First Trip to Napa Valley and San Francisco: Cabernet Sauvignon Addition
Napa Valley and San Francisco
Tasted Thursday, October 1, 2015 - Saturday, October 10, 2015 by Millennial Drinkers with 606 views
Napa Valley and San Francisco
Tasted Thursday, October 1, 2015 - Saturday, October 10, 2015 by Millennial Drinkers with 606 views
2009 Olabisi Cabernet Sauvignon Gratitude Vineyard 94 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
(10/3/2015)
Tasted on the Napa Valley Wine Train with India.
Appearance: Dark Ruby Red and clear
Nose: black and dark fruits,
Palate: silky tannins, full body, tons of cassis
Opinion: got 30 dollars off it was delicious especially for a wine that is not rated by many
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Uproar 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Coombsville
(10/1/2015)
Tasted at Wines by Mark Herold in Napa with India. Hosts Eric and Kristin, very friendly and helpful. Eric decided that it would be fun to blind taste this with the Mark Herold Wines Brown Label Cabernet Sauvignon and the Maze Cabernet.
Appearance: Strong Ruby Red and Clear.
Nose: Very earthy and greeny; notes of grass, green bell peppers, peppercorn and something woody.
Taste/Palate: Beautiful tannins and body, balanced and strong. Lots of spices and earthy tones. Lingers from start to finish touching every part of my palate.
Opinion: After blind tasting I guessed correctly. I guessed that this wine from from a wet and cool year which would lead me to the 2011 which was the Uproar. Honestly for a bad year in Napa this wine is doing surprisingly well and definitely seems like it can be in it for the long haul. 4/5 QPR
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Mark Herold Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Brown Label 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Coombsville
(10/1/2015)
Tasted at Wines by Mark Herold in Napa with India. Hosts Eric and Kristin, very friendly and helpful. Eric decided that it would be fun to blind taste this with the Mark Herold Uproar Cabernet Sauvignon and the Maze Cabernet.
Appearance: Dark Purple, Opaque but not cloudy.
Nose: Very fruit forward and full, lots of cassis.
Taste/Palate: Stronger in tannins than the first blind wine (2011 Uproar). Tastes very youthful and full of potential. Full bodied, has good structure but still needs to develop. Lots of cassis and very plush. The finish is full, strong and lingers throughout the whole palate.
Opinion: After blind tasting I guessed correctly. I guessed that this wine from a hot year which would lead me to the 2012 which was the Brown Label. Honestly this wine would be great to try in a few years once it has some time to develop further in the bottle. 91+
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2010 Maze Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/1/2015)
Tasted at Wines by Mark Herold in Napa with India. Hosts Eric and Kristin, very friendly and helpful. Eric decided that it would be fun to blind taste this with the Mark Herold Wines Brown Label Cabernet Sauvignon and the Mark Herold Wines Uproar Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep and dark purplish red, not cloudy at all. Nose had some notes of light barnyard, some hay and an undertone of smoke. Makes us think that this wine has a good amount of oaking. (Found out later that his is done in 100% new French oak). A lot dryer than the first two wines we tried, (2011 Uproar and 2012 Brown Label). Solid tannins and body leading to a great long finish. The finish sticks to your tongue and underneath it. After blind tasting we guessed correctly which one of the three it was. We could tell that this wine from from cool year but not a wet one which lead us to the 2010 Maze. Honestly for a cool year in Napa this wine has some of the funky and earthy notes that I enjoy in a wine. Does seem a lot older than it was. Can easily build up some tertiary characteristics. Drink till 2024.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Mark Herold Wines Herold by Mark Herold 95 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
(10/1/2015)
Tasted at Wines by Mark Herold in Napa with India. Hosts Eric and Kristin, very friendly and helpful.
Appearance: Dark purple and opaque.
Nose: Lots of dark fruit like cassis. Additionally has warm spices within it.
Taste/Palate: Very extracted. Beautiful tannins and body, balanced and strong. Voluptuous, lovely, silky, and plus. All great aspects in a great vintage from an amazing winemaker. Finish is strong, full and lingers for a while.
