12/25/2023 - herbtcat Does not like this wine:

Sadly, I just waited too long. The fruit is diminished to level of a faint murmur. Although there were no apparent flaws from poor storage, there just wasn't any "there" there.

12/25/2023 - herbtcat Does not like this wine:

Sadly, I just waited too long. The fruit is diminished to level of a faint murmur. Although there were no apparent flaws from poor storage, there just wasn't any "there" there.

12/25/2023 - herbtcat Does not like this wine:

Sadly, I just waited too long. The fruit is diminished to level of a faint murmur. Although there were no apparent flaws from poor storage, there just wasn't any "there" there.

12/25/2023 - herbtcat Does not like this wine:

Sadly, I just waited too long. The fruit is diminished to level of a faint murmur. Although there were no apparent flaws from poor storage, there just wasn't any "there" there.

12/25/2023 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Perfectly balanced, ripe fruit with equal parts rich structure and silky finish. Drink now or in the next 2 years.

1/24/2023 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

It's consistent with every other bottle I've had.

Not too sweet, pleasant fruit and moderate acid. Simple and drinkable.

12/17/2022 - herbtcat wrote:

A tempranillo from Mexico. I was willing to try. Sadly, this winery is not ready for the big leagues. Bland, no real defining characteristics, it tastes like generic red wine. I'll take my other bottle to a party where I don't know anyone and leave it anonymously on the drinks table.

12/25/2022 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

This was sublime. Balance and nuance supporting baked stone fruit, leather and tobacco, and a hint of chocolate dust. Don't leave these 2011's in storage. Drink no later than 2023.

12/25/2022 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

This iconic blend from Paso is called the "Paso Robles Insignia" for a reason - it's that good. The blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and Merlot just works. The 2015 is showing bold and alive, with notes of big fruit peeking out from time to time without overwhelming the palate. Add a background of dark oak, understated tannins, and long silky finish to the mix and this is a perfect go-to for any special occasion.

12/25/2022 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Now that it's got 8 years in storage, it's showing well. The theme for this Sonoma Cab is balance. Slight spices mixed with dried dark fruit on the nose, medium tannins work well with moderate to big ripe cherries and wet granite on the palate. Finish was almost long enough... but that just made me anxious for my next sip. The 2015 Tara Bella's are ready now and maybe for the next 2 years. I recommend not waiting.

6/7/2022 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Fruity, fresh, balanced with notes of ripe berries, vanilla, slight mid-palate that just sort of escorts the flavor to the moderately long finish.

3/28/2022 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

It was all there, even after 22 years. But it was just less than it could be. It has faded from the robust Cab we all know and love. Might have been amazing as late as 2015, but now it's a shadow of the promise that Silver Oak Alexander can be.

2/5/2022 - herbtcat wrote:

My friend asked me bring a "fruity cab" for dinner. Justin Isoceles to the rescue! It's not a fruit bomb, but does have well-balanced fruit consisting of ripe stone fruit, dark cherries, and a cocoa dust influence that work rather well with the glazed chicken we had for dinner. Moderate structure on the mid-palettes leads to a medium-long finish.

2/5/2022 - herbtcat wrote:

Decent for a $10 Malbec.

11/27/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

This is why we drink Napa cabs. The tannins have mellowed a bit from it's initial release, but that only confirms the masterful balance crafted by the wine maker. At 10 years old, it's ready to drink now.

11/27/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Perfect expression of the 2014 season at Justin. Full bodied on the nose, with hints of coco, dark roasted plums, and vanilla. On the palate, it just gives and keeps on giving, with a delightful, silky finish that reminds the drinker of why their passion for premium wines is it's own reward. It's powerful enough to lay down for another 2-4 years, but I'm not going to wait that long...

11/25/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Ripe fruit, easy on the palate, and a medium-long finish. Nothing spectacular about a Beaujolais-Village, but no flaws showing either. Ready to drink now and for another 12-18 months.

11/6/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Worth the wait. When 1st tasted 2 years after release, it was just too green. But now, with 9 years of patience, it's living up to it's reputation. Big bouquet on the nose of spice, vanilla, plums, then full-bodied fruit supported by moderate structure of mushrooms and roasted plums. Followed by a lingering finish that pleases the senses.

11/6/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

2005 is showing very well. Moderately-big fruit, concentrated flavors, ripe and smoked dark-fruit, supple but distinct structure in the middle, and a fairly long finish. I MUST buy more.

11/6/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

It's all in there, but starting to fade. Drink it now.

10/2/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Amazed this held up so well. I did a Coravin taste 5 years ago and it has slipped a bit in overall presentation since then. But the essence of a classic Napa merlot remains. Drink it now.

10/2/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Still bold and well-balanced, if a bit subdued now. Roasted plums, and chocolate, with a moderate finish. Drink it now.

8/8/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Ripe and full on the nose. Big fruit only slightly diminished now that the juice is 8 years old. Moderate middle, with notes of roasted plumbs, spice and complex floral hints. Good, long finish. Yummy.

8/8/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

What can I say? It's 2010 Silver Oak-Alexander. Just yummy. Drink NOW or in the next 3-4 years.

5/2/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Sublime. Drink it now or before 2024

5/2/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Excellent. Well presented fruit, moderate structure and perfect balance all the way through the long finish. Drink it now or before 2023.

5/3/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Sublime. Drink it now or in the next 3 years.

