Band of Vintners
Consortium Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
Definitely a solid Napa Cabernet and enjoyable with food and without. The QPR is off the charts on this collaborative effort. To me, I'd like it best in a couple of years but love the mix of red and blue fruits, savory elements and pleasing finish. It should be right up my alley.
Definitely a solid Napa Cabernet and enjoyable with food and without. The QPR is off the charts on this collaborative effort. To me, I'd like it best in a couple of years but love the mix of red and blue fruits, savory elements and pleasing finish. It should be right up my alley.
Aug 12th, 2017
From the folks who brought you (in label order from top to bottom) Anamoly and Zeitgeist, Hyde de Villaine and Long Meadow Ranch, Terra Valentine, Massican and Larkmead, Hobel and Milton Road Trading Co., lead by a Master Sommelier employed by Dana Estates, previously with Harlan, Bond, and Promontory, and the sell side being handled by a VP of marketing from Michael Mondavi's Folio.
The stated goal was to create the best pound for pound Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa (highest QPR). The band pooled resources and pulled favors, sourcing the grapes from "one of 'those' vineyards" that cannot be named due to a NDA. 18 months in 1-year old French oak. 15% Merlot and 2% Cab Franc round the balance of Cabernet Sauvignon.
I knew going in this would not be an over extracted fruit bomb, but upon opening I had my concerns that this might be too far in the opposite direction. Fortunately, after 30-45 minutes, it started adding weight like a prize fighter after weigh-in. Acacia flowers, melted licorice, black fruit, with plenty on mineral laced, satiny tannin. Give this an hour, wait for your second glass, and it will envelop you. 93+
And for the record, my guess is they sourced the grapes from a Spring Mountain vineyard.
From the folks who brought you (in label order from top to bottom) Anamoly and Zeitgeist, Hyde de Villaine and Long Meadow Ranch, Terra Valentine, Massican and Larkmead, Hobel and Milton Road Trading Co., lead by a Master Sommelier employed by Dana Estates, previously with Harlan, Bond, and Promontory, and the sell side being handled by a VP of marketing from Michael Mondavi's Folio.
The stated goal was to create the best pound for pound Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa (highest QPR). The band pooled resources and pulled favors, sourcing the grapes from "one of 'those' vineyards" that cannot be named due to a NDA. 18 months in 1-year old French oak. 15% Merlot and 2% Cab Franc round the balance of Cabernet Sauvignon.
I knew going in this would not be an over extracted fruit bomb, but upon opening I had my concerns that this might be too far in the opposite direction. Fortunately, after 30-45 minutes, it started adding weight like a prize fighter after weigh-in. Acacia flowers, melted licorice, black fruit, with plenty on mineral laced, satiny tannin. Give this an hour, wait for your second glass, and it will envelop you. 93+
And for the record, my guess is they sourced the grapes from a Spring Mountain vineyard.
One of the rare $30ish Napa Cabs that is distinct, rich, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing.
One of the rare $30ish Napa Cabs that is distinct, rich, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing.
2 people found it helpfulFeb 26th, 2017
This is my second time visiting this and I like where I've ended up. To me, the stand out feature are the tannins. They're wonderfully fine grained and very well integrated. There is good balance between fruit and acid.
This is my second time visiting this and I like where I've ended up. To me, the stand out feature are the tannins. They're wonderfully fine grained and very well integrated. There is good balance between fruit and acid.
1 person found it helpfulJan 28th, 2017This is the inaugural vintage of this wine made by a group of winemakers who have termed themselves the Band of Vintners.
Decanted 2+ hours. The cork came out looking like it had never been in there! Medium red in the glass and slightly translucent. The nose remained a bit closed but dark cherry seemed to come through. On the palate, there was very pleasant notes of cola, vanilla, plum and almost a bit of fig. A hair on the sweetish side, but in a very good way. The tannins snuck up on me. Fairly firm but not in a challenging way.
It will be interesting to see how this progresses in a couple of years. A solid job. Quite good #QPR
This is the inaugural vintage of this wine made by a group of winemakers who have termed themselves the Band of Vintners.
Decanted 2+ hours. The cork came out looking like it had never been in there! Medium red in the glass and slightly translucent. The nose remained a bit closed but dark cherry seemed to come through. On the palate, there was very pleasant notes of cola, vanilla, plum and almost a bit of fig. A hair on the sweetish side, but in a very good way. The tannins snuck up on me. Fairly firm but not in a challenging way.
It will be interesting to see how this progresses in a couple of years. A solid job. Quite good #QPR
I know I have seen a couple people trying this lately, especially @Isaac Pirolo, so decided to grab one and it's a baby!
Deep ruby red with garnet edges. Fruit bomb on the nose with loads of red berries with a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, herbs and dark floral notes. Moderate tannins (7/10) and medium plus body. A touch of heat on the palate, this is still a baby. Tannic backbone with lots of structure. Notes of dark black cherries, dark spices, cinnamon and a touch bitter in the long finish. Drink from 2019 till 2029.
I know I have seen a couple people trying this lately, especially @Isaac Pirolo, so decided to grab one and it's a baby!
Deep ruby red with garnet edges. Fruit bomb on the nose with loads of red berries with a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, herbs and dark floral notes. Moderate tannins (7/10) and medium plus body. A touch of heat on the palate, this is still a baby. Tannic backbone with lots of structure. Notes of dark black cherries, dark spices, cinnamon and a touch bitter in the long finish. Drink from 2019 till 2029.
There's been a lot of buzz about this wine and the folks who make it. But honestly, I thought it tasted just ok. I would have guessed 25 bucks, so for me the QPR isn't there. People are going gaga over this (just look at the ratings here) but I just don't get it. It's not bad but definitely not living up to the hype. Lacked depth and any real texture and flavor was very one dimensional. So eh and a disappointment considering those involved - all of whom make great wines.
There's been a lot of buzz about this wine and the folks who make it. But honestly, I thought it tasted just ok. I would have guessed 25 bucks, so for me the QPR isn't there. People are going gaga over this (just look at the ratings here) but I just don't get it. It's not bad but definitely not living up to the hype. Lacked depth and any real texture and flavor was very one dimensional. So eh and a disappointment considering those involved - all of whom make great wines.
Dec 17th, 2016Rockin'. I think this is Bond's Pluribus.
Rockin'. I think this is Bond's Pluribus.
Nov 24th, 2016
Mighty fine wine you've got there boys. Nice work :)
Mighty fine wine you've got there boys. Nice work :)
May 19th, 2016