Reviews

Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select

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

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…

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…

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.…

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.…

Lillian Winery Syrah

A Syrah trio of 2008 and 2009 Lillians, and a 2012 Andremily No. 1. The latter was clearly the more complex wine.

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…

Lillian Winery Syrah

A Syrah trio of 2008 and 2009 Lillians, and a 2012 Andremily No. 1. The latter was clearly the more complex wine.

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…

Andremily Syrah No. 1

From magnum. A wonderfully complex and intriguing Syrah, with blackberry core fruit; notes of olive brine, railroad tie, black and blue river rock, oyster shell, garrigue, and some funky, saline…

Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Ten

Vertical of 2012/2013/2014 Sea Smoke TEN. All were very similar, with only the vintage characteristics standing out (if barely at all).

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…

Revana Chardonnay

Much improved from when I last had it earlier in the year. This was a PnP so it was surely much fresher and more energetic than the flattened-out boo-boo lipped version from my last note.

Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Ten

Vertical of 2012/2013/2014 Sea Smoke TEN. All were very similar, with only the vintage characteristics standing out (if barely at all).

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…

Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard

This seems to have lost quite a bit of drive since I last recall. Displayed some nice saturated red raspberry, ripe red/black cherry, and citrus rind notes, but there was nothing to propel the…

Aubert Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard

My previous note from the beginning of the year still applies. Buttery citrus, poached pear, honey, and subtle butterscotch. A sultry Chardonnay all the way through. A melts in your mouth kind of…

Château Boswell Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

The most complete of the Boswell reds in the lineup presented, this BTK showed a notable distribution of weight (especially mid-palate) and a medium-bodied flavor profile overall. Holding a bit firm…

Château Boswell Cabernet Sauvignon At Anchor

Black cherry dominated, with somewhat invasive menthol and evergreen notes swirling around additional flavors of forest floor and spice. Medium bodied and somewhat restrained overall, with the core…

Château Boswell Pinot Noir Absolutely Eloise Rita's Crown Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills

Once again, I concur with CRISTAL's on-point description of this wine. Much more modern indeed, especially in comparison to the Sun Chase served before it. Dark, dark black cherry, muddled ripe…

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The G.T.O Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

It's perfect. So shut up already and find some... The GTO is the runway model OG, but also with an MD from Yale. A bucket list wine for the 2016 vintage. Previous notes apply otherwise.