Expert articles and wine tasting videos profiling wines from California, California wine regions, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, & more.
Sometimes, I think this doesn't get enough credit as it is somehow considered a second wine to the vineyard designate Cabs from Bevan. It is expensive but it's only half the price of those. And it might just be hair off.
This is a very decadent Cab that is drinking very well at this young age. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is very nice with black cherries, cassis, dust, some graphite and hints of earthiness. On the palate, this is soft and accessible. It's a big wine but the tannins are soft and the fruit is ripe. Lots of cassis, blueberries and plums. Underlying spice. Nice finish. Delicious. This drinks great on its own and will work with roasts and grilled foods. It should calm down a bit in five to seven years and be good drinking for the next twenty.
This is a nice value in inexpensive Merlot. It is a blend of 88% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Medium ruby in color. The nose has plums, cherries and spice. On the palate, this is light to medium bodied. Light cherry fruit. Easy drinking. Nice finish. This is made for immediate drinking. It drinks well on its own and would be great with burgers or grilled chicken. Drink over the next couple of years.
Nice to check in on this wine. It is a spectacular wine now but its best days are still ahead. Purple in color. A thin ruby rim. Opaque and bright. The nose is huge. Lots of cassis, black cherries, graphite, violets, and roasted herbs. On the palate, this has firm tannins. Plenty of cassis and black cherry fruit. Underlying char and slight earthiness. Deep and somewhat impenetrable. it is delicious. Gulpable, but once the seams meld together, this wine will be even better. Try not to pop a cork now. It will work well with a steak or roasts. If opening now, give it a longtime
2011 was a challenging vintage in Napa. as it nears the ten year mark, however, it appears that like 98 and 2000, those that were able to make more classic styled Cabs produced wines that have caught up with age. True, these wines are not as good as the top vintages, but they are excellent wines and now is the time to start checking in on them. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. What a great nose. Not over blown but nice cassis fruit with some graphite and a hint of char. On the palate, this is layered and complex. Nothing under ripe. Cassis intertwined with dry earthiness and a bit
Detert is one of the owners of a section of the To Kalon vineyard. Way back in the day they used to sell to Robert Mondavi. For my money, they make the best Cabernet Franc in Napa and some of the best in the world. While it is not inexpensive, for the quality, it is well priced (in Napa terms). Definitely a mailing list to be on. Purple in color, a thin ruby line at the rim. The nose is great with black cherries, cigar tobacco, slight char and a bit of earthiness. On the palate, this is open and drinking well if still young. Medium tannins. Lots of black cherry fruit with some with
This has certainly improved since release. I don't think it will get better but no hurry. Purple in color. Bright ruby in color with purple swirls. On the palate, this has cassis, some dark chocolate and baking spice. On the palate, light tannins. Flavors of cassis with underlying spice and a touch of earthiness. Good balance. Lively energy. Medium to full bodied. Good finish. This should drink well for the next five to seven years, possible longer. It will go great with a grilled burger but also on its own or just with pizza.
A nice in between style of Cab Franc. Not super ripe but nothing green either. Purple in color, maroon at the rim. The nose is nice. Dusty with black cherries and slight cigar tobacco. On the palate, this is medium bodied. Nice black cherry fruit. A bit of tobacco underneath. Nice finish. This is drinking well now and should continue for the next five to seven years. It drinks easy on its own but will also work with grilled foods and roasts.
Light golden/green in color. The nose is nice with lemons, pears, floral tones and a bit steely. just a slight hint of burnt coconut. On the palate, this is reasonably crisp. Pear with slight spice/oak. Nice mouthfeel. Good finish. This drank well on its own and worked with with a butternut squash soup. It probably should be consumed in the next three to five years.
This did not seem like a proper bottle. It was quite advanced for its age. Most likely a cork issue? Golden in color, clear and bright. The nose has a slight oxidized note to it. Also, butterscotch and vanilla. No fruit on the nose. On the palate, it is a bit cleaner with some lemon and some vanilla. Clipped on the finish. A shame as this should have been a bit fresher but it happens. Drinkable depending on your aversion (or not) to oxidized wines. I ten to not have as much an issue as most. If I had to score it, maybe an 83?
