Still fantastic. Popped and poured, no decant necessary. Very aromatic nose, and still has a structure of fruit and well integrated tannins. Delicious with meatloaf. Nice finish as well. Drink now, it’s still in a nice window.
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Opened 90 minutes prior to tasting. Dark magenta color; leather nose. After Dense and chewy. Lots of dark fruit with a pronounced cocoa/mocha flavor profile. The tannins have receded, as has the overtly fruit-bomb profile that was apparent shortly after bottling. This will be continues to evolve in an interesting manner, but I suggest drinking it sooner rather than later. It may have several good years ahead of it, but I don’t see it getting any better than it is right now.
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Just like a bottle consumed two years ago. Drinking very well, but I have 2025 down as the last year in my drink window. I am inclined to stick with that year. It is not going to get better from here.
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This wine was much more enjoyable on the second day. Distinct notes of chocolate and mocha on the nose and palette. This would definitely cellar for a while longer, but is drinking very well right now.
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- Brick color - Inky purple and dense. No air necessary. Wonderful vanilla nose. Fruit is front and center followed by heavy oak, which lingers on while the fruit fades rather quickly. I think its beginning its downward journey. Drink up if you still have some.
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Popped and poured. Dark, nearly opaque purple; Beautifully integrated. Lots of dark blue/black fruit, with cedar pencil, leather and a ever-so-slight touch of mint. Tannins are well-integrated and the finish goes on and on. Give Parker credit: he called this one a gem upon release, back when the winery was not well known. This is a tour de force.
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My last bottle of 2 cases. I had saved this last one for about 5 years. Was still very good, but faded a little after about 4 hours. Probably still has decent life left, but probably might not want to wait 5 more years before drinking.
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Opened for Christmas dinner: PnP. Big berry notes on the nose. Big jammy full-bodied with softer dusty tannins. Rather one-dimensional, it was very fruit-forward (dark berries) and just a big gob of flavor. It also lacked drive and energy and seemed a bit hot at 14.5 percent alcohol.
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Perfectly stored, short cork held up well. Wine decanted about an hour and this was singing and still had room to unfold after 3 hours. I say of you have them and they've been well stored and untouched for years then they should have a few more years left.
Gotta be honest, I figured this would be over the hill, but its still climbing. Kudos Hall, I'd take this over younger more expensive bottelings.
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45 minute decant Medium purple color, savory nose. Fresh blackberry/blueberry fruit, balanced by cedar pencil, leather and roast meat. Structured, but tannins have softened. Nice, long concentrated finish. Quite delicious. Drinking very well. Easily the best bottle of the two cases I bought on release.
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I agree with another recent reviewer......drinking very well right now with no tannins. While that is a good thing from a drinking enjoyment point of view, it also means this one will not last forever. I have had 2025 down as the last year of my drink window. Based on this tasting, that is the latest year I would use.
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Very dark red/purple color. PNP, drank a couple glasses over 3 hours. Less giving nose at first, gradually becoming more interesting with dark fruits; blackberry, a little sweetness on the nose, On the palate, full bodied with rather firmish tannins and a green streak that distracts; tart black currants and black cherry fruit with pleasant underbrush and dried woodsy qualities; strong peppery finish. Good, but falls a little short for me.
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The last of a case purchased years ago. Lots of cherry and cassis, well balanced, earthier than the younger bottles. This wine is still good but it has begun its slow, inevitable decline. There's no rush but then again no reason to wait.
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In spite of the Disney like tour and exit it through the gift shop they do make good wines. Mature, still supple, packed with layers of fruit, excellent structure, integrated oak, and a long and pleasing finish. Can likely still hang in there for several more years.
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1/2 hour decant. Aromas of vibrant fruit, big and well balanced. But... for me, this seemed to lack a distinguishable flavor profile or complexity to get me past a 90. In any event, I don't think there's any urgency if you have any left.
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Ruby color. Soft, supple and nicely balanced with mild tannin. Cherries and raspberries, with some Oak and Casis. Medium finish. Seems to be in its prime - drink up.
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Purchased upon release. Stored at 57 deg. F and 70% R.H. Decanted 2.5 hr. Dark ruby at the edges and almost black in the center. Dark chocolate, currant, tea on the attack. Dark, deep, rich. Still somewhat tannic and slightly hot due to the alcohol content (14.5%). Nice finish. This is still young. Fortunately it's only my first bottle. Anxious to see how it develops.
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Notes consistent with the 2019 bottle: rich, sturdy Cabernet, with black currant, earth, and licorice. Tannins are still firm, and this bottle seems to suggest more life ahead.
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Upon opening - sweet almost overripe, slightly pruney fruit and oak. Decanted one hour and tasted over the next three. WOW! This opened up to a very rich slightly sweet black currant nose with a nice dollop of oak. Super smooth, rich, full bodied and creamy fruit on the mid-palate. Obviously a good percent of Merlot providing a soft chocolate/mocha vein. Over the three hours the depth and complexity built with fine grained tannins providing a superb finish. An absolutely delicious, delightful Cali Cab that is in a perfect drinking window, but well stored bottles should have another 3-5 years of prime drinking. Sadly, my last bottle...
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Started with Oak on the nose - sort of Bordeaux like. Big black fruit also present on the nose.
Pallet has a very nice tannins that coats the mouth and lingers. Very dark fruit and cassis present on the pallet with a lingering finish as well. Fruit may be on the way out but still very prominent. Will last 5 years max. Drink in next 3 years. Oak and dark fruit (cassis) almost prune like in both nose and pallet along with oak. 92 points.
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Much like my last bottle in June. Smooth dark fruits, bit of anise and sweet tobacco. Polished tannins and great balance. Nice finish. Just a pleasure to drink. Should hold for another couple of years at least.
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Same notes as previous, this still has years left, and benefited from a short decant.. 11 yrs and still holding up nicely, probably at least another 5+ years
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Pnp, last bottle. I've found that hall made fantastic wines in 08, despite the difficult growing season. Wonderful wine, cream of casis, chocolate, slightly vegatal. Wonderful balance. I think this should open up a little more in the bottle but the aging is largely done. Enjoy while you can still find them.
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Decanted at 5pm and tasted through the evening and the next day. Definitely a more modern style Cali Cab. It is opaque medium to dark garnet with a nose of oaky, jammy fruit. Medium- tannin and low to medium acidity, somewhat chewy mouth feel. Palate has blackberry, licorice, some coffee, black cherry and bacon on the finish which was surprisingly short. Good for drinking over the next few years. Pleasant enough and probably a generic crowd pleaser but not something I found very unique or interesting.
