but enjoy as a standalone - this is a relaxing wine - one that you have to relax as a storm approaches or to celebrate an awesome inspiring moment - "I'm a believer

Will last 10 years easy - all SMILES tonight

That is as retro as it gets for me - ALL SMILES

Last thing is be on the lookout as “we are getting the band back” and “we are on a mission from God” - can’t wait
@Bill Bender In San Diego - go Wolfpack - any others there for the East vs West coast event - reach out and will share some epic stuff I promise
-

Dec 25th, 2021
Cody Short

Big, chocolate, dark fruits and like most 2012’s, drinking well in its youth.

Big, chocolate, dark fruits and like most 2012’s, drinking well in its youth.

Apr 15th, 2018
Laith A

Ridiculously good wine .. dense and extracted but balanced .. dark plums, blue and black berries, caramel/mocha, mint in the background .. mild tannins.. awesome!! Will be even better with time!!

Ridiculously good wine .. dense and extracted but balanced .. dark plums, blue and black berries, caramel/mocha, mint in the background .. mild tannins.. awesome!! Will be even better with time!!

1 person found it helpfulAug 31st, 2020
Shay A
9.2

A few fun 4th Friday wines from tonight.

This is a producer who I don’t have a lot of experience with as I’ve only had the Cabernet a few times. With 22yrs of age, this is very classic Napa cab. Sweetened vanilla pipe tobacco, fig, cocoa dusted dates and sandalwood aromatics. The palate shows muddled dark fruits, slightly sappy, and has good heft. It hasn’t channeled any savory/herbal/leather notes, just a dense and soft profile dominated by fig and baked mixed berry pie notes. Drinking nicely.

A few fun 4th Friday wines from tonight.

This is a producer who I don’t have a lot of experience with as I’ve only had the Cabernet a few times. With 22yrs of age, this is very classic Napa cab. Sweetened vanilla pipe tobacco, fig, cocoa dusted dates and sandalwood aromatics. The palate shows muddled dark fruits, slightly sappy, and has good heft. It hasn’t channeled any savory/herbal/leather notes, just a dense and soft profile dominated by fig and baked mixed berry pie notes. Drinking nicely.

1 person found it helpfulDec 28th, 2019
Brandon Jamieson

Tasting room Lead/Wine Educator/Sommelier at The Winemakers Studio at Wente Vineyards

9.2

Jammy, juicy and really fruit forward.

Jammy, juicy and really fruit forward.

1 person found it helpfulNov 2nd, 2017
Mike R
9.4

Maybe it because back home- maybe because I am drinking a well rested and well taken care bottle of wine or maybe because it is a Big Bold Beautiful Napa Cab or all of the above but

This wine is singing to me and I am singing back - "that's the way I like it"

Color is dark ruby thick as a meaty steak - the smell opens with a mild smoky oak and blueberry bouquet which I love the blue fruit - The taste on my palate is between a medium / big bodied taste with a balanced and very fruit forward mouth watering experience - it has flavors of ripe blueberries and blackberries with I think includes raspberries as well - fruit loaded for sure

The finish is loooong, smooth / dry and its mild fine tannins and flavors linger slightly but in harmony - best to tame this with a Kobe steak but enjoy as a standalone - this is a relaxing wine - one that you have to relax as a storm approaches or to celebrate an awesome inspiring moment - "I'm a believer"

Will last 10 years easy - all SMILES tonight

Maybe it because back home- maybe because I am drinking a well rested and well taken care bottle of wine or maybe because it is a Big Bold Beautiful Napa Cab or all of the above but

This wine is singing to me and I am singing back - "that's the way I like it"

Color is dark ruby thick as a meaty steak - the smell opens with a mild smoky oak and blueberry bouquet which I love the blue fruit - The taste on my palate is between a medium / big bodied taste with a balanced and very fruit forward mouth watering experience - it has flavors of ripe blueberries and blackberries with I think includes raspberries as well - fruit loaded for sure

The finish is loooong, smooth / dry and its mild fine tannins and flavors linger slightly but in harmony - best to tame this with a Kobe steak but enjoy as a standalone - this is a relaxing wine - one that you have to relax as a storm approaches or to celebrate an awesome inspiring moment - "I'm a believer"

Will last 10 years easy - all SMILES tonight

1 person found it helpfulAug 23rd, 2017
Hilary McCown

Forgotten cellar wine #9766. Was skeptical about the 2000 vintage lasting so long, but for naught. Tertiary qualities predominate, but opened up with cherry cola, leather, dried plum, soft tannins but decent acids, mocha...glad I opened it!

Forgotten cellar wine #9766. Was skeptical about the 2000 vintage lasting so long, but for naught. Tertiary qualities predominate, but opened up with cherry cola, leather, dried plum, soft tannins but decent acids, mocha...glad I opened it!

1 person found it helpfulJul 10th, 2016
Rick Z
9.5

Scratch it folks ......an hour in the decanter. .....every bit of 95+ ......perfect melding of cherries, plums, and much more......delicious.... Think Parker and WS had it right!

Scratch it folks ......an hour in the decanter. .....every bit of 95+ ......perfect melding of cherries, plums, and much more......delicious.... Think Parker and WS had it right!

1 person found it helpfulJun 15th, 2016
Bernard Rethore

Owner, Fion Wines

9.0

Ya I remember you. Where have you been all these years? Oh, Mr. Fish and I found you when the distributor was going bust and could not find you a home. Score one for the good guys from the Great Recession. We gave you a place to sit quietly in retirement. And, you rewarded us for our patience. Next up the 2007!

Ya I remember you. Where have you been all these years? Oh, Mr. Fish and I found you when the distributor was going bust and could not find you a home. Score one for the good guys from the Great Recession. We gave you a place to sit quietly in retirement. And, you rewarded us for our patience. Next up the 2007!

1 person found it helpfulMay 12th, 2016
James Parker Huston, CWE

Sommelier Charlie Palmer

9.4

Needs a little more time, but opens up after an hour. Love this boutique producer.

Needs a little more time, but opens up after an hour. Love this boutique producer.

1 person found it helpfulMar 13th, 2016