James Cole
Umbral Estate Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
I have said many times that when Charles Hendricks made James Cole from 2013 backwards, amazing.
Charles is the most under known & therefore unappreciated Napa Winemaker on the planet from my perspective.
So, when a bunch of his JC vintages appeared on the secondary market, I bought them all. They are very rare these days.
2013 an excellent vintage, small berries with excellent concentration. When I picked up the cork from the table at the restaurant, it was turned away from me. When I looked at my hand, it was heavily painted with tannins. In a way I have seldom experienced. It was so, I could have easily painted my war face.
I have said many times that when Charles Hendricks made James Cole from 2013 backwards, amazing.
Charles is the most under known & therefore unappreciated Napa Winemaker on the planet from my perspective.
So, when a bunch of his JC vintages appeared on the secondary market, I bought them all. They are very rare these days.
2013 an excellent vintage, small berries with excellent concentration. When I picked up the cork from the table at the restaurant, it was turned away from me. When I looked at my hand, it was heavily painted with tannins. In a way I have seldom experienced. It was so, I could have easily painted my war face.
This was a nice thought. Would have been nice to a Charles James Cole wines. But, this is a little cooked and finally pulled the cork after times coravining it over days. I’ll stop here.
This was a nice thought. Would have been nice to a Charles James Cole wines. But, this is a little cooked and finally pulled the cork after times coravining it over days. I’ll stop here.
Jul 17th, 2023
One of favorite boutique Napa winery - decanted 2 hours - love the 09, 10 and 12 - not tried the 13 yet - singing in prefect pitch - color is deep red and stunning, smell is intoxicating, taste is with every sip reminding me to smile and the finish is damn right runway model sexy - in honor of @Carl Fischer and the amazing Christmas carol story last night and as a tribute to all delectable folks including the WNH gang - my 2nd seasonal posting is an adaption from Home Alone 2 - "hold it right there - and you respond by saying "this is wine drinkers everywhere" - I say knew it was you as I could smell you near my cellar - you were at my cellar last night and You been drinking with everybody and not always smiling - you been drinking with "Snuffy. Al. Leo. Moe, with the gimpy leg. Cheeks. Boney Bob, Cliff" - you say "I am mistaken and have been not drinking with everybody and when you drink your wine you do smile" - so I say I believe you but tommy gun don't so I going to give to the count of three to pour a glass of wine and start smiling one two and wait you are smiling so keep smiling and Merry Christmas you wine drinking animals!!!!
One of favorite boutique Napa winery - decanted 2 hours - love the 09, 10 and 12 - not tried the 13 yet - singing in prefect pitch - color is deep red and stunning, smell is intoxicating, taste is with every sip reminding me to smile and the finish is damn right runway model sexy - in honor of @Carl Fischer and the amazing Christmas carol story last night and as a tribute to all delectable folks including the WNH gang - my 2nd seasonal posting is an adaption from Home Alone 2 - "hold it right there - and you respond by saying "this is wine drinkers everywhere" - I say knew it was you as I could smell you near my cellar - you were at my cellar last night and You been drinking with everybody and not always smiling - you been drinking with "Snuffy. Al. Leo. Moe, with the gimpy leg. Cheeks. Boney Bob, Cliff" - you say "I am mistaken and have been not drinking with everybody and when you drink your wine you do smile" - so I say I believe you but tommy gun don't so I going to give to the count of three to pour a glass of wine and start smiling one two and wait you are smiling so keep smiling and Merry Christmas you wine drinking animals!!!!
Dec 24th, 2016
A big wine. Velvety texture, inky, lots of dark fruit and french oak. Still quite youthful.
A big wine. Velvety texture, inky, lots of dark fruit and french oak. Still quite youthful.
Aug 7th, 2021
Inky black in the glass. Lovely black cherries, cassis, licorice and spice. Has a full-bodied palate with medium tannins and flavors of blackberry and chocolate. 2010 so needs a full hour decant.
Inky black in the glass. Lovely black cherries, cassis, licorice and spice. Has a full-bodied palate with medium tannins and flavors of blackberry and chocolate. 2010 so needs a full hour decant.
Apr 12th, 2020
3rd Bottle of James Cole,
High alcohol nose,probably just too young. The 10 Muds Kitchen still my favorite
3rd Bottle of James Cole,
High alcohol nose,probably just too young. The 10 Muds Kitchen still my favorite
Jo thinks it's a steer, but it's a man bending over. Tons of sediment. Should have been decanted for many hours. We are impatient to our own detriment.
Jo thinks it's a steer, but it's a man bending over. Tons of sediment. Should have been decanted for many hours. We are impatient to our own detriment.
Jan 21st, 2017Great tannins, big blackberry, layered beautifully, some licorice, smooth oak finish, fantastic bottle.
Great tannins, big blackberry, layered beautifully, some licorice, smooth oak finish, fantastic bottle.
Jul 24th, 2016
Very smooth, full bodied, long finish, blackberries, no tannins
Very smooth, full bodied, long finish, blackberries, no tannins
Jun 20th, 2015