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Lots of cherry and cassis, with deep licorice spice notes too. Drank over two nights, with the first night having more brightness and better structure, suggesting to me that this is best drunk in the next few years. Delicious now.
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In a great place. Very well developed. The fruit has given way to that taste of maturity (more leather, more spice, more creme de cassis). This has a few more years left in it - at least until 2021-2023.
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Drinking really well with about an hour or so of air. Really punching above its price class. Lively with nice dark fruit. A bit velvety as well with a nice finish. Drink up but could hold.
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Party for Jenni. My last bottle of this. It is drinking well now, but I can't be as enthusiastic as some recent tasters. There is still plenty of fruit and it has decent richness. Also has pretty good acidity. But it leaves a bit to be desired on the finish, where I detect a bit of bitterness. Good but not great.
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Good, but not as good as the first bottle from a couple of years ago. Hopefully, it is just in a dumb phase and will evolve back to the prior experience.
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This wine still amazes me, as the QPR is still off the charts!!
No signs of fading at all. PnP at the Hollywood Bowl, but everyone was blown away this was an '08, most guesses were '13, and when they found out it was purchased for $35 a bottle, you could hear a pin drop!
Same flavors as previously noted, took about 2 hours to start showing itself, as the tannis were still so heavy on initial opening.
So glad I still have some bottles, though wish I could go back in time and have purchased a truckload!!
These are still ready for business but don't feel compelled, as plenty of time left in bottle!!
92+
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This wine is drinking beautifully right now, lovely dark fruit, nicely resolved tannins, great balance, long and graceful finish. I can't see it getting any better, but it will probably hold for another two years.
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Slow ox for two hours before pouring. Consumed over the following two hours. Beautiful dark purple in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, toasted bread and floral notes. Medium full mouthfeel with flavors of black fruits, chocolate, cherry, licorice, vanilla, caramel and raspberry. Dark, rich and round, the wine was fully resolved and wonderfully balanced, offering a polished and silky texture that led to a smooth, moderately long finish. A well made wine that exemplified quality at a reasonable price point. Ready to drink now but will hold for several more years if so desired. Wish we had more.
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This was really good and what Napa cab is all about, and for $40. What a deal. Great fruit flavor, all in balance. May be at plateau for the next year or two, but I wouldn’t wait. Enjoy.
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Pretty much pop and pour. Delicious. I think this well-cellared example was at its peak and just wonderfully integrated. The cloying jamminess often present in young Napa Cabs is completely absent, and one is left with a rich, full-bodied but silky texture of red and black fruits. Still readily identifable as a Napa cab. Some vanilla and spice from the oak. Paired well with lamb chops. Has the stuffing to easily go another 5 years. Decanting is needed more for the plentiful sentiment as opposed to oxygen exposure.
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Very nice mature CA. Excellent balance, ample fruit without being over-the-top. All around delicious. This wine is likely at or near its peak. Drink in next 5 years. Fair pricing.
The wine had huge fruit and structure to keep it in play for years and years. Fruit lead with dark berries and dark tar flavor. Balance was quite good and the wine balanced more as we drank it. Tannin was big and bold and long-lived along with fruit of dark berries on the finish.
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Nice Cali-cab with a little age on it. Tasted blind and all guessed Cali-cab so no surprises from this one. You get what you expect from a nice, balanced wine. Probably at peak now.
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Nose of black berry, black currants, and allspice, same on the palate, medium/big body, time to open and enjoy this Cabernet, very tasty, at it's peak, almost mouth filling fruit, very classy, and a medium/long finish.
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Menthol and faint cherry on the nose. On the palate, black cherry, currant, and notes of black and white pepper, cocoa, and vanilla, with light tannins and good acidity. This was drunk over two days, and it had evolved somewhat on the second day, with better integration and no apparent tannins; the cocoa and vanilla had disappeared, but it was still fairly peppery. This seems to be early in its drinking window with several good years ahead of it. Excellent value for the money at about $40.
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Had this over 7 hours. This was hitting on all cylinders upon uncorking. Spicy and sharp upon opening, it got better after each successive glass with some time open to breathe. Notes of black cherry, red currant, dry berries, pepper, and some earth and herbs. Full-bodied, complex and structured with dusty grainy tannins, moderate acidity and a long lingering finish.
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Probably not quite at peak, but close, this is drinking well with nice integration of fruit and structure and a bit of added complexity versus younger bottlings.
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On P&P restrained fruit on the nose with a woodsy, basement aroma. More of that wood (oak) comes through on the palate, with dark fruit gradually revealing itself over the course of several hours, and that charcoal note that NEALFISHER mentioned below. Soft tannins but an acidity that remains prominent despite the wine’s age. This is like drinking a friend’s man cave. Good but not as remarkable as other Hall cabs that we’ve enjoyed.
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Valentine's Dinner at home with prime steak. Nice deep red and blue fruit along with some charcoal on the palate. Allergies prevented me from picking up too much on the nose. A really nice wine. Think it's about at its peak, though probably still good for several more years. Great value Napa Cab.
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I picked up some nice baking spice notes on the nose of this medium bodied beauty. This Cab has a soft and dense red fruit quality to it mixed in with a little saddle leather. It's not over powering at all in fruit forwardness but there is some "pop" to it. An overall nice effort....
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Time has been very good to this beauty, and it's still better on Day 2 than Day 1 (even with slow ox), so it's best days may lie ahead. Everything you want in a finely crafted Napa Cab is here, and there's nothing I'd point to as a flaw of commission. This is a borderline 95 for me, and hopefully it will continue to put on weight.
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Just what you’re looking for from an honest napa cab. A depth and density of sweet fruit. Bursting with Dark, serious, peppery and black-cherry cabernet smells and flavors and sprinkled with browned herbs, and skunk, with a nice smoky tail. At plateau with no hurry but also no certainty of additional improvement. 2016-2022
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Started to emerge after 90 minutes. Dark, concentrated, with some lovely tertiary flavours. This has plenty of time to evolve but, sadly, this is my last bottle. Good QPR, if I remember correctly.
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Improved quite a bit in the past three years and certainly in it's ideal window now. The heat died off thankfully to let some nuanced leather and smoke come through the still ripe and dark fruit. Quite good at the price.
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It was good, but I have to agree with other CTers that it is beginning to fade. This wine followed a 2011 Mollydooker "Carnival of Love." The Hall did not even come close. This wine was released with a WS score of 94+ Yeah... That's not happening now.
