Reviews

Scarlett Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

Specific tasting notes were pretty much the same except that this go-around on the PnP it was a little clunky. It reminded me that this is still a young 2013 Napa Cabernet that isn't 100% ready to…

Forman Cabernet Sauvignon

More in line with my specific notes from 12/15/2015. Drinking good now without a decant. Classical Napa Cabernet style, with deep purple/red berry and currant notes. As always, some cedar on the back…

L'Aventure Optimus

Same notes as last month. Always a crowd pleaser, a great QPR, and ready to drink now. A little air always helps, but it's smooth and lush with a bit of swirling in the glass after a PnP.

Quivet Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Pellet Vineyard

I concur with other previous notes on this wine, especially JCAASI01 regarding its plump, round characteristics. It almost drank like a big Merlot, with some juicy Syrah components (as mentioned by…

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

PnP with notes of red and purple berry fruit, red and black currant, cocoa powder, and chalk. Not filling in much on the mid-palate and a bit of a bite on the finish. Into the decanter it went.

Valdez Family Winery Petite Sirah Landy Vineyard

Thick unctuous PS notes of blackberry, blueberry, chocolate covered raspberry, asphalt, tar, granite, and cacao.

Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard

PnP with notes of beautifully brambly red and purple berry fruit, black raspberry, macerated blackberry, vanilla bean, dark chocolate raspberry liqueur, espresso, black currant, and just a faint hint…

Talley Vineyards Chardonnay Rosemary's Vineyard

Good, not great. Nothing memorable. Notes of mineral-inflected lemon oil, green apple, quince, and granite. Epitomized a "standard California chardonnay" in that it offered up a decent drinking…

Eric Kent Wine Cellars Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Same notes as 01/25/2016. "It was fine," is the only phrase that comes to mind. Buttered popcorn and lemon curd; two flavors I like in a chardonnay if there is something else to elevate it. Not here.

Lewis Cellars Syrah

Totally agree with DANIELBLEIER in that this wine is indeed super rich and lush (in the best of ways). Exactly what I would expect from a Lewis Syrah from an overly-giving vintage like 2012. PnP with…

Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah The Contender

PnP with notes of salted/cured meats, black raspberry, tangy plum, olive brine, himalayan salt block (like the salt lick you had for your hamster when you were a kid), and some pumice.

Wren Hop Pinot Noir Daughters of Earth Goldrock Ridge

An absolutely phenomenal showing this go-around. Similar to my previous CT notes on this wine, with specific flavors of sweet black cherry and dark berry fruits, ripe plum, black raspberry, vanilla…

Carlisle Syrah Cardiac Hill

Corked. Another flawed Carlisle in the same night. For the love of all that's holy!!!....... Grrrr...

Shafer Relentless

Same as my CT notes from 09/07/2015. Great stuff. Improved with two hours in the decanter. Could probably use another year in bottle for total optimum drinking.

Carlisle Syrah Papa's Block

Corked. Dammit all!

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Same as my specific CT notes from 10/31/2015. Good stuff. Barely needed a decant. Drink now and over the next few years.

Sullivan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon James O'Neil

PnP with notes on ripe plum, black cherry, red currant, vanilla, and signature Rutherford dust. Air helped to broaden the flavors a bit, but also muddled the fruit. The plum note became especially…

Bevan Cellars Pinot Noir Summit 2114

My absolute favorite of the 2013 Bevan Pinots at this stage. Strikingly similar to the 2012 2114, except that the 2013 exhibited an even greater spectrum in depth of flavor. Specific notes for the…

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Kudos to AGEVERETT, YACK MAN, and BLUEGOOSE who nailed this wine perfectly.

Saxum Broken Stones

PnP with explosive notes of amazingly ripe black raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, sweet kirsch, rosemary, chalk/pumice, and a nice cut of bramble on the back end. Into the decanter it went for…

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Réserve

Based on 2008 vintage; DG 2014.

Bevan Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard, Vixen Block

This was an unexpected addition to a 2013 Realm lineup including the 2013 Bard, Farella, and BTK. The Bevan was the first of the four, and had been opened (in bottle) for approximately three-four…

Bevan Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard, Vixen Block

This was an unexpected addition to a 2013 Realm lineup including the 2013 Bard, Farella, and BTK. The Bevan was the first of the four, and had been opened (in bottle) for approximately three-four…

Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

Tasted at Realm with Juan and Scott, alongside the 2013 Bard, 2013 Farella, and a 2013 Bevan Wildfoote Cabernet (just to mix it up a bit)!

Realm Cellars Farella Vineyard

Tasted at Realm with Juan and Scott, alongside the 2013 Bard, 2013 BTK, and a 2013 Bevan Wildfoote (just for fun).