Reviews

Culler La Palette

Similar to my CT notes on 7/27/15.

Bevan Cellars Ontogeny

Still holds similar to my previous CT notes from 8/8/15 and 7/4/15. No decant this time; PnP at cellar temperature, with that distinct cool black fruit, black licorice, and and minerality. Less of…

Wren Hop Pinot Noir Architects & Saboteurs

Tasted at Wren Hop alongside the new 2013 lineup of Pinots.

Wren Hop Pinot Noir Oracle's Whisper

Tasted at Wren Hop alongside the new 2013 releases. The Oracle's Whisper fell in the middle of the pack, with notes of black cherry, dark red raspberry, spice, and wood. Like the Witch's Ladder, the…

Wren Hop Pinot Noir Witch's Ladder

Tasted alongside all of the new 2013 Wren Hop Pinots at Wren Hop.

Wren Hop Pinot Noir The Fire Messenger

A fantastic Pinot that opened up more and more over the course of four+ hours with a slow O2. A haunting, dark crimson color, with aromas of dark red berries and baking spices. On the palate, rich…

Boich Family Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Wall Road

This wine did not exist on CT yet, so I had to create it. Tasted at the Mayacama Country Club at a Boich tasting.

Boich Family Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard

This wine did not exist on CT yet, so I had to create it. Tasted at the Mayacama Country Club at a Boich tasting.

Favia Cerro Sur

Tasted at Favia alongside the 2012 Cerro Sur and the 2012 Napa Cabernet. The Napa Cabernet was the clear frontrunner, with powerful dark fruits. The 2012 Cerro Sur was #2 for me, with the 2011 just…

Favia Cerro Sur

Tasted alongside the 2011 Cerro Sur and 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet. This was my #2 favorite, with the 2012 Napa Cabernet the clear #1 at the moment. My other half preferred the 2011 to the 2012 Cerro…

Favia Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasted at Favia alongside the 2012 and 2011 Favia Cerro Sur. I found the Napa Valley to be the best of the three in terms of complexity and current accessibility.

Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Brown Label

This wine did not exist on CT, so I had to create it after a number of new tastings at Mark Herold's tasting room in Napa. In 2012, there is just one Brown Label; in 2013 there is a standard Brown…

Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard

This wine did not exist on CT, so I had to create it after a barrage of fascinating tastings at Mark Herold's tasting room in Napa. In 2012, there is just one Brown Label; in 2013 there is a standard…

Mark Herold Wines Herold by Mark Herold

The 2012 White Label kicks off with notes of dark red and black berry fruits, licorice, cassis, chocolate, and hints of coffee, vanilla, and baking spice. The upper echelon cooperage (Taransaud)…

Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Brown Label

Notes of red and black berry fruit, with some chocolate and black licorice. Had a little time in the glass for some air, which allowed it to open up slightly, but still seemed to be holding back a…

Mending Wall Cabernet Sauvignon

A great effort. Tasted alongside the 2012 Mending Wall Cabernet (see my CT notes on the 2012). Has all of the crowd-pleasing stuffing of the 2012, but the 2013 also gains points for a more layered…

Mending Wall Cabernet Sauvignon

A definite crowd pleaser and a QPR that is worth seeking out. Tasted at Mending Wall via a Coravin; tasted alongside the 2013 Mending Wall Cabernet (see my CT notes on the 2013). Tightly wrapped dark…

Mending Wall Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard

Tasted at Mending Wall from a Coravin. Electric purple and black fruits. The Palisades Vineyard comes out in spades. A vibrantly youthful PS, but carrying its weight in a great way

L'Aventure Estate Cuvée

PnP with notes of coiled-up black, purple, and dark red berry fruits, currant, blackberry, and plum. Initially a little hot on the finish, with some alcohol and a high-toned zing of tight red currant…

Alban Vineyards Syrah Patrina Alban Estate Vineyard

Day 1: PnP with high-pitched red fruit; notes of pomegranate, cranberry, unripe plum, black cherry, and sour blackberry. Acidic and surprisingly tart for a 2010 (especially when compared to the 2010…

12c Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard

Definitely a young Cabernet, with vibrant fruit all wrapped up in a tightly-knit ball of verve and energy. Notes of red and black currant, red licorice, red and black cherry, pomegranate, and cedar.…

Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2013 Outpost Howell Mountain Cabernet immediately opens up with black and purple fruit flavors; blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, dark plum, black licorice, asphalt, and inviting vanilla…

Cabaud Cabernet Sauvignon Benedictions Missouri Hopper

Pleasant notes of dark plum and black currant, but with a short, chalky finish that clamps down on the fruit flavors. Additional notes of cedar and stone made for some interest as well.

Pine Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Ampére

Purple and black fruit notes of plum, black currant, and black cherry, with a chalky, talc-like minerality that clips the finish. No green notes, but a little thin.

12c Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

Definitely a young Cabernet, with vibrant fruit all wrapped up in a tightly-knit ball of verve and energy. Notes of red and black currant, red licorice, red and black cherry, pomegranate, and cedar.…