4/10/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Quite a bit of sediment, so decant with a fine mesh. Rich nose, with dark fruit, spice and cherries on the nose. At 8 years old, still showing big fruit, rich structure, and a long silky finish. Drink now until 2024.

2/20/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Drink now.

1/24/2021 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Starting to decline. Drink it now.

1/3/2021 - herbtcat wrote:

Used my Coravin to sample 3 years ago. Today, it appears that the Coravin failed to live up to it's hype. The fruit was flat, structure was nonexistent, and finish was short and astringent. Now I know.

10/31/2020 - herbtcat wrote:

Better than I expected.

8/26/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Decanted as I saw heavy sediment/dark crystals on the cork and top of the neck when opened. But little to no sediment seen in the screen as I poured.

Drank half on 8/26, the rest on 8/27. Great nose, with spice and roasted dark fruits. On the 1st sip, a burst of concentrated fruit that slides into gentle structure and leaves with a firm glycerin and almost cocoa finish. Second half on second day was actually about the same, with no appreciable loss in balance. Interesting, considering I just left the carafe on the kitchen counter overnight. Paired with fish and chicken tacos. If you love this varietal as I do, get more and try experimenting with decanting and open bottle ageing from a few hours to a few days.

8/7/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Full, ripe, dark cherry & spice. Big tannins but they seem to work well with the chocolate and tobacco notes across the tongue. Long finish throws hints on vanilla, smoke, and glycerin. Decanting recommended, as a bit of sediment shows on the pour.

8/1/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Big fruit forward player. No pretense about this. Not much structure to talk about, but the winemaker is looking to appeal to a Australian market skewed towards young adult beer drinkers. It's big and supple, decent finish and no obvious flaws. It's really more about what else could have been done with this, rather than what needed to be less. Still, good for a mid-week dinner with a friend or two.

7/15/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Not as wonderful as past vintages, but still delivers on flavor. Bold nose with ripe plumes and candied cherries. Moderately complex on the front, with a hint of alcohol in the background. Not sure if decanting would have helped open it up, but will try on the next bottle.

7/13/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

The 2014 Big shiraz from Down Under. Spicy, bold, direct. This wine will land as an approachable entry into the Australian approach to big reds. Moderate tannins, no noticeable flaws and a medium-long cocoa finish. Not overly complex and after being opened for an hour or more started to lose something. Drink until 2022, but no later.

7/12/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Damn, that's good Pinot Noir!

7/2/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Excellent expression of Zin from Cline. They "own" this grape and delivery consistently year after year. Bug fruit, bold aromas, hints of cocoa and spice. On the palate dark fruit dominates and give way to mid-mouth medium structure. Long, silky finish with notes of vanillin and plums mixed with subtle earth. I need to buy more!

7/2/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Light bodied with hints of strawberry and lime on the nose. Moderate fruit, but little complexity. Moderate finish shows light minerality. It's refreshing and pleasant. Best served chilled at a picnic or casual party.

6/14/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Classic Napa Cab. Really needed the 7 years on it's side to develop and achieve perfect balance. Glad I have more. Best advice for all Tara Bella vintages - let them lay down for a minimum of 5 years. This one could be even better over the next 2-5 years.

6/14/2020 - herbtcat wrote:

Just to clarify, this is the Howell Mountain Merlot. Great nose, deep smoke and plumb notes. Quite a bit of clumpy sediment during decantation. Not a surprise. Opened up to a beautiful wine. Full, rich fruit, but well balanced with soft tannins and a bit of cocoa. Long, long finish and just a hint of glycerin. Wish I had more.

6/17/2020 - herbtcat wrote:

Just too old. Cork fell apart on opening. Wet cardboard on the nose - not earthy - oxidized. One sip confirmed it is way past time. Now draining out to the Los Angeles River.

4/14/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Still a young Zin, so big fruit and pepper on full display. Moderately low mid-palate structure; this is not a tannin blast by any means. As I sipped it over a leisurely one-hour dinner, it stayed big and powerful, matching well with the BBQ Chicken pizza and Alfredo pasta I served to my guests. I'll be an even bigger fan in two more years.

4/3/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Typical late harvest-style dessert wine. Medium-high fruit with floral, honey, and citrus on the front. Followed up by smooth, fruity notes as ti slides into a medium long finish. Nothing very outstanding, but nothing really flawed either. Drink now through 2025 or later.

3/22/2020 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Consistent with all Cline Cellars Rhône’s. Inky purple color, big lush fruit on the front, mild tannins and hints of roasted dark berries and chocolate coats the toungue leaving a moderately long vanilian finish. No flaws showing. Drink now or in the next 2-4 years.

11/30/2019 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Another great showing from Hess. Big fruit, well-balanced structure meets lingering finish with notes of vanillin, cocoa, and sweet plums.

11/30/2019 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

No sediment. No oxidation. Ring was still dark cherry color to clear. On the nose, bright fruit and mild spices. Just a dream. Well balanced fruits and structure coats the pallet and a long velvety finish follows. Well deserving of the accolades it received when released. Could easily last another 3 years without losing any of its power or balance.

11/30/2019 - herbtcat wrote:

Holding up ok. Moderate bright cherries and other stone fruit on the front, low to moderate structure in the middle, followed by a velvety finish. Drink now through 2021.

11/13/2019 - herbtcat Likes this wine:

Still powerful and delicious. Perhaps losing some mid structure, but it doesn't detract at all. Paired very well with my rib eye steak and roasted potatoes. But, if you still have any around, it's time!