James Cole
Il Mostro Napa Valley Red Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
No formal notes on this one as we ended up enjoying our evening far too much.
Suffice to say, the finest bottle I’ve had from them and amongst some of the best examples of new world red wine out of Napa I’ve had in some time.
The 2012 was singing last night. Complexity, showing amazing integration and flat out harmony on the palate. Man was this beautiful.
The Il Mostro (The Monster) red wine is named for the unusually thick and twisted Petite Sirah and Zinfandel vines that have stood strong for the last 100 to 125 years from where these grapes are sourced.
Beautiful craftsmanship from their former Winemaker, Charles Hendricks.
Photos of; James Cole Winery, their intimate tasting bar, Owners-James & Colleen and their Cellar/Private tasting room.
No formal notes on this one as we ended up enjoying our evening far too much.
Suffice to say, the finest bottle I’ve had from them and amongst some of the best examples of new world red wine out of Napa I’ve had in some time.
The 2012 was singing last night. Complexity, showing amazing integration and flat out harmony on the palate. Man was this beautiful.
The Il Mostro (The Monster) red wine is named for the unusually thick and twisted Petite Sirah and Zinfandel vines that have stood strong for the last 100 to 125 years from where these grapes are sourced.
Beautiful craftsmanship from their former Winemaker, Charles Hendricks.
Photos of; James Cole Winery, their intimate tasting bar, Owners-James & Colleen and their Cellar/Private tasting room.
Delicious round, lush berry fruit blend mixed with a little milk chocolate.
Delicious round, lush berry fruit blend mixed with a little milk chocolate.
Nov 21st, 2016Creamy blackberries, blueberries, black plum, black raspberries, faint strawberries, milk chocolate, creamy soft minerals, dark dry earth, vanilla, leather, sawdust and a long chocolate cake with fruit finish. Love this wine. Excellent pair with the BBQ chicken.
Creamy blackberries, blueberries, black plum, black raspberries, faint strawberries, milk chocolate, creamy soft minerals, dark dry earth, vanilla, leather, sawdust and a long chocolate cake with fruit finish. Love this wine. Excellent pair with the BBQ chicken.
Jul 5th, 2016Black cherry & black plum liqueur, ripe strawberries, back rhubarb, chocolate fudge cake w/raspberries, red & pink florals, powdery tannins, rich dark earth and grainy taut minerals. As much as I like this 10, I think I prefer "The Monster" young. 100 year old Petite Syrah wines with a splash of Zinfandel.
Black cherry & black plum liqueur, ripe strawberries, back rhubarb, chocolate fudge cake w/raspberries, red & pink florals, powdery tannins, rich dark earth and grainy taut minerals. As much as I like this 10, I think I prefer "The Monster" young. 100 year old Petite Syrah wines with a splash of Zinfandel.
May 22nd, 2016Consistently one of my favorites from James Cole. The 13 is no different. New Winemaker for the 15 vintage. We'll see if the style changes. Trained by Chuck but they've added a Wine Consultant. Interesting to see how new influences changes this wine.
Consistently one of my favorites from James Cole. The 13 is no different. New Winemaker for the 15 vintage. We'll see if the style changes. Trained by Chuck but they've added a Wine Consultant. Interesting to see how new influences changes this wine.
May 8th, 2016Blueberry pancakes, baking spices, soft wood, rich elegant finish.
Blueberry pancakes, baking spices, soft wood, rich elegant finish.
Aug 9th, 2015Rich lush blackberries, blueberries, black plum, black tea, star anise, leather, touch oaky with mineral.
Rich lush blackberries, blueberries, black plum, black tea, star anise, leather, touch oaky with mineral.
Jul 24th, 2015This was a great pairing with the Vindaloo Chicken Curry, great spice and fruit, great texture.
This was a great pairing with the Vindaloo Chicken Curry, great spice and fruit, great texture.
Mar 26th, 2013
Bursting with dark fruits balanced and rich. 2016
Bursting with dark fruits balanced and rich. 2016
Apr 3rd, 2020