Reviews

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The Grand Daddy Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

This reminded me of the OG, but with a little less of that core black fruit and massive attack that inherently comes from the OG. This GD was surely opulent and inviting, but had a verve that kicked…

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Weitz Vineyard

The best Carter Weitz to date, the 2015 ratchets up the depth and richness and tones down the acid to just the right amount. The amazingly beautiful grip on the Weitz is certainly one of the first…

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Kings Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

I had this wine served from 2 separate bottles (2 separate ways): Multiple Coravin 3-day old bottle and a fresh PnP.

The Grade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Kingly Project Winfield Vineyard

A beautifully concentrated and opulent wine. Just a hair more intense and powerful than the standard 2014 Grade Cabernet. Dark blue and black fruit, deeply pitched, and a hint of sweetness on the…

The Grade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard

This was the most accessible and giving of the standard Grade Cabernets. It displayed that signature kiss of sweet blue and black fruit that I consider a hallmark of the 2014 vintage. Glycerin and…

The Grade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Kingly Project Winfield Vineyard

As with the standard 2013 Grade Cabernet, the Kingly was also pretty wound tight. Coiled up and ready to pop, but not yet; not for another two years I would estimate.

Sea-Fog (The Grade Cellars) Sauvignon Blanc

A very easy going SB that is smooth and inviting. Not a whole lot of unique flavors to distinguish it from other SBs, but a pleasant sipper nonetheless.

The Grade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard

As others have mentioned, this wine still needs some time. It came off a bit linear and tight; higher toned red fruit when compared to the 2012 or 2014 versions. This was the least accessible when…

Carter Cellars Hossfeld Coliseum

A really beautiful Merlot blend, with round and supple core fruit and a mocha-infused flavor that complimented the dark purple fruit notes. A red with very nice focus and craftsmanship.

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Fortuna Vineyard

For a sub-$100 Napa Cabernet, and from the Fortuna site no less, this wine drinks way above its price point. Just a tick below some of the other more expansive and concentrated 2015 Carters, the…

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard

Hands down the best GIII Mike Smith has made to date. Off the charts intensity and concentration. A rich drive pushes unbelievable tiers of black, blue, and purple fruit flavors on through a finish…

The Grade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Kingly Project Winfield Vineyard

Same as my note from 2 months ago. The best of all The Grade 2012/2013/2014 wines (standard and Kingly). The 2012 Kingly truly has that opulent, concentrated, and rich display of dark fruit, earth,…

Favia Cerro Sur

Super tight and linear initially. Took a couple of hours to start to be a quasi-enjoyable drink. Certainly a different style of red, with freshly grilled/seared meat, peppercorn, plum, currant, coal,…

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…

Switchback Ridge Petite Sirah Peterson Family Vineyard

I love SBR Petites and have had great luck with them. They are generally extracted, high octane monsters that are still fun to drink and experiment with in terms of hedonistic pleasure and downright…

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…

TOR Chardonnay Cuvée Torchiana

Same as my notes from March 31, 2017. It was good. It wasn't inspiring at the end of the day. Drink now before you get too bored of it.

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…

Buccella Merlot

Same as my notes from 2 weeks ago, and all other previous notes. Best domestic Merlot I've had.

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...

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc

Light and thin overall. Some crisp citrus notes, but almost watery on the attack. Finished with hints of zest, however, ultimately lacked any real depth or body throughout consumption.