California

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The name is legendary. Mondavi. Therefore you expect something terrific when you open the bottle, and this does not disappoint. The wine opens with mature dark fruit of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, boysenberry and plum with tight and dusty tannin and good acidity. This needs some time to open up and accounting for at least 30 minutes would be a good idea. It’s definitely balanced between the oak program and the fruit, something Robert Mondavi no doubt would be proud of.

Though Banshee is probably better known for their still wines, they also produce a non vintage sparkler. Comprised of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier this delightful sparkling wine offers light notes of lemon lime, citrus zest, Asian pear, white peach, red delicious apple, and honeysuckle. It has a solid acidity and mild carbonation to make this fun and interesting. It was aged on the less for 24 months, and consistent to Banshee’s original mission statement, this wine definitely over delivers for the price.

Landmark has consistently produced this affordable, classic California Chardonnay, and 2020 repeats history. A terrific balance of all the essentials for Chardonnay, good fruit sourced from well-established vineyards, malolactic fermentation, oak aging, natural yeast, all judiciously applied. This offers lemon, lime, white peach, Asian pear, guava, light mango, resin, a wisp of butterscotch while still providing a solid acidity. There is also a nice creaminess - a viscosity that makes this ideal with a variety of foods.

Spottswoode is one of the great Napa Cabs.  For years, they were a bit unknown, but no longer.  Often, one can find older, mature vintages for less than the current ones, and these wines age great.  Tony Soter and Mia Klein were working for the winery back then before going on to great things.  This is drinking beautifully, and I think even the most ardent Francophile would have difficulty calling this from Napa at this point.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.

This is a blend of 84% Cab Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot.  It doesn't seem fair to call this a second wine as it stands on its own as an amazing wine.  2017 was a challenging vintage yet this wine is excellent.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has cassis, dust, pencil lead, chocolate and floral notes.  Full bodied.  Firm tannins.  On the palate, this has depth and complexity.  Cassis, black cherries and plums with underlying spice and slight tobacco.  Great balance.  Long finish.  This will still get better but should drink well for the next twelve

Yes, this is very young, but what a great opportunity to try a limited wine so soon.  This is one of the great cult wines of Napa!  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is tight but opens to show cassis, pencil lead, blueberries, chocolate, spice, smoke and minerality.  Firm tannins.  An impressive velvety texture.  On the palate, this is ripe.  Slightly sweet but not residual sugar.  Cassis, blueberries, coffee and spice with underlying minerality.  Enough acidity to cut through and keep the palate from being tired.  Ideally, this gets another ten to twenty years in the cella

Shafer Hillside is a First Growth of American wines.  It has a long track record and always outstanding.  And, made in quantities that the average wine lover can find.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has cassis, graphite, spice, leather and chocolate.  Full bodied.  Firm tannins.  Great, rich texture.  This is still drinking young but also it is delicious.  Flavors of cassis, blueberries, and slight chocolate with underlying spice and tea leaves.  Long finish.  This will improve with more cellar time.  Either way, it should drink well for another twenty years.  This woul

The regular Caymus tends to be a love/hate wine, but the Special Select is a different wine completely and one that just about everyone loves.  It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is great with cassis, blueberries, tobacco and spice.  Full bodied.  Firm tannins.  Dense texture.  On the palate, this is deep with cassis and spice.  Long finish.  Delicious.  This is still showing young and while drinking well now, another five years in the cellar would help it out.  Either way, drink over the next fifteen to twenty years.  

Spectacular showing for this bottle.  Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has cassis, spice, slightly earthy along with some leathery notes.  Full bodied.

I was skeptical about this being alive, but that is why you pull the cork.  At age 39, this has life and fruit left.  Ruby in color, lighter at the rim, mostly opaque and modestly bright.  The nose shows cassis, earthiness and slight bell pepper.  With air, a slight "twiggy" note comes out.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, black cherries.  Slightly sweet.  Some complexity.  While certainly past peak, an impressive showing nevertheless.  Still, this should be consumed sooner than later.