Reviews

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon La Verdad Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard

This and the GTO were the absolute best in the entire lineup. Where the GTO was a 110 point wine, this LPV was a mere 100 points. From the first sip, I knew it was Las Piedras. Dark purple fruit with…

The Debate Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

It has been six months since I last had this wine. All previous notes apply for the most part. Still in the 94-96 point range for me. Such a balanced and silky version of a Dr. Crane; this is…

Scarlett Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

Similar to my notes 6 months ago. This continued to improve over the course of three hours in the decanter. I'm surprised we were able to stretch this wine out for that long, as it was one of the…

Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon NVD

Same as my notes 2 months ago. Not something I'll likely revist after my remaining bottles are consumed. A bit plumy and lithe. Mid and back end fell off a bit more than I'd prefer. Drink now and…

Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard

No joke, this is a colossal monster of a wine. Massive tannins and dark purple and black fruit on the attack...and I mean ATTACK. Hits you like a sledge hammer at first, but in the absolute best of…

Celani Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Ardore

Similar to my notes from last year except this displayed some clunkiness it had to work out during consumption before it settled into a decent glide. PnP had some alcohol and overtly ripe fruit notes…

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

DAY 1: PnP was tight and restrained, with notes of black and red currant, black cherry, spice, and alcohol. Took about four hours in the decanter to open up with additional, deeper flavors of…

Krupp Brothers Estates Cabernet Sauvignon M5 Stagecoach Vineyard

Similar to my notes from last year. It was good...and that's about it. Cedar and mulch notes dominated over the black currant and black cherry fruit. Not overly complex and a bit of a disappointment…

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon

Liquified black cherry gummy bears and Cherry Coke. Would pair great with a fistful of Red Vines, watching Fast & Furious MMXXV in IMAX, while dropping acid with Roger Waters...

Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard

So you all know it's too early to open this bottle of wine. You know that you're supposed to wait a couple of years to let it settle into itself and become this would-be 100 point wine. Some of you…

White Cottage Ranch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

Black fruit, with a pebbly, slate aftertaste. A little bitter. A note of cedar crept up after some airtime. Fruit seemed decent, with a frame that slowly appears to be on the downswing. "Not bad,"…

The Weasel and the Cork Cabernet Sauvignon

It was the throw-down "red" at the table. Cedar and red and black currant. Completely dry, like sucking on tanbark that had been marinated in balsamic vinegar and grape seed oil.

Sarocka Cabernet Sauvignon

Same as all of my other notes. An hour+ decant served it well. Really nice wild mountain red berry and black currant fruit. 94-95 points all day long.

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection

PnP was practically undrinkable. Sweet, candied black cherry Jolly Rancher and chocolate chunk notes. Completely cloying and syrupy tasting.

Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard

Wait at least another two years before popping the cork on this. Restrained notes of black currant, river rock, asphalt, and some anise. PACKED with potential but nowhere near ready for prime time.…

Saunter Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Eagle Summit Vineyard

Same as my notes from last month. This was served alongside a 2013 Buccella Merlot and a 2012 Bevan Sugarloaf. The Saunter, though very good, was at the back of the pack. It displayed a softer,…

Memento Mori Cabernet Sauvignon

Previous notes apply, except that I bumped this up a couple of points because it showed absolutely beautifully this go-around. A totally compelling and captivating bottle of wine, especially after…

Fleury Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

PnP delivered immediately captivating notes of black currant, black raspberry, anise, fresh turned mulch, and some spice. A dark expression of Howell Mountain, delivering gobs of black fruit, but…

Herb Lamb Cabernet Sauvignon HL

Same as all my other previous notes, except that I bumped this up a couple of points. It has really filled out since last time. Solid depth and concentration; an absolutely beautiful, dark expression…

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard

First time having this wine at home in a more controlled environment. All of my previous notes apply. I keep waiting for this wine to shut down, but it delivered great all the way from PnP to three…

Switchback Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard

It's been over a year since I last had this wine. PnP and it was ready to consume, though I will say that some air in the glass allowed more of the red and black currant and dark black cherry notes…

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Kings Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

It's been a year since I had this wine. I was a little reluctant to open this simply because I know some of these 2013 Carter wines need some time in bottle before they can really stretch their legs.…

Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain

Same as my CT notes from last month. Still in the 94+ range for me. This was a little more wound tight from what I remember in March. Shows a lot of promise. 97+ from Parker seems a little high to…

Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld

Akin to the 2013, except that the 2014 (indicative of the vintage) is a little more accessible and forward. It showed immense blue and black fruits, with a cut of black slate and river rock. Full and…

Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

Similar to my previous notes. 94-95+ points. Started to show more power and intensity than what I last remembered. Concentration was most notable, as was a bit more of its darker fruit profile.