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Fruit has begun to fade (at least relative to my last note), but still a long way to go. Alot of tobacco, leather, strong dark chocolate, a little cedar, menthol nose, still very tannic. Enjoyable.
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Took up to enjoy at a wine stores 10yr anniversary party and bottle was good but seemed on this opening to be a little bit over-ripe, possible bad or not up to par bottle as previous ones have been great, especially at that price point. Seemed to be mostly medium blue and black fruit and the oak seems to have tamed down a lot. Have some more bottles, so going to try again soon, to see if starting to plateau, though still believe the the fruit and tannins, these are not sliding fast any time soon.
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1/2 hr decant. Still a very nice cab. Grippy tannins accompany ample fruit. Enjoyable to the last drop. I'm not sure why others are saying that this is on the decline. I will give my second bottle another year or so.
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87 on opening, barely drinkable on day 2. If you have this in your cellar - drink now and all at once - It's fading fast. Not bad at pnp with mild tannins and some fruit I made the mistake of saving half the bottle overnight and on day 2 it was no good. Hard to imagine a Napa with pedigree that aged so fast and so poorly
I had this wine a couple of years ago and really liked it. I got this bottle from someone selling their entire cellar. Too tart and definitely on the decline. Very disappointed since the other one was so good. Knowing not all bottles are good because of they way they are stored, I still gave it a decent score because of the first one being better.
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Great on the PnP. Dark full fruit, soft and round. Tannins emerged after a couple of hours, so I would not decant. Drinking great but I would not hold much longer.
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Brought to Tapas177 for dinner. This is a good solid cab. Lots of dark fruit, adequate acidity, and still a little bit of tannic bite. This is somewhat one-dimensional but that dimension is good. I think this still has several years to go and hopefully it will develop a bit more complexity with time.
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Coravin taste. Good solid cab. Pretty well balanced, but not much secondary or herbal notes. Drinking well now. Not quite as much depth as the '08 ACVV Estate cab, but much more balanced than the '08 Lewis.
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When I first tasted this wine 4 years ago I thought it was such a good wine for the money that I went ahead and bought 2 more cases. Sadly, I am down to my last few bottles. But I also think it is time to start drinking these up if you have them as I do not think it will get any better and may actually be starting its gradual decline.
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Decanted for about 45 min. Lots of sediment present. Rich with currants, licorice, and sweet oak. Perfect for steaks. This is probably at its peak right now.
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Still think this '08 Hall is a baby. Pnp and this is still quite the monster with a grip of tannins, dark black fruits with some vanilla, licorice, coffee and allspice. Have had this in the glass for close to 2 hours and taming down a bit, but still huge tongue & mouth feel. Big Napa fruit. For the money, think this may be my favorite, should have bought a few cases. These have years left, would not be surprised if these went another 7-10 years! If drinking, decant would definitely help. Looking forward to seeing how they continue to progress!!
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Popped and poured. Opened up nicely over 20 minutes. Aromas of blackberry, violets, cherry and white chocolate. On the palate, it has flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, melted chocolate, kirsch liquor and a touch of iron. Ends with an impressive of about 25-30 seconds. It got better as it got more air. This has developed more into a classic Napa Cabernet. When I had it initially it was more Bordeaux like. Certainly not anywhere near dead as someone suggested. Parker was spot on with this one.
Third of three bottles, had one each in 2013, 2014 and now. This was very good, but had lost just a tad of its previous punch. Lots of licorice and black fruit, maybe fig, did I say black fruit? Exquisite, luscious, between medium-bodied and robust. Went perfectly with Xmas day beef burgundy over noodles. Would recommend as a drink now, as it has maybe smoothed out a bit more than some would appreciate, but it still was very good. In 2013 and 2014 it had a bit more Napa "stuff" to it (we rated it higher in previous years), maybe a little more robust and complex, but still very good, but not for much longer.
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Hall Winery makes many outstanding cabs from many different spots around Napa Valley. This is their "beginner", "everyday" cab that is rich and deep in color like dark chocolate. This is a full body cab meant to be paired with a ribeye steak. Glorious
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Pnp. The pencil, cedar, and graphite nose showed the signature character of Rutherford. Even thought this is not 100% Sacrash Vineyard, the nose still shined with its distinct character. interestingly, the nose is a bit more attractive than usual Rutherford because of a hint of sweetness. On the palate, sweet plum, cocoa powder, blue berry, and ripen tannin composed a great play at Friday night. This is more approachable than 2006. People always argue the importance of sweetness in wine. There is a great example on this concept that a little bit sweet is not necessary evil. The residue sugar harmonize with the unresolved tannin, and help us to enjoy the long lasting with a sweet ride. Now is a god window to drink. It should be able to excelle for next 5 to 10 years.
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Still hard to believe this was a $35 bottle of wine. Opened, PNP, had with with a bone in filet and have to say that it took almost 2 full hours to open up, still huge tannins on the palate, had a little bricking, but still had a dark purple hue, with flavors of black current, raspberry, and rasin with a little cedar, coffee and chocolate. think i might not open another for at least 6 months to a year.. glad I still have a few more left!! Nice drinking now, but still has a long life ahead.
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This is why we keep wine in our cellars! Opened with fears of re-living our previous mega-jam-experience. But, there was no need to worry as this has grown into quite a handsome man.
Rich, deep and quite rewarding as an inspiring meat/mild-cheese wine. Over on the heavyweight side of things. As it's now in a mature state of being, it possesses much more quality than previous btl.
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This is the best sub $50 Napa-style Cab that I have had and I am glad that I bought a lot of it because it continues to please. Requires a longer decant (2 hrs) than when first released to get to peak integration. Very floral bouquet with enticing rose, blackberry and cherry scents. Fruit forward cab with silky tannins -- blackberry, cherry and some blueberry notes drive this wine -- almost like a mixed berry pie. Good acidity and well integrated tannins keep this from being over the top. With time, the wine has evolved to include some more complex flavors of leather, dried herb and anise. The oak is very present upon opening but integrates and fades to the background as the fruit comes forward with a longer decant. 2008 is the gold standard of the entry level Hall Cab vintages and is drinking very well even if not the "pop and pour" it was when first released. 2012 vintage is the closest approximation to this version.
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Black cherry fruit, forest floor, and currants, more of the same on the palate, big body, lovely fruity taste, mouth filling, and a long finish with a great cabernet aftertaste.
