2014 Greer Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
96
Grade: 
A

In a tasting, its often the bigger, flashier wine that is the best.  But, at the dinner table, over a couple hours, the opposite is often true.  That was the situation this wine had to deal with, but it came thru just fine.  Despite being 30 years younger than one of the wines, it still managed to strut itself quite impressively.  Purple in color, magenta at the rim.  Bright.  The nose has cassis, some graphite, spice and slight cedar.  Powerful but not over the top.  On the palate, this has a wonderful mouth feel.  Juicy.  Its big but seems light on its feet.  Flavors of cassis, and some p

2009 Kuleto Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2009
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has cassis, coffee and spice.  On the palate, there is nice dark cherry fruit, some cassis, and spice.  Medium tannins.  I wouldn't wait on this too long as I am not sure there is enough fruit to outlast the tannins in the long run.  That said, it is drinking well now with some nice fruit.  A bit of complexity as well.  

2012 Burly Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

Purple in color.  The nose has cassis, dark chocolate, vanilla, sandalwood and slight blueberries.  On the palate, there is a fair amount of oak on this.  Spice and some burn from fresh cut lumber.  But, also some excellent fruit showing as cassis and blueberries.  Medium tannins.  Long finish.  Right now it is a good wine especially for those who don't mind a bit of oak.  I would hold these as there is plenty of fruit to integrate with the oak over the next five years.  

2015 Plumpjack Chardonnay Reserve, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

Light golden in color.  The nose has lemons, vanilla, fresh cut lumber, slight tropical fruits and butter.  On the palate, this has a fair amount of oak showing.  Perhaps with some age it sheds some of it.  There is plenty of lemon fruit and it is a bit buttery.  Decent acidity.  It presents a style of Napa Chardonnay that seems people either love or hate.  It is a well made wine and if you like a more buttery and oaked Chard, add a few points.  

2009 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Corona Vineyard, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2009
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A

Purple in color.  The nose is great with cassis, spice, cedar, dark chocolate and a bit of cedar.  On the palate, this is intense fruit.  The wine itself gives an impression of being broad and easy, but the fruit is piercing.  This still needs some time to develop and unwind.  Give it some air.  Flavors of cassis and dark chocolate with firm tannins.  Drunk over two days, this was markedly better on day 2.  Long finish.  

2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Hayne Vineyard, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
95
Grade: 
A

One of the best Zinfandel producers and one of the best Zinfandel vineyards.  What's not to like?  This is a great Zinfandel.  It's always a question when to open Zins.  They drink so well young.  Some of them age great.  This is one that there is no right answer to the question as it seems its always good.  Purple in color.  The nose has raspberries, boysenberries, bramble, black pepper and an interesting iodine note.  On the palate, this has a lush but lively texture.  Great energy to the wine.  Flavors of raspberries and dark cherries intertwines with char and earth.  Great balance.  Lon

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