Opinion: Honestly not much to say except it is an amazing wine, absolutely delicious.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Twins Vineyard 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/2/2015)
Tasted at Envy Wines/Carter Cellars in Calistoga with India. Hosted by fellow berserker Brian and Mike Smith, very friendly and showed us around.
Appearance: Deep purple.
Nose: Lots of berries and cassis. Additionally there are some subtle notes at the end of grass and leather.
Taste/Palate: A little dryer than expected with more earth notes than fruit. Additionally it is very balanced with strong tannins 7/10 and full bodied. Possibly a little high in acid but just needs to mellow out.
Opinion: Would be very interesting to try in a few years along side some of the other Myriad Cabs. Luckily I bought one to go.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Fortuna Vineyard 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
(10/2/2015)
Tasted at Envy Wines/Carter Cellars in Calistoga with India. Hosted by fellow berserker Brian and Mike Smith, very friendly and showed us around.
Appearance: Ruby red and purple.
Nose: Can tell it has been nicely oaked, it has vanilla notes. Also has lots of cassis and berries.
Taste/Palate: Might have been a little harsh, either in acidity or alcohol, most likely acidity. Very strong tannins and full body. Long finish that lingers.
Opinion: India bought a bottle to try down the line. Definitely needs more time in the bottle and a longer decant next time.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The O.G. Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
(10/2/2015)
Tasted at Envy Wines/Carter Cellars in Calistoga with India. Hosted by fellow berserker Brian and Mike Smith, very friendly and showed us around.
Appearance: Opaque purple and ruby red
Nose: Lots of vegetal notes for me, such as green bell peppers and earth like dirt.
Taste/Palate: Very delicious, complete opposite of the nose. Lots of fruit and tannins that are in it for the long haul.
Opinion: I can see this lasting 15+ years. And definitely needs some time.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
(10/2/2015)
Tasted at Smith-Madrone Winery in Spring Mountain with India.
Appearance: Solid red with purple edges.
Nose: Vegetal notes, green peppers, black cherry and currant.
Taste/Palate: Needs time to evolve and open up. Strong tannins with a full body. Slightly vegetal. Notes of cherries. Great long finish and solid structure.
Opinion: Great Cab for the price point. Little greener than expected but should evolve nicely over the next decade or so. (91-93)
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Smith-Madrone Cook's Flat Reserve 96 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
(10/2/2015)
Tasted at Smith-Madrone Winery in Spring Mountain with India.
Appearance: Ruby Red.
Nose: Explosion of fruit in a bottle. Dark fruits and lots of black cherries.
Taste/Palate: Amazing silky tannins, full bodied and long lingering finish. Full of fruit, velvety, dark chocolate and very balanced.
Opinion: A little out of what I can buy right now but an amazing wine.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Scully Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
(10/2/2015)
Tasted at Sarocka with India.
Appearance: Purplish with more red and clear.
Nose: Lots of cassis and pencil shavings.
Palate/Finish: Strong cassis, silky, velvety, very plush. On the front palate, strong tannins and full body. Lovely and silky.
Opinion: amazing for QPR, and should have bought more! (88% CS, and 12% M)
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Silencieux 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/3/2015)
Tasted at Venge Vineyards in Calistoga with India.
Appearance: Ruby red.
Nose: Lots of cassis.
Palate/Finish: Solid tannins and seems to be full bodied. Good finish.
Opinion: Not bad for QPR but not the best this trip for the price. (95% CS, 2% CF, 2% PV, and 1% M)
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Bone Ash Vineyard 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga
(10/3/2015)
Tasted at Venge Vineyards in Calistoga with India.
Appearance: Red and clear.
Nose: A lot of red fruits.
Palate/Finish: Strong Tannins 7/10, full body 6/10, seems like it needs to mellow out.
Opinion: Needs a longer decant, or more time, needs to mellow out so 91 - 93 for the extra potential
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Saxon-Brown Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/3/2015)
Tasted on the Napa Valley Wine Train with India.