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This wine exceeded expectations. Decanted for about 2+ hours before dinner of grilled BBQ chicken, rice, and salad. Very dark, purple violet color. Nose brings a distinctive mix of wet clay, blackberries, olives, rose petals, raspberries, leather, and some dark cherry menthol. The palate is square, jagged, full-bodied, and extremely concentrated, bringing more blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, sweet tobacco, cherry cobbler baking spices, fresh mint, and some touches of dried herbs. The finish is long, uneven, and very interesting - not fully developed yet - still with thick tannins. I'd drink this though 2025. It should evolve nicely.
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Lovely nose of stinky flowers, burnt flower pedals and spit out olive pits. Wine was super tannic for first 1 hour, but opened nicely in decanter. Smooth drinking wine. Beautiful.
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Nose of black cherry fruit with lots of forest floor, dusty road, and a touch of sage, more of the same on the palate, medium/big body, opens to licorice and black cherry fruit on the mid palate, soft tannins have almost disappeared compared to a year ago, medium/long finish, and cabernet aftertaste. Decant for one hour, about one year from its peak.
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90 points, but with a question mark. At first taste this seemed really top notch, but secondary flavors and finish had a weird flavor. Not a flavor associated with flawed, off or over the hill, just not as good as I'd like. Maybe better in a year, but again, not sure.
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Balanced, heavy wine. Good fruit with chewy tannins. For a Cali Cabernet Sauvignon we liked the wine but it is high in alcohol. The wine gets tiring as you drink it. I would not age it much longer. I trust RP that this is a great wine but I guess that we just don't love Cali Cabs. Would drink a glass again but not a bottle.
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Expectation was a napa fruit bomb, and it wasn't your typical napa fruit bomb. Even thought its a fruit bomb by my standard, it showed restraint, some complexity, and decent finish. Is it still young, probably is as wine seems unbalanced at times during the evening, tannin were at times over powering. I enjoyed the finished (pretty long at times) of cassis & dark chocolate. Drank with steak dinner. Wished I waited for this only bottle...maybe another year
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Definitely in the drinking window now! I'm pleased to have several more bottles of this. Early in life, this was harsh, very strong flavors of tobacco, tar, and tannic. Now, beautifully mellowed, fruit forward, and tannins are a complement. Solid with a pan seared strip.
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Really good. Not sure I concur with the WS 94+ rating it received when it was released. Maybe it is just in an awkward period right now, past the fruit fullness of its release and not yet settled into its maturing state.
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I just freakin' love this wine! Very lush with well integrated cedar, mocha, damp Earth, blueberry pie ala mode, blackberry, etc. This wine always makes me smile when I have it, and to me represents the quintessential Napa Cab.
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Displays distinct and consistent notes of black licorice, leather, black fruits and cassis. Rich and rewarding on day one, this wine was even better on day 2. Still young with many years to go.
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Dark color, methanol and licorice nose. Concentrated, with cassis, blueberry, flavors. Smooth, yet with still plenty of tannins. More approachable than three years ago, but still a few years to full maturity. Wish I had purchased more.
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Second of three bottles, best to hold off on this one. It was great with LOTS of tannins that deserve to be absorbed a little more, typical great Napa Cab with all the attributes you'd expect and no downside other than it taking a while to open up, thus HOLD versus drink. Full-bodied with finesse. Touch of red bell pepper, plummy, raisiny, earthy.
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A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark garnet in color. A medium to full bodied Cab with currants, blackberry, cassis, chocolate and spice on long finish. In a great drinking zone, a very good red. www.winelx.com
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Okay I sealed this with a vacu-vin and came back to it a few days later and dang it's good. Fruit is nicely balanced. Very round and structured. For the money this is definitely one of my favorites. Tannins were perfectly integrated. Still a fruit bomb but just the right kind.
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This one went back and forth on me over three nights under pump. First and third nights excellent flavor and balance, but second night seemed a little off. Don't pay any attention to this note. I probably don't know what I'm talking about.
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The fruit on this wine is fantastic but it's enveloped in some serious tannins. Even after an hour decant it was pretty brawny. Will wait a could of year on the other bottles. Hold
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Decanted for about 1 hour and 15 minutes before I started drinking. It needed a little more than that IMO. Some bitterness on the finish when we first started drinking that resolved itself after a little more air time. Nice fruit with a medium finish. Great QPR @ $34.
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Nice balance, barely discernible tannins, deep complex nose and a medium long finish. Not sure it will gain much with additional time in the cellar, except to perhaps fully resolve the tannins at the expense of losing the fruit on the palate.
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This is around the same price point as the chimney rock and it is much better. Bigger, bolder, tannic but approachable. Great wine and especially for the price.
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This wine was a bit of a hot mess tonight. Chocolate Liquor, Viscous mouthfeel, lack of acidity, too much heat with the slightly bitter finish, basically out of balance. Just popped and drank - would recommend w food to hopefully hide imbalance.
Decanted 1/2 hour. This wine is amazing for the price. Great CA cab fruit balanced by good acidity and a great mouth feel... it's simply lush! Almost Caymus-like, but not as extracted (that's a good thing!) Tannins are there and some oak but all in balance. Could go longer but why wait... sometimes when a wine cab this young is so drinkable, time dose not necessarily improve it?
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Quite good. a fairly heavily bodied Cab, reminds me of the regular release Caymus, sweet on the palate and not overly complex, not much aroma after swirling and just a bit of hot alcoholic aftertaste but none the less a solid Napa Cab with a good QPR.
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Dark blackish color with a big enticing nose of rich, dark forest fruits with hints of integrated oak. The palate is big, sweet and with notes of clean dark fruits, cassis, with very little discernible oak. Generally a pleasant fruit-driven wine with very little complexity at this point. Still very young a this point, perhaps a few more years with help put everything in place.
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Rich and full bodied dark fruit accompanied by firm tannins on a lengthy and highly enjoyable finish. Since this is their entry level cab, it’s obvious this vintner intends to set the bar for high quality juice in the Valley. Outstanding.
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Dark fruit profile. Mouth-filling fruit, with lively acid on the finish. Nice mouth feel. Medium body. My impression is this will round out and up a point with a couple more years in the cellar. I expect it will really be open for pleasure at that point. Nonetheless, this was excellent today. 91
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Drinking very well right now. Still a load of abundant fruit, but everything is in balance. Secondary notes of light creamy oak, and slight detection of old world minerality. I can't see it gaining any more significant strides, but it may move up just a tick over the next 1-2 years. Drink up. No need to wait, this is ready to go and sings with about a 20 min. decant.
