Reviews

Becklyn Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

From 3L. Previous notes apply. PnP and it was kicking out rich, extracted liqueur-like notes of black, blue, and red berry core fruit. Vanilla and bitter chocolate on the front end as well. This 3L…

Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Chabot Vineyard

Two Beringer Chabots served side-by-side: 1991 & 1994. Not too much in the flavor department from either one beyond some vanilla cherry water/kirsch and wood notes. Flat and bland on the attack.…

Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon

From a vertical of Philip Togni '89, '90, '91, '93, '96, '97. While these were all past their primes in my opinion, and a definite challenge for my tendency to favor much younger and more modern…

Revana Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2013 and 2014 Estate Cabs were served side by side. Both the 2013 and 2014 versions really come down to palate preference in my opinion. They are similar wines, defined and contrasted primarily…

Bevan Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon David's Cuvée Showket Vineyards

From magnum. The most polished of the three 2008 Bevans tasted (Alexis, Danger D, David's). A little less intense and powerful than the broader-shouldered Danger D, but still displaying wonderful…

Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon

From a vertical of Philip Togni '89, '90, '91, '93, '96, '97. While these were all past their primes in my opinion, and a definite challenge for my tendency to favor much younger and more modern…

Revana Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2013 and 2014 Estate Cabs were served side by side. Both the 2013 and 2014 versions really come down to palate preference in my opinion. They are similar wines, defined and contrasted primarily…

Bevan Cellars Danger D Cuvée Showket Vineyards

From magnum. This wine was showing much more power and intensity than when I last had it back in September 2017. I can only assume the magnum effect is what was potentially preserving this wine much…

Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon

From a vertical of Philip Togni '89, '90, '91, '93, '96, '97. While these were all past their primes in my opinion, and a definite challenge for my tendency to favor much younger and more modern…

Bevan Cellars Merlot Alexis' Cuvée Showket Vineyards

Previous notes apply. A remarkable wine that has so much drive, especially for a decade-old Merlot. Very smooth and inviting, with near-perfect balance across the palate from beginning to end. The…

Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon

From a vertical of Philip Togni '89, '90, '91, '93, '96, '97. While these were all past their primes in my opinion, and a definite challenge for my tendency to favor much younger and more modern…

Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select

From a vertical of 2003/2004/2005 Magnums of HSS.

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard

From 3L. My previous note from May still applies. Mounds of fruit and flavor, interwoven nicely with dark chocolate and earth flavors that provided complexity and focus. A BIG wine.

Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select

From a vertical of 2003/2004/2005 Magnums of HSS.

Sloan

The first bottle was corked. This second bottle delivered pretty smooth, rounded plum and black cherry notes, with some currant, vanilla, and black dirt flavors. Not incredibly complex, but still…

Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select

From a vertical of 2003/2004/2005 Magnums of HSS.

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Coravin pour. Red/black cherry liqueur, cassis, red currant, and some vanilla. This needed more air (which I didn't have an opportunity to give it because of the small pour), so I'll be opening the…

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Twins Vineyard

Coravin pour. This 2015 Twins was pretty restrained and balled-up. The small Coravin pour was likely a disservice to this wine, as it had little exposure to air. A few sips and it was gone. Pure…

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Twins Vineyard

Same as my note from June. This was served side-by-side with a 2015 Myriad Three Twins, which was much more youthfully restrained. The 2014 was kicking out all sorts of great flavors. I also had some…

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Elysian Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Refer to my previous novellas I've written regarding this wine, as they still apply here for the most part.

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Previous notes apply. I had the 2014 Elysian the following day, which certainly showed additional complexity and concentration when compared to this "standard" Crane. Still, this is a wonderful…

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon La Verdad Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard

Love this wine! Previous notes apply. So focused and deliberate in its delivery of flavors, and also so texturally seductive on the palate. The front end is incredibly giving with its silky fruit…

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The Grand Daddy Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

Previous notes apply. The 2016 GD is not as fueled-up as the Three Kings and not as structured and focused as the OG. Showing a more fruit-driven style, with a slightly sweeter attack on the front…

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon La Bam Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard

Boy did this kick out a s***-ton of fruit this time around. Gobs of black and purple berry flavors injected with healthy doses of black rock, cassis, and some sweet spice.

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Kings Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

Jesus H. Christ on a rollercoaster! Strap in boys and girls, because this Three Kings is a "Wow!" wine if there ever was one. Huge, huge fruit. Red and black cherry, rich cassis, licorice, and a fat…