Appearance: Opaque, Dark ruby red.
Nose: Cherry liquor, cedar and a little bit of anise.
Palate/Finish: Semi sweet, full body, strong tannins 8/10, very youthful. Maybe it needs some more time, alcohol is a little high. Furry, thick.
Opinion: made me think of sourdough, needs more time to develop.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Scalon Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 95 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Coombsville
(10/4/2015)
Tasted at Scalon Cellars in Coombsville with India. Hosted by Jesus (Owner of the estate and manages the vineyard by himself), there is some incredible work going on at this estate. Very small production and amazing wines and personality.
Appearance: Opaque and dark ruby red.
Nose: Lots of cherries and red fruit.
Palate/Finish: Found out that this was 80% new french oak, surprisingly smooth. Amazing structure and balance. Strong tannins 8/10 and Body. Very unique dryness. Lovely wine.
Opinion: Wasn't a big cherry fan before this, very nice wine. Happy I purchased a few before leaving the estate.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Fisher Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coach Insignia 88 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/4/2015)
Tasted at Ma(i)sonry in Yountville with India. Hosted by Jason.
Appearance: Dark Ruby.
Nose: Dark cherries, cassis and strawberry jam.
Palate/Finish: Very high tannins, furry sensation in mouth. Full bodied. Good structure but very tarty like lemons. Ok finish I guess. Taste is half cross between cassis and cherry.
Opinion: A little too tart for me.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Lail Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/4/2015)
Tasted at Ma(i)sonry in Yountville with India. Hosted by Jason.
Appearance: Dark Ruby and a little purple.
Nose: Light cassis.
Palate/Finish: More cassis than the nose, fuller mouthfeel. High tannins, tongue feels like sandpaper.
Opinion: Needs more time and air.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 sixteen by twenty Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/5/2015)
Tour with Eye on Wine and tasted at Black Cordon Vineyard with India. Hosted by Lara.
Appearance: Purplish red.
Nose: Cherry, Cassis and Vanilla.
Palate/Finish: Furry, solid tannins, slightly tart, dry and very approachable for 2012. Grips the back of tongue and mid palate.
Opinion: Very approachable and winemaker is Paul Hobbs, didn't know that before.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Black Cordon Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/5/2015)
Tour with Eye on Wine and tasted at Black Cordon Vineyard with India. Hosted by Lara.
Appearance: Purple ruby red.
Nose: Cassis and greeness.
Palate/Finish: Medium tannins, extended maceration, extracted, hits the top of the palate, more tannins than the Sixteen by Twenty, maybe a little cherry. Medium finish, does make tongue feel like sandpaper.
Opinion: Better than the previous cab but maybe needs more air.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Black Cordon Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon The Black Cordon Vineyard 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder
(10/5/2015)
Tour with Eye on Wine and tasted at Black Cordon Vineyard with India. Hosted by Lara. Dark Ruby Red and not cloudy at all. A little tight on the nose with layers of red cherries, pencil shavings and a touch of smoky notes. High tannins (8/10) and full bodied. A bit rough on the palate with a sandpaper like feel. A touch tart with loads of red cherries. Smooth midpalate with a pinch near the long and lingering finish. Got a bottle to try in the future. Can't wait. Drink from 2018 till 2026.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Celani Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District
(10/5/2015)
Tour with Eye on Wine and tasted at Celani Family Vineyards with India. Hosted by Wendy.
Appearance: Purple and ruby red.
Nose: Cassis, vanilla and spices.
Palate/Finish: Smooth, starts heavy, strong to medium tannins, solid body and finish.
Opinion: Was expecting a little more out of this after tasting Herold's other wines.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Celani Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Ardore 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District
(10/5/2015)
Tour with Eye on Wine and tasted at Celani Family Vineyards with India. Hosted by Wendy.
Appearance: Purple and ruby red.
Nose: Cassis and blackberries.
Palate/Finish: Meaty body, decent tannins, rolls softly down the back after hitting the front hard.