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Wow....Incredible. I've always liked Hall wines, with 2006 being the last vintage of excellent quality in my mind. Well, this 2008 is 2 notches better. Decanted it for 9 hours prior to pairing it with medium-rare fillet and lobster combo at Flemming's. It totally blew me away especially for $40 that I paid for it. It unfolded like a $120 bottle of estate Napa cab. Tremendous cassis, chewy but balanced tannins, oaky pencil lead and a hint of boysenberry flavored tobacco. Stunning. I regret having only 2 more bottles left. Will reach its pinnacle in another 3-5 years.
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Poured for the people at Silver Oak and Baldacci, Lovely black cherry fruit with lots of earth, smoke and spice, more of the same on the palate, very big, fruity and concentrated in the mouth, very soft tannins, medium/long finish, great, long, cabernet aftertaste. Decant for three hours or cellar for 3 years.
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This wine is still big, alcohol was a bit prominent at first, but gave an hour of decant, smoothed out, had with steak. Still has some years left, don't think it will get much better, but for the price, it is a great bottle of wine, glad I still have 8 more to space and drink over the next few years.
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Normally a luscious wine, but this may have been a flawed bottle. The nose was fine, but the palate was very thin and slightly bitter...cork taint? Seemed to be on the downside (I hope not), which shouldn't happen for a 2008 Napa Cab. I'll rate it 89 as is, but won't post an official rating until I try another bottle.
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One of my all time great buys for a cab, cassis and black currants, with a little tobacco on the nose, the tannin is still there in pretty good quantity, although drinking great right now, I am beginning to wonder who will win the race to the end, tannin or fruit?
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Great nose. Big napa fruit bomb. Great depth & complexity. Licorice, anise, black cherry, & plum. Some herbs on the nose though I can't pick them out. Clay as well on the nose. Great finish as well. For the money this is awesome.
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Opened up after an hour. Flavors of roasted raisins, dark chocolate covered cherries, christmas fruitcake, anise and baking spices. Enjoyable. Tannins still present so could come together a bit more over the next few years.
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Decanted 5 hours - prior to blind tasting. Tasted with 2010 Caymus SS, 2009 FF Wintson Hill & 2000 Seavey. Tannins still evident - time will help yield a smoother finish.
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I had hoped this bruiser would improve with some age, but unfortunately it hasn't. It feels overextracted and unbalanced, with noticeable alcohol from the get-go. More pruney than it is cherry, and with a very clipped finish. The only good thing to note is that by day three it had settled down somewhat, especially in the heat on the palate. Hold for another 2-3 years and continue to hope for an agreeable metamorphosis?
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One of the best Cabs we have had in 2013. Very tannic and young, good aging potential as the alcohol will be more fully integrated. Good through at least 2015. Strongly suggest you let this breathe and decant to get the most out of this fine wine- it really opened up as dinner went on. Full-bodied with finesse. Touch of red bell pepper, plummy, raisiny, earthy. Glad we have two bottles left. Will have one in 2014 and one in 2015.
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Russk. Dinner her with Jay. He brought. Pleasant nose. Big blackberry and blackcurrent. Not to jammy. Tannins easy in the midpalate, more firm inthe finish. 90+
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Big black and purple fruit on the nose. Cassis, fig, anise and plum. At this point it has a bit of a hot finish but still very nice. Very nice velvety tannins. Long supple finish. Not a big tannic wine but hefty and dense. This could be cellared for another 10-15 yrs but for me I would drink this again in about 2-3 yrs. I would like the alcohol to soften and let up but I don't want this to wash out. 2016 for me.
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Continues to age beautifully. Balance has improved in the last six months as has the finish. Nice black fruit with slight floral and increasingly better mouth feel. I look forward to the next 10-15 years with this wine. Get it if you can find it, as good as any of their 08 offerings
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--- COLOR: NOTE: Nose is warm raspberry ganache. Nice loamy blackberry liqueur, cassis and leather in the mouth. Finish has a little heat. Great juice! Beat out the 2009 SQN Thrill of It.
DECANT: 1-2 hours GLASS USED: Bordeaux TASTE: 9.4- OTHER: COST: 88 VALUE: 8.0 PREVIOUSLY TASTED: TRY AGAIN: now - 2019 PAIRING: Beef Inquiries can be addressed to troypeterson@usa.net ---
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fat extraction, (leather furniture, hand bag, and nice leather shoes....my wife says "it's like a shopping experience") and fat dark crushed fruit on the nose....integrated well into a fat short mid palate straight into a long enjoyable finish with sturdy enjoyable bottom end...good opulent but straight forward cab, not a lot of layering going on , just straight forward goodness
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dark fruits, leather, little sediment and light tannins. had with Coffee,brown sugar & salt coated NY strips steaks with a brandy sauce, recipe from Merryvale vineyards.
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Solid Cali cab, but lacking something special to distinguish itself. Started off with potential but quickly turned to a pedestrian level. Hoping a little more age will help, but, to be clear, a solid wine with a good QPR, especially for a Cali cab.
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Meh. This wine was okay, but not didn't find it distinctive or complex in any way. Simple, straightforward cab, that was smooth. Reminded me a bit of a cheaper version of Caymus. I'd certainly drink this again if poured, but not something I'd actively seek out. GOOD.
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Feeling like I opened this too early. Very ripe fruit & full bodied. A bare hint of tar on the finish. Blackberry & black cherry on the palate. Will let the next bottle sit until after 2015. Good if you want a fruit bomb right now. I was hoping for a bit more balance.
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Decanted for two hours. Great nose of currants, sour cherry, violets, and hints of spicy oak. On the palate, really walled off by tannins right now but there are some nice black and red fruits peeking though. Finishes with nice acidity and a tooth sweater of tannins. Needs a few more years, but the aromatics promise something special.
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My first bottle of Hall Cabernet. To my tastes, this is a classic quality cab. Very nice upon opening and it developed more depth and balanced flavors in the glass. I noted chocolate, rich dark berries, maybe a hint of tobacco, some spice, and a nice finish with smooth fine tannins. Very happy with this wine. Reputation is deserved.
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This is an exceptional Napa Cabernet that starts with a very floral fruit nose. The front is inviting with notes of blackberry, black cherry, oak, and other dark fruit textures. On the mid-palet however it seems to get slightly heavy and somewhat muddled. The finish does start to find itself with a snap of focus. It does not have the same focus as its big sister the 2006.
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Inky dark color in the glass. Very fragrant nose with a bit of fesh pine and eucalyptus. On the palate spicy, char, tannins that stay on for a minute, a really well made wine.
Lovely black cherry fruit with hints of spice and herbs on the nose, more of the same on the palate, very big, intense mouthful of wine with small amount of very soft tannins, medium/long finish, great powerful, cabernet aftertaste, delicious. Will last 5 more years but why wait.
