January 16, 2024 - Decanted for an hour before tasting. I am well aware that, in general, Cadnece wines benefit from aging, but this might be better with even a few more years in bottle than the 13 years it already has behind it. Peppery ted fruit and florals were delicious and complex. Drink now with a decant or keep aging for another 2-5. Excellent.
February 27, 2021 - Another great Ben wine
September 12, 2020 - good without a decant
January 27, 2020 - An off vintage vs. other Bel Cantos. PNP as 2nd wine in dinner party. Hints of mountain fruit (as noted 3 years ago in tasting note below) yet then there was nothing. Hoped for more during the hours after and on day 2 and day 3. Still just "some kind of wine".
November 11, 2016 - After a necessary three hour decant, this wine does open up with dark mountain fruit, but not overly expressive or bright. Active tannins even after three hours suggest this wine has more time and will get better over the next few years. Medium weight and solid but not spectacular.
April 17, 2015 - This is a well made wine in terms of structure but I think it lacks that certain something which makes wine desirable. I sipped on it over the course of four hours having food with it between hours two and three. It never impressed. Almost sweet in a way. Alcohol was mild. Maybe it's just not my style.
August 9, 2014 - More "right bank" blends like this would be welcome. Nose is a bit shut down, but the wine emerges subtly & beautifully on the palate w/ red & blue fruit. Very soft mouthfeel w/ characteristic silky CF tannins. Not quite ready to drink, but as with all Cadence wines will blossom beautifully.
May 26, 2014 - Opened and decanted 2+ hours ahead of Memorial Day dinner of seared Wagyu NY Strips, pan-fried crab cakes, and mixed salads. Deep, cloudy crimson color. The bright, Burgundian nose brings a potent mixture of cherries, raspberries, strawberries, menthol, mint, eucalyptus, herbs, spices, roses, violets, funk, and hints of old leather. The full-bodied palate is still a little hard, bringing more ripe cherries, candied raspberries, rhubarb, blackberries, and baked apple pie, which leads into an outstanding 45-60-second finish of creamy strawberry custard and sweet herbs. This guy combines the pure finesse of a Pinot with the brut power of a young, ripe Cab, and is absolutely delicious. Definitely one of the best 2010 WA Cabs I've had and will be best 2015-2025.
November 9, 2013 - Lovely nose long, long fruit tannins keep it going