Wine Doctrine
Every tasting note

Reviews

2,570 notes

2014

Lail Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Mole Hill

Napa Valley · Howell Mountain

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…

Reviewed 15 July 2025
2013

Revana Cabernet Sauvignon

California · Napa Valley

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…

Reviewed 6 July 2025
2019

Promontory

California · Napa Valley

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

Reviewed 3 July 2025
2006

Dalla Valle Maya

Napa Valley · Oakville

A solid performance, though a bit outshone by the 2003 Scarecrow next to it, the 2006 Maya offers soft dark berry fruit and forest floor elements that caress the palate and flow through the delivery…

Reviewed 12 June 2025
2003

Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley · Rutherford

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;…

Reviewed 12 June 2025
2006

Colgin Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard

California · Napa Valley

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…

Reviewed 12 June 2025
2022

Promontory

California · Napa Valley

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…

Reviewed 2 May 2025
2022

Palisades Canyon Chenin Blanc

Napa Valley · Calistoga

Creamy lemon, creme fraiche, and cut grass. The acidity creeps up on the back end making for both a popping and smooth profile. Finishes round and slightly milky.

Reviewed 2 May 2025
2021

Palisades Canyon Petite Sirah

Napa Valley · Calistoga

Charcoal, blackberry, and a little booze on the back end. A little warmer (room) temperature leveled out the finish. Cooling off would regain focus; so, I recommend this at cellar temperature.…

Reviewed 2 May 2025
2019

Promontory

California · Napa Valley

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,…

Reviewed 2 May 2025
2018

Promontory Penultimate

California · Napa Valley

My notes read, "Muted and COOLER in profile; linear but still approachable. A serious side with an affable one too. Blacker style; currant and black cherry." Missing the extra layer of the flagship…

Reviewed 2 May 2025
2010

Promontory

California · Napa Valley

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…

Reviewed 2 May 2025
2017

Promontory

California · Napa Valley

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…

Reviewed 2 May 2025
2020

Screaming Eagle The Flight

California · Napa Valley

Dark without being deep, the superficial expression of flavor here struggles to find foundation and direction. The elements are searching for each other, but the overall execution appears misguided…

Reviewed 1 May 2025
2019

Sloan Asterisk

California · Napa Valley

Red and black cherry flavors present as a medium expression, with some dark fruit and cedar notes adding to the profile. A fairly simple delivery overall, especially for the 2019 vintage.

Reviewed 1 May 2025
2021

Fairest Creature "Sine Fine" Cabernet Sauvignon

California · Napa Valley

Dark and ripe fruit present a modern profile that is covered in dark chocolate, cardamom, and vanilla bean. It's a rich hippo that has an elevated amount of mouth-coating lusciousness and gobs of…

Reviewed 1 May 2025
2021

Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon Kodo M-Bar Ranch

Napa Valley · Oakville

Dude! What the heck. Stop making stupid good wine. It's insulting. We get it; you win. It's the best. Dear Lord. Having this again just makes me mad at every other Napa Cab ever produced. "This! This…

Reviewed 1 May 2025
2020

Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley · Oakville

A natural step up from "The Flight," this flagship offering shows dark, black fruit that is initially chewy on the front but dilutes quickly on the back end (not sure what kind of flavor-mullet that…

Reviewed 1 May 2025
2022

Keplinger Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Ranch Vineyard

Napa Valley · Oakville

There's a bit of an old school thing going on with this vintage of OVR, kicking out leather, cedar, and dried herb notes, complimenting the red and black plum fruit. Additionally, true to Keplinger's…

Reviewed 1 May 2025
2022

Keplinger Cabernet Sauvignon RBK

Napa Valley · Oakville

Franc is for Freshness, and the RBK has plenty of freshness. It's an airy and lighter version of the vintages before it, but it carries a basket full of lift and energy wholly led by the Cab Franc at…

Reviewed 1 May 2025