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Still excellent but starting to close down. Tannins on the rise as the bloom of youth fades. I probably should have consumed these sooner since it will now take a few years to reach the peaks of its youth again.
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A great value for a full bodied Napa Cabernet. It has a wonderful nose and on the palate has bright fruit, currants, blackberries, mocha, and some subtle oak at the back end. In my opinion the best "no vineyard designate" Hall Cabernet made to date.
The wine looks Purple colored. It smells like Blackberry, Black currant (cassis), Cinnamon, and Clove. The body is Medium/Full. The wine has Smooth texture. The wine finishes Medium.
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A very nice California Cab that did no wrong ... but also didn't excel in any particular feaure. Cocoa and cola and dark, rich fruit on the nose and subtle spice, reminiscent at times of new world syrah, but with a twist of something vegetal. Plush red and black fruit on the palate with moderate length, moderate tannins, and a hint of sweet. All-in-all, it's a nice cab, but ultimately a let-down for how expensive this bottle was - I'd call it no more remarkable than a $17 '09 Beringer Knights Valley (but better than the '10).
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Plums, black cherries, menthol, chocolate, spices, opened and decanted six hours ahead, medium full bodied, still ample tannins left, balanced by oak and fruit on the palate. Still can get better.
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Delicious and rich with sweet creme de cassis, dark mocha, berry and smoke. Ripe but by no means a bomb. Finishes with balance showing trace tannin. Drink or hold
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This was second bottle I've had. Based on other tasting notes here, I decanted ahead of time - definitely improved versus the prior bottle. Beautiful cabernet nose, plenty of blackberry fruit, and very nicely balanced. Simply a joy to drink by itself, or with any red meat - in which case the tannin is not noticeable.
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Extraordinary. This is one superb wine from Napa Valley. Blows away Opus, Insignia, and maybe even Caymus at a fraction of the price, IF you can find it at all. Try eBay, that's where I just bought a case for around $47 a bottle. This wine is one of my top 5 and may go even higher as it continues to age. Keep your eye on HALL...
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PnP - no formal notes, this vintage still has a ways to go, definitely needs more bottle time or a nice long decant. Amazing nose and tannis were a bit overwheming at first and it did have some heat, needed a good hour to tame but still a little high alcohol, but has great potential - maybe 1 or 2 pts higher, gonna give another 6 months to a year for next one... glad we got a case!!
Day 2, Fruit became much more integrated, some of the blue and black fruits were much more pronounced, great mid palate and a good 30 sec + finish, on the nose much more mellow, but great black fruit with a hit of cinnamon and oak... delightful.
Day 3 - sad to finish, still drinking well, all the heat has completely subsided, unfortunately a bit of the fruit too, but still very nice - could drink this all day... very much looking forward to a few more years laid down...one of the best $30 bottles around.
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Fine black fruit and cassis nose. Unabashedly youthful. Velvety despite the tannic persistence. Chewy with densely layered flavors of cassis, blackberries, blueberries, leather, eucalyptus, black pepper, cigar box, minerals, and licorice. Mocha backpalate crescendos into a dark chocolate finish. This is powerful and assertive but articulates a sense of opulence, gaining regal prominence and dimension in the glass. I'd like to taste this again in a couple of years. Outstanding. Decant.
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Rich, very soft tannins, and very fruit forward. I thought this was maybe a 16%+ alcohol level, but it's 14.5%. Lacked the punch I enjoy, but better the second night. I'm going to wait for awhile to drink the next bottle.
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Wine Night/Baby Shower: Notes are pretty consistent, it's mellowed out a bit though. Still needs an hour or so in decanter to open up, and evolves through the next day.
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Hmm, Hmm, Hmm! This is excellent and getting better. Decanted 2 hours at cellar temperature. Had with Filet Mignon and then sipped on it following dinner for another hour or so. Love the balance and the dark fruits (blackberries, plum, currants). Wish I could find more.
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Non-blind. Decanted 3 hrs. Over extracted fruit-bomb upon opening and remained an over extracted fruit-bomb during dinner. So much I couldn't tell the grape. However, has both some good and some promising points: fine set of tannins from fine, mature grapes paired w great vinification skills (not always equals a great wine!). Wife did not like it at all. Beat two btls of no-name Bordeaux. Still have 2 btls to go... Hoping for the best. Next encounter: ~2016.
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2008 Hall Night (My house): See previous notes. Plum and cassis that just won't stop. A flavorful profile of exquisite, caliber Napa fruit. The finish that just does not stop!
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This is an excellent wine IMHO. Prune and leather flavors are integrated well with oak tannins. Very impressed with Hall's wine, even at this intro level.
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Rich, thick and opulent with flavors of dark cherry, dark chocolate, mocha, vanilla, leather. Very well-balanced and luscious, albeit a bit jammy, but supple. Very easy to drink on its own. Drink now until 2020.
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A better than average upper end, big California cab. The fruit and oak were a bit too prominent on day 1, leading to a typical (but popular) Cali. fruit forward profile that lacked complexity. Things significantly improved on days 2 and 3 after the fruit settled down and some earthy elements became evidence . Since I have just 1 bottle left, I plan to wait until at least 2014 to open it.
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I love a big Napa cab, and this is one of those -- however, it is too sweet, hot, and oaky for my taste -- even after a long decant and several days of rebottling. Perhaps this fades with time in the bottle.
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PNP, then poured through Vintouri. This was another excellent bottle of this crowd pleasing wine. Continues to come across very big and has a well composed, layered palate. Blackberry, Cassis, Licorice, Chocolate and some smokey notes. I have 6 left and would not hesitate to find more.
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Meeting (of) the Parents; 5/12/2012-5/13/2012 (Cambridge, MA / Lincoln, RI): Nose: Blackberry, Cassis, Plum and Licorice. Slight smokey note and some nice Chocolate notes. Palate: Full and dense with black fruit and some hint of red berries. Nice tobacco and herb notes with the palate feel of a much pricier cabs
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A solid well made Cabernet. A pleasing blend of currant with a bit of mocha, together with subtle charcoal and cedar. Fruit, tannin and price are appropriately proportioned. Drinking better than the 06 currently and may end up being the better of the two.
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So much better than the first bottle last year. More balanced and full, nice expression of dark fruit. Deep garnet color, lots of dark kirsch and vanilla.
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Fruit forward with a velvety mouthfeel and fantastic mocha presence. Discovered this on vacation Big Island; wine list markup here is obscene and we were looking for a reasonable alternative to recently-released $300 Napa cabs...this was every bit as good and one-third the price of names more familiar to us. Drinking wonderfully at four years old!
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opulent berries, blackberry, blk cherry on the nose and appropriately more subtle on the palate, excellent balance .... tight protruding tannins on the finish and nice fruit lingering in the back of the throat..... succulent and enjoyable
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Impressive cherry nose, upfront fruity new style wine, fresh berries, a bit of jam, not so much concentrated, relatively simple, good drinking, finish a bit hollow.
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Medium dark red wine. Smoke and leather dominate the nose with fruit lurking. Elements of raspberry intermingled with big tannins and finishes dry. All the elements are there for a very good wine. Now all it needs is time.
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another stellar bottle if a wonderful vintage and amazingly well made wine. huge gripping tannins with big red fruity extraction. big overripe cherry, blackberry, raspberry, red rose pedals and bright red fruit with excellent thyme, rosemary and vanilla heavy toast spice. excellent lengthy finish and wonderful display of balance to chalk and loam. thus far, best vintage of napa valley HALL cab I've had. consistently outstanding from one bottle to another. my opinion, amazing value for a 40-45 dollar wine. absolute find at this price.
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All around consistent/great wine from the folks at HALL. Rich dark fruit and highly gripping tannins with good acid balance. I think this is probably drinking a touch better and more herbal/complex than the 2007 vintage. Classic HALL napa cab. needs about 2 hours to come together. lacks a touch of length on the finish but perhaps just a touch young. Rich fruit of plum, blackberry an rich casis/grapey characteristics. dirty gritty wine on the finish.
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Clear dark ruby in colour. Clean nose of black fruits, cedar, and spice. Dry, med acidity, smooth tannins, med body, black currant, cedar, and spice. med + finish. Just popped and poured, did evolve in glass. Wish I could have decanted for awhile. Evolved and became a little more complex w time. Great wine.
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Black dense wine, decanted three hours ahead of time, this barely put a dent in the evolution of this wine. Black currants, vanilla and spices in the nose, follows thru to the palate, finishes with ample tanin.
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Strong aroma of currant, blackberry, prune, and some green pepper. The wine was significantly fruit forward, with moderate tannins. The finish was long with moderate complexity. The wine was fairly good by itself but paired very well with a beef pot roast - an excellent food wine. I didn't notice much evolution in the glass as we drank the bottle over 2+ hours. Drinking well now, but will be interesting to see how it ages.
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This wine was tight on opening. Didn't have my Decanter handy (at my in-laws), but opened and let breathe for 30 mins. I don't think it was near enough time. Nose was muted a little but had dark fruit and maybe a hint of licorice. Taste was well balanced but could really become something special with some time in the cellar. Bought a few more after returning from the trip and will stow them away for a few years.
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This botle was open for two days, it has great flavor-cabernet nose, very rich dark mocha chocolate nose, third bottle enjoyed ove three months. Lots of rich chocolate mouthfeel on the palate, vert lovely medium long finish. Needs 2-4 years more time.
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Let it breathe about an hour. Bloody water red. Lovely red berry smell mixed with sweet plum and mulberry on the nose. Notes of sugared plums, mulberries, and strawberries. Some distant graphite on the mid to end palate. Something that tastes like vanilla mixed with a faint hint of Steen's cane syrup. Decent length, where the alcohol likes to remind you of its presence. Gripping tannins. A bit too gentle and sweet for my preference, but I can see others scoring this quite a bit higher. Much better with food than without.
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Drank around Christmas time. Drank with 2005 Newton Unfiltered Cabernet and 2007 Newton Puzzle. Was very powerful and complex. Still fairly tight. Let decant for 3 hours. Needs more time in cellar
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What a huge wine this is. It has serious wow factor up front, but as the night wore on (and more so as the days past, as we drank this over 3 days) we saw how unbalanced this was. It is very alcoholic. The LCBO delayed shipping to stores in order to re-label the alcohol content from 14.5% as stated, to the correct 16%. I have two bottles left, will keep them but wouldn't buy more - hence the 90 point rating. Not sure how this will age, or if the alcohol will ever integrate with the fruit.
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My first bottle of this a couple of weeks ago was so good, I had to open another one just to make sure that this is as good as I thought it was. It did not disappoint. This time I decanted for 2 hours. With a decant, this wine is open for business. Fantastic! Going to load up the cellar while these are still easy to find.
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Dark black berries and stone fruit on the nose, additionally notes of White pepper, anise, and dark roast coffee bean. This is big, young and unharmonious at this stage. The palate brings a huge dose of oak! Almost off-putting. Structure is there to suggest a ten year nap for this. Buy a case and forget it. If it comes together, you will have one tremendous bargain. Alternately, just pay the extra $ for the Kathryn Hall. It blows this away and drinkable today!
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Nose: Classic napa nose. Black cherry, blackberry, sweet new oak, perfumed. Palate: dense red/black fruit and cedary oak. Strong grip in the mid/back palate. Finish: slight heat with cedar, blackberry and tart cherry. Great wine.
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Absolutely delicious. Full bodied with plenty of rich, dark berry flavors. Just a touch of licorice as well as pine and vanilla. All of it is well integrated and balanced and topped off by a long, satisfying finish. Great value in napa cab and I would highly recommend.
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A serious Napa cab and A contender to Caymus special edition. Need hours of decant. Dark, thick, heavy body, chewy, chunky tannins, sweet, very concentrate, upfront dark fruits, licrorice, long long finish. Still drink very well on second day, not loss a bit of complexity. I like it.
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This one comes right out and pops you in the mouth - this is what a cab should be! We brought this bottle to a restaurant, popped and poured - not as tight as some make it sound
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Excellent. Fantastic QPR. Decanted for an hour. Had this bottle following an 07 SL Artemis and this was preferred. It had a lot more complexity and balance. Great dark color, dark cherries, spice and cocoa. Full bodied with a medium long finish. As good as this was, I still think this wine is a little tight. As a result, I think this could gain another point or two after a couple of more years laying down in the cellar.
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Drank in office from split, no food. Needed food, but enjoyable nonetheless. Wish I bought a lot more. This wine is too good now and too balanced not to drink at this time.
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Well deserving of 95WA rating. Popped and poured from split. Overwhelming intensity (in a good sense). Rich and lush and a lot going on. This cab is not for the faint of heart. Its big and bold. If you like old world style wines, you will not like this wine. If you like big Napa Cab's, you're in for a treat.
