James Cole

Umbral Estate Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.545 ratings
9.47 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

8.9

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
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

This is more tame than the Mud’s Kitchen. Not as astringent. More 93.5.

The fruit is prettier, nice ripe, not over the top. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries, hints of boysenberries, black licorice, tarry notes, Indian spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, salted caramel, mocha powder, dry clay, sandalwood, moist tobacco, moist clay, forest floor, eucalyptus notes, volcanic ash, dark, red, flowers framed in lavender & violets. Nice acidity with a highly structured, well tensioned, nearly balanced finish that last minutes.

This is more tame than the Mud’s Kitchen. Not as astringent. More 93.5.

The fruit is prettier, nice ripe, not over the top. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries, hints of boysenberries, black licorice, tarry notes, Indian spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, salted caramel, mocha powder, dry clay, sandalwood, moist tobacco, moist clay, forest floor, eucalyptus notes, volcanic ash, dark, red, flowers framed in lavender & violets. Nice acidity with a highly structured, well tensioned, nearly balanced finish that last minutes.

Jul 17th, 2023
Mike R
9.5

Big bold beautiful- smiles for days - love this wine and a shout out to my bud who brought one of my favorites @Jeff Lanter

Big bold beautiful- smiles for days - love this wine and a shout out to my bud who brought one of my favorites @Jeff Lanter

May 16th, 2020
Victor Aul

Impressive wine. Well balanced with dark fruit with sweet vanilla notes

Impressive wine. Well balanced with dark fruit with sweet vanilla notes

May 15th, 2019
Mike R
9.6

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
Michael Sinowitz

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
Victor Aul

OMG

Dec 24th, 2018
Ken Venezio

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
Brian Reedy

Luscious

Luscious

Apr 5th, 2020
Brendan Baker

Big, rich Napa cab with black fruit and spice. Fair amount of new oak

Big, rich Napa cab with black fruit and spice. Fair amount of new oak

Jun 16th, 2019