Opinion: Same opinion as the cabernet.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Aonair Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Series 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/5/2015)
Tour with Eye on Wine and tasted at Aonair Wines with India. Hosted by Grant. Same winemaker as Witchery Wines!
Appearance: Ruby Red.
Nose: Cassis and dark chocolates.
Palate/Finish: Solid tannins, med plus body. grabs on the top of the palate, grippy on the tongue.
Opinion: Didn't get any for my first allocation, would be great to get some in the future thou. 92+
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Witchery Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
(10/6/2015)
Courtesy of Gordy from Witchery Wine. Dinner at the Marriott Napa Valley with India.
Appearance: Opaque Purple and Ruby Red. No cloudiness.
Nose: Mesquite smoke, lots of cassis and a little green herbs
Palate/Finish: Medium to medium plus tannins. Medium full body, grips the checks as it heads towards your throat. A ton of dark fruits, black berries. Plush, silky and smooth. Very enjoyable and balanced finish.
Opinion: Amazing wine to drink now or cellar over the next 6 or 7 years. Great QPR and love this winery and winemaker!
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Napa Valley 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/6/2015)
Insignia Blending with India.
Appearance: Opaque purple and red.
Nose: Dark chocolates and very black fruits.
Palate/Finish: harsh tannins felt like sandpaper and a tad dry.
Opinion: Was expecting a little more from this but it is very young.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Trinity Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 84 Points
USA, California
(10/10/2015)
Delta Sky Club with India waiting solemnly for the flight home.
Appearance: Ruby red, moderate density, still clear.
Nose: Light cassis. Cinnamon and a little vanilla.
Palate/Finish: Very light tannins, low body, short finish
Opinion: You never know unless you ask (I didn't, it was free) how long the bottle was open for. Nothing to write home about thou. (Just tracking it online haha)
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon American Oak Carved & Grooved Alain Fouquet North 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/6/2015)
Del Dotto Cave Barrel Tasting with India.
Appearance: Ruby red.
Nose: Lots of red fruit like cherries.
Palate/Finish: Notes of cherries and slightly tart. Moderate tannins in balance with the body.
Opinion: This experience is what I was waiting for, we tried this up against the 2013 French Oak. The American oak was sharper in the beginning and a little tartier with more red fruit in it.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Orion French Oak Connoisseurs' Series SO/NO Oakville 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
(10/6/2015)
Del Dotto Cave Barrel Tasting with India.
Appearance: Opaque ruby red.
Nose: Dark berries and cassis.
Palate/Finish: Moderate tannins in balance with the body. Moderate plus finish. Dryer finish than the American and not as tart.
Opinion: This experience is what I was waiting for, we tried this up against the 2013 American Oak.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve Darnajou French Oak Connossieurs' St. Helena Mountain 94 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
(10/6/2015)
Del Dotto Cave Barrel Tasting with India.
Appearance: Dark opaque purple
Nose: Very hot i.e whiskey, cassis
Palate/Finish: Balanced with strong tannins and full body. Super furry from the tannins. Extracted and thick. Sharp, dry and slightly tart.
Opinion: The best wine I tried at Del Dotto today. Honestly I do not believe that it is worth $195. And do not get me wrong, it is a great wine. Could improve with a few more years in the bottle.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Villa Del Lago Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/6/2015)
Del Dotto Cave Barrel Tasting with India.
Appearance: Ruby red.
Nose: Lots of red fruit and cherries.
Palate/Finish: Tastes like it is over a decade old. Overly Light.
Opinion: Tastes like a wine around the $100 range not $175. Was expected more from what the guide was describing about the Villa Del Lago being their Flagship wine.
Read 2 Comments / Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2013 Reid Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Kevin's Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(10/7/2015)
Tasted at Reid Family Vineyards with India.
Appearance: Dark Ruby Red.
Nose: Lots of Cassis
Palate/Finish: Lots of raspberries, balanced moderate plus tannins and body, slightly tart with notes of cherries.
Opinion: All of the Reid Family wines seem to be RTD wines rather than wines to hold.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue