Reviews

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The O.G. Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

This came off extremely oaky and almost chocolate milkshake marshmallowy compared to the other competitors in the Napa blind tasting. Gobs of fruit here.

Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

This still needs time. It was middle of the pack in a blind amongst some compelling Futos and Macdonald. Much more delineated than the Schrader, Realm, Carter, Outpost crew served next to it, the…

MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon

In a blind of Napa big boys, this thing jumped ahead of the pack with what I consider to be one of the most perfect profiles for my palate. There is that signature olive and saline overlay that…

Futo Oakville

I have to admit to continually being fond of Futo, especially the Oakville offering. Despite the elevated pricing, the wine itself is consistently compelling with its combination of dark fruit and…

Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard

Big and unctuous, but with a silky finesse that made a 2018 Arkenstone Heimark served beside it look like a blackberry whiskey sour. the Anjea has that Nigel smooth edges thing going on that always…

Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon Heimark Vineyard

This bottle was a hot, massive, thick monster. Sticky and syrupy, with the high alcohol brambly blackberry cocktail delivery showing a full frontal exhibition of overt heat and power. Finishes like a…

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

Blind.

Christopher Tynan Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines Meleagris Gallopavo

As before, brooding and almost rustic at first pass, but probably the most interesting Cabernet at the table, this MG impresses with some pyrazine and soil driven elements that help to lift the dark…

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

Side by side next to the 2022 Myriad TK.

Arrow & Branch Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch

Blind.

VHR Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch

This comes off a bit disjointed at first pass, with an overly heavy and sluggish ripe/dark fruit front end and an angular and bitter tail. It is as if a cooler version is colliding with a hot…

Lail Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Mole Hill

Blackberry, dark wet soil, black licorice, and anise make for a heavy showing. A bit of a sandbaggy bruiser, but with overly rounded and soft contours hidden under its mass of fruit; indicative of a…

Arrow & Branch Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

This is a super hot fruit goober. I mean, it's a Crane, so fruit is kinda its thing, but I would leave these alone for a while. It's on total flash and overtly cocktaily in its current fraternity…

Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Bella Oaks

Plum, cherry, leather, dust, and some sherry notes. Classical in form all the way around. Past its prime in terms of freshness and tannic structure, presenting with a softness that is pleasant but…

Revana Cabernet Sauvignon

At peak, at least in terms of its components continuing to harmonize in a synchronized outpouring of freshness, fruit flavor and expansion, and focus. It has become a bit of a one hit wonder, but the…

Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon La Voleuse Du Chagrin Geeslin Vineyard

2019 Napa blind of Promontory, Colgin Tychson, and Kinsman La Voleuse.

Colgin Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard

2019 Napa blind of Promontory, Colgin Tychson, and Kinsman La Voleuse.

Promontory

2019 Napa blind of Promontory, Colgin Tychson, and Kinsman La Voleuse.

Colgin Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard

When I initially tried this upon arrival, it seemed fairly sound (it had been decanted for a couple of hours); a little lush and gush on entry (especially compared to more honed versions of Tychson…

Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

A lovely profile, with ripe berry fruit and layered soil elements, the inaugural 2003 Scarecrow is holding strong with solid freshness and focus. This bottle shows no signs of being past its prime;…

Palisades Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon

95.2% Cab, 4.6% Cab Franc, 0.2% PV.

Promontory

My exact notes read, "Super fresh! Finish is uber-puckery and higher toned, but some black fruit comes in and levels it off nicely. An elegant and beautiful profile. Young, flamboyant, and exciting,…

Promontory

Fresh but also brooding and dark fruit. Acid and tannin management throughout consumption are near-perfect. My exact notes read, "Richness and density with superior freshness." Any time a wine can…

Promontory

Even more thin and diluted than the bottle I had previously (which was from magnum, which might explain the better showing before). Red and black fruit make for a very pretty wine, but noticeably…

Promontory

Barrel sample. Snappy poppy cherry. Pucker factor is ultra high here. Super high-toned purple red licorice. Pure and fresh. Picked before the heat spikes. Might be one of the few 2022s worth checking…