December 12, 2020 - very fruit forward and barely aged at 16. supple blueberries, cherry, raspberry...integrated with the raspberry a bit over sharp in the mid palate. not much in terms of tannic backbone or structure....will age much longer and like most Howell Mountains....I think will go 20-30 years. This bottle is alignment with that timeline.
October 30, 2015 - Nice. A mouthful of fruit upfront, smooth but noticeable tannin on the finish, everything well integrated. Seems to be opening up on the mid-palate with some more air. No bricking, no fading, sure seems like it'd hold a while, though there's nothing going on in my first glass to suggest it's going to get better either.
May 1, 2011 - Decanted for 90 minutes before drinking. The nose was a blast of red fruit. After 90 minutes, the tannins were upfront and the wine was a bit disjointed. By the last glass, the wine was very well integrated. Will buy more to hold for a few more years. Good effort.
December 4, 2010 - just okay for me, there are much better wines at better value out there.
September 30, 2010 - I liked this quite a bit. Classic cassis, smoke, menthol with a hint of green olive. Mineral tinged, the fruit is dark and sweet, but not overextracted, while tannins are medium. Drink now and over the next 3-5 years.
September 15, 2010 - Fairly consistent with prior notes, but this time I'm noticing there's actually quite a bit of citrus in the mouth. Pretty unusual. This isn't my typical style of wine, but I really like this stuff.
September 2, 2010 - Double Blind Cabernet Tasting; 8/31/2010-9/2/2010 (NYC): Update: 50% filled, fully recorked, and cracked back open on day three. This had totally fallen apart and oxidized. Doesn't have the structure to go for the long run. Good enough wine on opening. However, many who purchase this wine b/c it's a "Howell Mountain" will be disappointed. I'll have to bump this down a few points. Certainly not a wise purchase at its price point.
Drink now. 86 -JRS
August 31, 2010 - Double Blind Cabernet Tasting; 8/31/2010-9/2/2010 (NYC): Nose of plum, sweet raspberries and vanilla oak. Hits the palate the same, but a bit candied, with less oak. Pretty nice balance overall with good acidity cutting through a somewhat creamy mouthfeel. Medium finish. A very good wine, but not outstanding.
Drink now. 88 -JRS
September 5, 2009 - Good, a little too fruity
February 15, 2009 - I prefer bigger/bolder Howell Mtn efforts. I have tasted both the 2004 and 2005 in recent weeks and just don't think this winemaker's style fits my palate. It is very good, but many will prefer stronger tannins, a bit more oak, etc.