Reviews

The Debate Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Much improved from my previous experience with this wine nearly eight months ago. Decanted at a restaurant (Seven Hills SF) and followed for three hours.

Turley Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard

PnP and then decanted at 54° for a couple of hours. Not much change with air. A completely unreal texture and viscosity, especially for a PS, which can sometimes be a little clunky. Layers of…

Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard

I have to remember to listen to my own advice about waiting until mid-2017 before I crack the cork on wines like this. PnP was very, very tight, but the sleek, black fruit-driven profile gave me hope.

Revana Cabernet Sauvignon

On initial PnP, this threw off alcohol, cedar, and plum. After a slow O2 for about an hour (and some decent swirling in the glass), the confluence of flavors improved more seamlessly. Still, it never…

Quivet Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard

PnP with extremely tight and restrained notes of high-toned berry and alcohol flavors. I had that "Oh G-Dammit" moment where I felt as if I had opened this bottle WAAAAY too early (which I had).

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve Jupille Expression Treuil Block 1

Barrel sample tasted in the cave.

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon 887 Family Reserve American Oak U-Stave NO/FR

Barrel sample tasted in the cave.

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Connoiseur's Series Centre French Oak Sylvain Vineyard 887 Family Reserve St. Helena

Barrel sample tasted in the cave.

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard 887 St. Helena

Tasted at the main bar.

Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard

Well I was planning on holding this last bottle for a year or so, but it didn't work out that way this time. So...

Rudius Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard

PnP with notes of red and black currant, strawberry compote, red and black raspberry, asphalt, slate, granite dust, chalk, and a hint of cedar. A little tight and tart on entry, keeping it close to…

Pott Wine Cabernet Franc La Carte et Le Territoire

Previous CT notes still apply. In a 95-96 point range at the moment. As mentioned before, the final sips were the best, with notes of black raspberry liqueur and dark chocolate toward the end, which…

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

A two hour decant yielded wonderful notes of black and red currant, black raspberry, red and black licorice, rich dark cacao, and a kiss of vanillin oak. The black raspberry liqueur and cacao…

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.

Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard

PnP with incredibly high-pitched notes of cranberry, pomegranate, unripe plum, bitter cherry, alkaline, and dust. Virtually undrinkable, and almost completely unidentifiable as a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Similar to my CT notes from September 2015. I bumped this up a point to 94, as an hour in the decanter brought out some of the coffee, chocolate, and mineral notes that I typically associate with the…

Nine Suns Red Wine

Tasting event at 750 Wines in St. Helena with winemakers Russell Bevan, Aaron Pott, Benoit Touquette, Roy Piper, Helen Keplinger, Dan Petroski (Larkmead), Sam Kaplan (Memento Mori, Arkenstone, Nine…

Arrow & Branch Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Tasting event at 750 Wines in St. Helena with winemakers Russell Bevan, Aaron Pott, Benoit Touquette, Roy Piper, Helen Keplinger, Dan Petroski (Larkmead), Sam Kaplan (Memento Mori, Arkenstone, Nine…

Arrow & Branch Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Tasting event at 750 Wines in St. Helena with winemakers Russell Bevan, Aaron Pott, Benoit Touquette, Roy Piper, Helen Keplinger, Dan Petroski (Larkmead), Sam Kaplan (Memento Mori, Arkenstone, Nine…

Pott Wine Cabernet Franc La Carte et Le Territoire

Tasting event at 750 Wines in St. Helena with winemakers Russell Bevan, Aaron Pott, Benoit Touquette, Roy Piper, Helen Keplinger, Dan Petroski (Larkmead), Sam Kaplan (Memento Mori, Arkenstone, Nine…

The Debate Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Pnp with a nose of ripe berry fruit, vanilla, and alcohol. On the palate, a chalky grip (not unpleasant) initially surrounded flavors of sweet blackberry, thick, reduced blueberry sauce (like the…

Pott Wine Cabernet Franc La Carte et Le Territoire

Same as my CT notes from 11/07/15.

Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Barrel sample during racking.

Pott Wine Cabernet Franc La Carte et Le Territoire

Tasted at the Pott pickup party at Quixote Winery alongside eight other 2013, 2012, and 2011 Pott wines.

Pott Wine Cabernet Franc La Carte et Le Territoire

Similar to my CT notes from July 2015.