Simi

Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.2124 ratings
9.131 pro ratings
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, 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
Adam Kincaid

We did a ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17 vertical tasting - highly recommend this as you get to watch the wines open up over time.

‘14 was by far and away the best, but still worth sitting on. Then, in order we liked ‘16, 17, and ‘15. The 2015 seems like it’s not going to make it as far as the others, a bit flabbier. ‘16 and ‘17 have long lives ahead of them - excited for that!

All were drinking pretty though and have varying levels of similar profiles: vanilla, cocoa, espresso, cedar, and earth tones. Hard to say no to any of them.

We did a ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17 vertical tasting - highly recommend this as you get to watch the wines open up over time.

‘14 was by far and away the best, but still worth sitting on. Then, in order we liked ‘16, 17, and ‘15. The 2015 seems like it’s not going to make it as far as the others, a bit flabbier. ‘16 and ‘17 have long lives ahead of them - excited for that!

All were drinking pretty though and have varying levels of similar profiles: vanilla, cocoa, espresso, cedar, and earth tones. Hard to say no to any of them.

Jun 13th, 2021
Adam Kincaid

We did a ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17 vertical tasting - highly recommend this as you get to watch the wines open up over time.

‘14 was by far and away the best, but still worth sitting on. Then, in order we liked ‘16, 17, and ‘15. The 2015 seems like it’s not going to make it as far as the others, a bit flabbier. ‘16 and ‘17 have long lives ahead of them - excited for that!

All were drinking pretty though and have varying levels of similar profiles: vanilla, cocoa, espresso, cedar, and earth tones. Hard to say no to any of them.

We did a ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17 vertical tasting - highly recommend this as you get to watch the wines open up over time.

‘14 was by far and away the best, but still worth sitting on. Then, in order we liked ‘16, 17, and ‘15. The 2015 seems like it’s not going to make it as far as the others, a bit flabbier. ‘16 and ‘17 have long lives ahead of them - excited for that!

All were drinking pretty though and have varying levels of similar profiles: vanilla, cocoa, espresso, cedar, and earth tones. Hard to say no to any of them.

Jun 13th, 2021
Adam Kincaid

We did a ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17 vertical tasting - highly recommend this as you get to watch the wines open up over time.

‘14 was by far and away the best, but still worth sitting on. Then, in order we liked ‘16, 17, and ‘15. The 2015 seems like it’s not going to make it as far as the others, a bit flabbier. ‘16 and ‘17 have long lives ahead of them - excited for that!

All were drinking pretty though and have varying levels of similar profiles: vanilla, cocoa, espresso, cedar, and earth tones. Hard to say no to any of them.

We did a ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17 vertical tasting - highly recommend this as you get to watch the wines open up over time.

‘14 was by far and away the best, but still worth sitting on. Then, in order we liked ‘16, 17, and ‘15. The 2015 seems like it’s not going to make it as far as the others, a bit flabbier. ‘16 and ‘17 have long lives ahead of them - excited for that!

All were drinking pretty though and have varying levels of similar profiles: vanilla, cocoa, espresso, cedar, and earth tones. Hard to say no to any of them.

Jun 13th, 2021
Adam Kincaid

Man, is this too young or what? Should be laying this down for another 10-15 years at least, I think. Sizing this up against the ‘15, ‘16, and ‘17 you can taste the progression. Cocoa bean and espresso with velvety smooth vanilla and strong mouth watering tannins. Great price for a long lasting cab.

Man, is this too young or what? Should be laying this down for another 10-15 years at least, I think. Sizing this up against the ‘15, ‘16, and ‘17 you can taste the progression. Cocoa bean and espresso with velvety smooth vanilla and strong mouth watering tannins. Great price for a long lasting cab.

Jun 13th, 2021
Shay A
9.3

Monthly WTF wine group. Special event this month as Ben provided all ‘80s Napa cabs. A few of us chipped in and provided some whites/bubbly.

Probably the surprise of the night. Not only was this the winner of the flight (against the Freemark Abbey) it almost took over the RM Reserve and the JPhelps for best wine on the table. The fact that this was 32yrs young is just nuts. Fruit had turned more ripe, with a more molasses note with nutmeg.

Monthly WTF wine group. Special event this month as Ben provided all ‘80s Napa cabs. A few of us chipped in and provided some whites/bubbly.

Probably the surprise of the night. Not only was this the winner of the flight (against the Freemark Abbey) it almost took over the RM Reserve and the JPhelps for best wine on the table. The fact that this was 32yrs young is just nuts. Fruit had turned more ripe, with a more molasses note with nutmeg.

Oct 17th, 2018
Rick Baumgarten

Dark and opaque. Pungent nose of alcohol but it does not affect the taste of dark fruit, Cedar, and earth.

Dark and opaque. Pungent nose of alcohol but it does not affect the taste of dark fruit, Cedar, and earth.

Dec 12th, 2016
Bryant Bickel

Still young, was drinking great straight out the gate, fruit was still fresh. Surprised and impressed

Still young, was drinking great straight out the gate, fruit was still fresh. Surprised and impressed

Apr 13th, 2016
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.1

Slight garnet red which looks like it is starting to brick. Quite earthy and savory on the nose such as, forest floor, damp compost and mushrooms. Almost like truffles. Very light dark fruits on the palate. Definitely near the end, might be gone in a couple years because it will completely thin out. But now it has undertones of mushrooms and soft similar earthy/vegetal notes like the mushrooms. Low to moderate tannins (4.5/10) and medium bodied. Moderate finish that carries the tannins and body to the finish. Very elegant and enjoyable for an old Sonoma Cab. Drink now.

Slight garnet red which looks like it is starting to brick. Quite earthy and savory on the nose such as, forest floor, damp compost and mushrooms. Almost like truffles. Very light dark fruits on the palate. Definitely near the end, might be gone in a couple years because it will completely thin out. But now it has undertones of mushrooms and soft similar earthy/vegetal notes like the mushrooms. Low to moderate tannins (4.5/10) and medium bodied. Moderate finish that carries the tannins and body to the finish. Very elegant and enjoyable for an old Sonoma Cab. Drink now.

Apr 4th, 2016
Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

9.3

Lovely,soft and earthy. Very integrated

Lovely,soft and earthy. Very integrated

Mar 31st, 2016
Rick Baumgarten

Great value. This opened nicely with fully integrated tannins subtle fruit and berries tastes. Rich and elegant with a lovely finish.

Great value. This opened nicely with fully integrated tannins subtle fruit and berries tastes. Rich and elegant with a lovely finish.

Feb 20th, 2016