Reviews

Vincent Arroyo Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker's Reserve

Tart, tight, acidic, and thin. Didn't taste like a Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, I'm not sure exactly what it tasted like. Some tart red currant and unripe crunchy red cranberry. Some green peppercorn…

Parallel Cabernet Sauvignon Outer Limits

From three different sites (instead of the six sites for the standard Napa Cabernet). The outer limits had a slight bit more push and "depth" than the standard Cabernet, but nothing that would…

Vincent Arroyo Bodega

A somewhat strange BDX hybrid. Some dark currant flavors with some wood. Not a lot of depth, viscosity, or complexity. Clipped and thin on the back end. I couldn't get into it unfortunately.

Parallel Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

From six different "undisclosed" sites (which screams second or third round pick of fruit - especially given the finished product); this was unmemorable and instantly a wine where everyone said, "Ok,…

Vincent Arroyo Nameless

...should be renamed "Tasteless."

Dark Matter Cabernet Sauvignon Limitless

Another Mondavi sister (Angelina) creation. The Limitless was an ok representation of Howell Mountain (different areas than Aloft), but it fell behind even the Aloft Cabernet in terms of complexity…

Vincent Arroyo Tempranillo

Red fruit and subtle spice. No depth or complexity. No finish.

Aloft Cabernet Sauvignon

Interesting from a science project standpoint. This showed advanced flavors of over-ripe, mature black and red currant, cigar leaf, leather, mushroom, tea, and a streak of deep black cherry. Served…

Vincent Arroyo Mélange Reserve

Completely flat and thin. Barely any discernible flavors of watery red fruit. Dump.

Aloft Cabernet Sauvignon

A decent example of Howell Mountain, with black and dark red core fruit, some spice, a little dark chocolate, and creamy oak. Mid-palate was more medium than I would have preferred, but it had…

Realm Cellars The Bard

Similar to my previous notes. This was served next to a 2013 Bevan Sugarloaf, which bested this Realm by a couple of points. The Bard was a good wine, but it came off a little one-note by comparison,…

Vincent Arroyo Sangiovese

Cherry, red currant, spice. Simple and thin.

Addax Pinot Noir

Similar to a Bevan Rita's Pinot, the Addax was deeply rich, spicy, and threw off a decent amount of heat. Lacked some complexity, falling a little short on the finish as well. Dark black cherry,…

L'Aventure Côte-à-Côte Estate

Hot and disjointed...like Kate Beckinsale with a peg leg.

Seven Stones Cabernet Sauvignon

Similar to my previous notes on 1/22/2017. This exhibited beautifully balanced flavors throughout the later courses of dinner. Kobe beef and lamb dishes were certainly friends to this wine. Notes of…

Carlisle Syrah Papa's Block

Same as 2+ months ago. Some blasé, medium-bodied flavors of blackberry, plum, black cherry, and faint vanilla. Kinda fruity overall in the initial attack, but faded extremely fast on the back end. A…

Buccella Merlot

Previous notes apply. This bottle came off a little "fruitier" than the Buccellas of the recent past. Showed less verve and a little less nuanced flavor profile than what I remember from before.…

Bevan Cellars Pinot Noir Summit 1376'

Beautiful notes of black cherry, black raspberry, Chinese five-spice, earth/loam, and a fascinating evergreen note on the back end that provided a phenomenal lift, carrying the finish on for 45+…

Scarlett Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

Same as all of my previous notes. Though this is drinking really well right now with a bit of a decant (two hours was optimal), I will try to listen to my own advice and wait until 2018+ before…

Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon The Magnificent Seven

A nearly flawless example of a big "cult style" Napa Cabernet. The attack is a rush of dark black currant, black cherry, black raspberry, dark chocolate, subtle char, and black mulch notes. A…

Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon BBS Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard

Close to being on par with the 2015 Magnificant 7, this LPV BBS is packed full of dark, chocolate-covered black berry, black currant, black licorice, black raspberry liqueur, cacao, and pulverized…

Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon

A Stagecoach (Pritchard Hill side)/LPV hybrid, this Cabernet showed the best of what can become of Stagecoach fruit, with some much elevated flavor assistance from LPV. I wouldn't have been able to…

World's End Cabernet Sauvignon CrossFire Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard

I wasn't a fan of this wine at all. Given the Missouri Hopper site, I definitely expected more. Closed off, muted, thin, and a bit tannic. Some black fruit on the attack with a bitter back end.…

Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

A beautiful label with lovely packaging in a pretty box that would make most wine collectors proud to own a 3-pack...and...a totally forgettable and unfortunate bottle of juice given the players and…

Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The Grand Daddy Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard

Same as my notes two months ago. A step behind the GTO and OG in terms of Carter's To Kalon wines, but a great showing regardless. Hold until 2020+.