Riva di Ponente Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Aged for 22 months in French Oak barrels, 35% new, deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, spice and sweet notes. On the palate flavors of black cherry, juicy plum and blackberry with licorice, cinnamon, cedar and cacao. Fine integrated tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral character.

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve said this, but this is another example of a 2011 vintage Napa cab that is just absolutely superb! I’ve had a few 2011 Cimarossa offerings and each one has been a highlight of the vintage. At pop and pour, I couldn’t believe the profile this was showing...it reminded me of a Ridge Montebello aromatically, as if I had tasted this blind I would have called some use of American oak wrapped in truly elegant black cherries, black currant, and savory herbs de Provence spices. The longer it was open the more it gained power, adding notes of dark chocolate, bay leaf, Cimarossa’s signature red clay and black plum with a big flavor packed dark berry pie tannic finish. Bravo!

Monthly WTF wine group night. Our theme was American oak vs French oak. All wines tasted blind. We started off with two bottles of bubbly and finished with two non-themed reds.

I believe this is the oldest Cimarossa wine I’ve had. I love their wines! Compared to the ‘07 RdC of theirs I had a month or two ago, this is more elegant and finesse. Not as much sweet fruit, but the fruit that is there (juicy blackberries, sweet plum, currant) are balanced and accompanied by some herbal/slightly leathery Bordeaux like notes. Very smooth and integrated on the palate with vanilla, baked black cherries, dark cocoa and graphite. This is drinking at its apex. Thanks @Mark Flesher

Forrest floor, grapey, floral-musk, char and coconut. Beautiful wines here.

Flat out delicious on a Christmas afternoon

Fell victim to experiment. This is tough to rate. I LOVE these wines, especially with 5-10yrs on them. Their mountain tannins and structure need years, and this is no different. Aromatics are already gorgeous...blackberry, candied raspberry and cedar. At the front of the palate it turns very cranberry and bing cherry, turns to charcoal and grilled plum quick on the mid palate, and then drops off a cliff quickly for the finish. A baby. Thanks for taking one for the team @Mark Flesher 😂

This is beast. Notes remain consistent with prior ratings - dark, rich, powerful - this is still an infant and benefits from a long decant - though probably more time in bottle will severe this best. Still a very good wine.

Still youthful, the first sip was hard as nails but after a few hours this really opened up. This is very spicy and super concentrated with hints of leather, tobacco and dark fruit. This is a big wine with hard tannins so patience in the cellar or a long decant is needed.

Another day of tasting and tours in the books and this was one of the highlights of the trip. An absolute home run visit in every way possible, from the winery views, the people, the tour and the wines. Flat out incredible!

We were fortunate to taste through quite a few wines here, but the consensus group favorite was the ‘14 Ponente. The dark and rich fruit here was heightened compared to other wines and vintages. More espresso, almond skin, and dark chocolate. All of Mia’s wines here seem to be made very elegant and refined with serious aging potential. These are rockstar wines. @Mark Flesher , you turned me on to these guys and help us get one heck of a tasting! Bravo!

The 19’s are rocking! Grilled ribeye is the perfect pairing. Smooth with lots of stuffing and a nice long finish