Reviews

The Grade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard

Similar to my CT notes on 8/29/15. PnP with tight berry and mineral flavors. An hour in the decanter brought out dark currant, black cherry, deep plum, and other purple berry notes. Some black…

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Beautiful Generation

Initial PnP with tight, restrained notes of deep red and purple berries, dark red currant, black cherry, red licorice, cassis, and wood spice. Finished with a subtle chalky grip, nicely clamping on…

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Similar to my CT notes from 08/07/15. Especially fantastic after about an hour decant. Dark berry fruits, charcoal, earth, and some subtle clove notes.

Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Brown Label

Drank alongside the 2010 and 2011 Brown Labels, 2010, 2011, and 2012 White Labels, 2013 Stagecoach, and 2012 Maze Cabernets.

Mark Herold Wines Herold by Mark Herold

Drank alongside the 2010, 2011, 2012 Brown Labels, 2011 and 2012 White Labels, 2013 Stagecoach, and 2012 Maze Cabernets.

Mark Herold Wines Herold by Mark Herold

Drank alongside the 2010, 2011, 2012 Brown Labels, 2010 and 2012 White Labels, 2013 Stagecoach, and 2012 Maze Cabernets.

Mark Herold Wines Herold by Mark Herold

Drank alongside the 2010, 2011, and 2012 Brown Labels, 2010 and 2011 White Labels, the 2013 Stagecoach, and 2012 Maze Cabernets.

Maze Cabernet Sauvignon Clew

Drank alongside the 2010, 2011, 2012 Herold Brown and White Labels, 2013 Herold Stagecoach, and 2012 Maze standard Cabernet.

Maze Cabernet Sauvignon

Drank alongside the 2010, 2011, 2012 Herold Brown and White Labels, 2013 Herold Stagecoach, and 2012 Maze Clew Cabernet.

Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard

Same notes as two weeks ago. The 2013 Stagecoach is a total standout wine!

Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Brown Label

Drank alongside the 2011 and 2012 Brown Labels, 2010, 2011, and 2012 White Labels, 2013 Stagecoach, and 2012 Maze Cabernets.

Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Brown Label

Tasted two separate times from two separate bottles over the course of a two week spread.

Switchback Ridge Petite Sirah Old Vine Block Peterson Family Vineyard

PnP revealed a massive wine, with powerful tannins, alcohol, and gobs of extracted fruit and liqueur-like berry flavors.

Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon

Pnp with a muted nose. On the palate were notes of rich plum, deep red currant, blackberry liqueur, and some chocolate. After about an hour in the decanter, this wine opened up a little bit more,…

Séléné Cabernet Sauvignon Dead Fred Vineyard

Same as my CT notes on 9/9/15. A easy drinker Cabernet that lacks complexity. Purple and black fruits are framed by light acid and medium-to-lighter tannins. Has some muddled, grape notes that aren't…

Culler La Palette

Similar to my CT notes on 7/27/15.

Bevan Cellars Ontogeny

Still holds similar to my previous CT notes from 8/8/15 and 7/4/15. No decant this time; PnP at cellar temperature, with that distinct cool black fruit, black licorice, and and minerality. Less of…

Boich Family Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard

This wine did not exist on CT yet, so I had to create it. Tasted at the Mayacama Country Club at a Boich tasting.

Boich Family Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Wall Road

This wine did not exist on CT yet, so I had to create it. Tasted at the Mayacama Country Club at a Boich tasting.

Mending Wall Cabernet Sauvignon

A definite crowd pleaser and a QPR that is worth seeking out. Tasted at Mending Wall via a Coravin; tasted alongside the 2013 Mending Wall Cabernet (see my CT notes on the 2013). Tightly wrapped dark…

Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Brown Label

This wine did not exist on CT, so I had to create it after a number of new tastings at Mark Herold's tasting room in Napa. In 2012, there is just one Brown Label; in 2013 there is a standard Brown…

Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Brown Label

Notes of red and black berry fruit, with some chocolate and black licorice. Had a little time in the glass for some air, which allowed it to open up slightly, but still seemed to be holding back a…

Mark Herold Wines Herold by Mark Herold

The 2012 White Label kicks off with notes of dark red and black berry fruits, licorice, cassis, chocolate, and hints of coffee, vanilla, and baking spice. The upper echelon cooperage (Taransaud)…

Mending Wall Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard

Tasted at Mending Wall from a Coravin. Electric purple and black fruits. The Palisades Vineyard comes out in spades. A vibrantly youthful PS, but carrying its weight in a great way

Favia Cerro Sur

Tasted at Favia alongside the 2012 Cerro Sur and the 2012 Napa Cabernet. The Napa Cabernet was the clear frontrunner, with powerful dark fruits. The 2012 Cerro Sur was #2 for me, with the 2011 just…