December 26, 2023 - Still going strong. See vivino
December 25, 2023 - Glides into an elegant and graceful medium bodied palate with cassis, blueberry, sweet blackberry, nutmeg, pipe tobacco. Finishes with a complex reprise of fruit with a hint residual of sweet tannin. Just a lovely expression of Napa Cab. Dbl decanted 2+
May 27, 2023 - enjoyed this also, as one would a bowl of ripe blackberries for desert. a bit liqueresque, but enjoyable
described to me as a 2nd tier cult (which to me means its not)
September 3, 2022 - rich, surripe, and lacking structure. a touch candied. others were feeling the love more than I
March 7, 2021 - Decanted 2 hours. Deep garnet color with notes of dark fruit, herbs, cassis. The tannins were a bit subdued but well integrated. Overall, a very solid wine.
March 22, 2020 - Double decanted with a filet during COVID-19 lockdown. Going deep in the freezer and cellar during these times. We are fortunate and wish all well.
December 28, 2018 - End of Year Get Together (Chez Alex): nose - exotic red berry. almost reminiscent of a body lotion. tad minty. whoa aromatic.
mouth - fruit bomb. superbly pure fresh crushed berry. Something you might spread over buttered toast. confected.
June 25, 2018 - All fruit and some raisins. No tannin or structure left. Disappointed.
July 14, 2017 - Medium to dark almost translucent garnet. Great nose with eucalyptus, red and black berries and creamy oak with a touch of smoke and a medicinal smell that is not unattractive. Moderate tannin but low acid, smooth but lacking brightness of flavor in my book. A bit over-ripe as I see it but right up other people's power alley if you like the style. Drinking great but I don't think it will be as good at its 20th birthday for sure due too the lack of natural acidity. It seems manipulated a bit for me, but perhaps it is my bias showing. Palate has plenty of black raspberry, black plum and the medicinal notes with a fairly long finish with a little black cherry. Not over-extracted but I do think the grapes were over-ripe and lacked natural acidity. Masculine and powerful but by no means elegant as I see it. Fairly typical Cali Cult with a slight nod to not being too overdone with some homage to the old world perhaps.
October 13, 2016 - Favorite cab of the night that included a stellar lineup. Awesome profile & complexity. Notes of blackcurrant, spice, herbs, earthy components, and a touch of eucalyptus. Terrifically balanced, a wine that just entices the palate.