Asterisk Rutherford Red Bordeaux Blend

The 2001 Sloan is a brooding powerhouse. Dark, inky and super-concentrated, the 2001 possesses tremendous textural richness from start to finish. Blackberry jam, licorice, cloves, new leather, mocha and French oak all build in the glass. The 2001 is still quite fresh and deep, but it is also heading into its plateau of maturity. All that said, the 2001 has aged well, although it is very much a wine of its era, with huge fruit and equally heavy torrefaction flavors from the oak. Beyond that, there isn't much else to say except that the 2001 is in a great spot for drinking right now. It is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. This was Martha McClellan's first vintage at Sloan. Mark Aubert made the 2000 and then departed in July of the following year. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, April 2023)

Sloan’s second label. My experience with their Asterisk is limited, so I gave this plenty of TLC.

Even though it’s hard to believe 2013 Napa wines are 9, approaching 10yrs in age, most are still so coiled up. With this being a “second” wine, I expected this to be accessible but I could not have been more wrong. For the first hour, this was a muted, heavy oak curtain of nothingness. After that, it slowly started giving way to its beautiful fruit profile, but it was at its best after 6hrs in the decanter. Very pretty/elegant. Black cherry, violets, dark cocoa and espresso on the nose, with mostly the same on the palate. As with other high end valley floor cabs, the mid palate depth here is sexy and commanding. There is an added savory/graphite note too, but for the most part, this is a powerful and black cherry to-the-core Cabernet that is in need of at least 3-5yrs more of sleep to adequately express itself.

Stunning example. Inviting, opulent nose, followed by a sweet, dense, textured finish. Well presented tannins, with moderate acidity. For a second wine, we are impressed.

Plums and cherries. Very giving. Plush and approachable.

Dark roast, dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, dark chocolate, loads of baking spices, dark spice, crushed rocks, grainy tannins, sweet dark tarriness and pitch black florals.

Juicy and boisterous - a total delight to drink. Hedonistic, bountiful plummy fruit.

A bit brickish in appearance. The vintage definitely shows on the nose, damp forest floor, purplish flowers like lilac or lavender, truffles, a little green and red berries. Nicely layered. Medium tannins (7/10) and medium plus bodied. Beefed up with some air. Needs a healthy decant but has some notes of cherries, cedar, spices and a bit of earthiness. Drink till 2026.

Merlot based. Much more approachable in its it’s youth. Made exactly the same as its big brother. I’ve never had this before. There is no doubt I’ll be looking to buy plenty of this!!

Decanted for an hour or so before being approachable. Chocolate covered cherries and intense ripe berries with a hint of menthol and earth. Full bodied and well balanced with a lovely long finish.

This is an unfair rating as it followed two second flights of top Napa producers. Relatively speaking, big fruit bomb, less balance but nice long finish. (P.S. You need to view the previous two ratings to appreciate my comments, but you'll get it!)