Dana Estates
Onda Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
The 2017 showed what one might expect. Not Napa’s best. However, I do not think many quality 2017 producers deserved the early criticism. Most 2017’s are now showing better than they did young. The issue with this 2017 was its finish, not long and somewhat angular.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Large oak vats for fermentation. Pine Nut Honey Crostata.
The 2017 showed what one might expect. Not Napa’s best. However, I do not think many quality 2017 producers deserved the early criticism. Most 2017’s are now showing better than they did young. The issue with this 2017 was its finish, not long and somewhat angular.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Large oak vats for fermentation. Pine Nut Honey Crostata.
The 2016 showed nice ripe fruits and falls into style of the other 2016’s I have tasted. Not as complex as the other vintages but a nice elegant wine.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Estate fruit about 10 days to two weeks from picking. Akaushi New York Yorkshire Pudding.
The 2016 showed nice ripe fruits and falls into style of the other 2016’s I have tasted. Not as complex as the other vintages but a nice elegant wine.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Estate fruit about 10 days to two weeks from picking. Akaushi New York Yorkshire Pudding.
Their 2019 showed nice quality but I would say it is in a closed down phase. It just did not shine at the event.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Estate fruit about 10 days to two weeks from picking. Korean Beef Bulgogi Taco.
Their 2019 showed nice quality but I would say it is in a closed down phase. It just did not shine at the event.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Estate fruit about 10 days to two weeks from picking. Korean Beef Bulgogi Taco.
The 2018 showed perhaps the best. Not necessarily the vintage as I believe the 2021 to be and out performs them all today. However, it showed its high quality, incredible balance and a fair start in its evolution process.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Korean Beef Bulgogi Taco.
The 2018 showed perhaps the best. Not necessarily the vintage as I believe the 2021 to be and out performs them all today. However, it showed its high quality, incredible balance and a fair start in its evolution process.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Korean Beef Bulgogi Taco.
The 2015 showed some nice integration. The fruits, earth and floral’s were in harmony and just entering its drinking window.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Pine Nut Honey Crostata.
The 2015 showed some nice integration. The fruits, earth and floral’s were in harmony and just entering its drinking window.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Pine Nut Honey Crostata.
The 2021 Napa Cabernets I’ve had so far have been outstanding. It is still early, but I think it could be in the conversation for vintage of the century for Cabernets.
The 21 Onda as with all the Onda Cabernets are a blend of all three of their holdings (Lotus, Helms, Hershey. They also source Sauvignon Blanc from Crystal Springs) and this one is very well made. Excellent; structure, fruit and showing some of the Rutherford dust on the finish with 20% of the blend coming from Rutherford.
Give this one 10 years plus.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Akaushi New York Yorkshire Pudding.
The 2021 Napa Cabernets I’ve had so far have been outstanding. It is still early, but I think it could be in the conversation for vintage of the century for Cabernets.
The 21 Onda as with all the Onda Cabernets are a blend of all three of their holdings (Lotus, Helms, Hershey. They also source Sauvignon Blanc from Crystal Springs) and this one is very well made. Excellent; structure, fruit and showing some of the Rutherford dust on the finish with 20% of the blend coming from Rutherford.
Give this one 10 years plus.
Photos of Dana Estates 9/14/24 Onda release party. Akaushi New York Yorkshire Pudding.
This is as classic as Napa Can can be - deep Ruby even at 9 years of age, wonderfully developed nose of cassis, red currant, violet, blackberry, wild raspberry, cedar, cigar box and wet stone, dried rose petal and cedar. Beautiful balance between the fruit, the silky, elegant tannins, crisp acidity and alcohol (15.2%). Very long finish and very much full of life - it has another 10 years of life. Voluptuous without being too ripe or overly extracted. Masterful
This is as classic as Napa Can can be - deep Ruby even at 9 years of age, wonderfully developed nose of cassis, red currant, violet, blackberry, wild raspberry, cedar, cigar box and wet stone, dried rose petal and cedar. Beautiful balance between the fruit, the silky, elegant tannins, crisp acidity and alcohol (15.2%). Very long finish and very much full of life - it has another 10 years of life. Voluptuous without being too ripe or overly extracted. Masterful
Apr 25th, 2023
A nice wine, very Napa but not overdone.
A nice wine, very Napa but not overdone.
Aug 10th, 2018
The best 2nd label . Needs 3+ hours of decanting.
The best 2nd label . Needs 3+ hours of decanting.
Jul 25th, 2018