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Enjoyed a glass of this wine with NYE dinner at Fleming's. Paired well with filet. Great aroma of dark berries, spice and touch of smoke. Very well balanced taste of dark berries, light toasted oak, and black pepper. Finishes nicely on the mid pallatte. Enjoyable now, looking forward to how my stash of this wine will develop over the next few years!
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Right now, this is certainly a very good wine, but needs plenty of air and time. 5-6 hours decant easily. A big Cab with much potential for the future. Currently, very tannic, lots of spice, wonderful nose of cocoa, dark cherries, cassis. A long lingering finish that goes on for several minutes. I won't open the next bottle for at least 2 years, expecting a much higher score and pleasurable experience at that time.
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Beautiful nose of sweet cassis, balck currants and chocolate. Tannins have integrated well for a wine so young. Rich, powerful, full bodied yet has elegance. Don't know if it merits a Parker 95 but it clearly is well worth the $40 price tag. This is worth buying a case or two and seeing how it evolves over time. A much better value than the Kathryn Hall at $75.
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This is a new world, chocolate liqueur, hedonistic cali cab. Loads of fruit and glycerin, thick and unctuous on the palate. I usually find Cali fruit bombs offensive and out of balance and overdone, however I really enjoyed this one (although balanced is not the first word that comes to mind in describing this wine). A fun wine now - no reason to wait!
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Outstanding value. The Kathryn Hall Cab just won #2 wine of the year for 2011. This little cousin is blended from several of their estates; deep, dark color and lovely aromas of berry, chocolate plum and all-spice; the palate is lush and concentrated with boysenberry, cassis, anise. If one expression could summarize this wine: velvet punch. Smooth yet powerful.
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My #1 Red WOTN, opened 5-7 years too early, served a couple degrees hotter than it should have been but still shows all the potential. Cellar it, forget about it for 5 years and you'll be rewarded dearly.
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Excellent. Full bodied. High flavor. Flavor mixed black currant, plumb, blackberry. We hosted a big party and served 4 good Cabernet Sauvignon's, and this was the favorite! I liked it when opened, and after brief decanting it opened up and flavors were excellent!
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This Hall was Inky colored with nice slow legs. Blackberry, Black currant (cassis), Red Currant, and Black Pepper up front. I agree with others that this cab is a little Hot. Hopeful that it will improve over time. At $35/bottle, this could be a steal.
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Massive tight young red wine. A little tough to evaluate at the moment, as it is very bound up. Decanted about two hours ahead of time, but still needs more air, it seems to keep getting better in the glass, so I am pretty confident in what the future holds for this wine.
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Excellent prototypical Napa Cab with dark fruit and soft minty tannins. A tasty treat. I see no reason to age this wine as it tastes so good now, but who knows?
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Lost my notes but Nutty08's notes sound spot on - I enjoyed this wine and it was fine the next day (under vacu vin sitting in the kitchen). If you like fruit forward wines this would hit the spot 91+/-. Would buy again as there are times when you need something bright & forward like this.
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If you like this style, which I do, you will love this one. Opulent, rich, ripe, and fresh, this one will benefit from short term cellaring. Ripe black currants, noticeable oak, followed by firm tannins. Screams for beef!
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Strong bottle from this California wine maker. There is alot of dark purple fruit, anise -herbals, and OAK on the nose. Very evident Cassis and kirsch action upon first tasting. After 2 hours decant, the oak wore off somewhat, but was still evident throughout the tasting. This has some strong flavors that coat the palate, so best served with grilled meats, game or roast. A very well made wine (from David Ramey), and we plowed through all three bottles at the wine tasting event. This was a crowd pleaser towards the end of the night, when the strong flavors gave life to tired palates.
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Inky black in the glass. Fragrant nose, with wood, chocolate, and red fruit liquor. Palate is quite massive, with noticible heat poking through with air. Viscous and almost sweet--features I sometimes notice with higher alcohol wines. Moderate acidity, very tannic with big chunky tannins. Quite concentrated, with black currants and cassis. Lengthy but simple finish with loads of Chocolate, vanilla, and fruit. A fine wine in a more forward style, but not especially interesting. May develop over the short term.
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Beefy nose with some flowery notes. Eucalyptus. The palate is all Brit fruits in the attack. The mid palate falls a little short for me. The finish has a fair ammount of tannins and needs to loosen up a bit.
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Must say that the review from VeniceCalif is the most spot on so far for all notes on this wine. My biggest problem is the noticable heat and the high level of harsh tannins that seem to derail the potential of this wine. It's a prune cake on steroids. I like the nose with its sweetness and chocolate cherry, but once it gets into the mouth things only get worse. If all 14 plus percent napa cabs tasted like this one, I would eschew them for chile or washington every time. Good news was that by day three, things had settled down enough that some balance was suggested. I'll get back to this one in late 2012 or even 2013 to see if the "potential" is real.
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Excellent example of the opulent New World style of Cabernet from California. In the glass, inky purple. Full-bodied, with cherry, plum, earth, licorice, cedar and oak. Long finish with well-integrated tannins. Requires a decant of a few hours before it begins to open up.
Agree with the other tasters, this is much better than the acclaimed 2006 Hall Cabernet. Excellent QPR
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Decanted for 3+ hours and had with Grilled Prime Filet. This was tight at first but opened up with the decant. Probably way to young but wanted to try before I purchased any more. will definitely buy more to store for at least 4 years.
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WAY, WAY too young but has good potential. Even 4 hours of air is not enough. Smooth though....might be good after 6 years Just a disservice to drink now.
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Very approachable with good structure. Decanted for 1 hour and enjoyed with a rich and spicy tomato, bean, sausage soup. Apparently these Hall wines are made by David Ramey....explains a lot.
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For thirty bucks I'll call this a lush, lavish delight but I'll still underscore it. The husband was pleased, and when he's happy we are all fine. Caveat: big California wines please him, and fortunately this was a really good big California wine and it's food-friendly. Oh heavens, I've already said to0 much. Like "Matt Scott" I really don't want anyone else to know how good this is. I'm trying to rustle up the money to buy the 25 bottles left at the well-priced place I bought my 14 bottles. After that I'll do a real review.
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Plum liqueur, dark rock, dark spice. New leather. Creamy vanilla accented aromatics. Palate is more juicy with sweeter tannin structure. Nice balanced finish. Another really great glass pour.
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Needs 3-4 hours of decanting, but then the reward for your patience arrives. Won't bore your with a description as I don't believe in bloviating as most do when describing their tasting experience.
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This wine embodies all the qualities of what is meant by "New World" Cabernet: very bold and fruit forward. Although I usually love fruit forward, bold Napa Cabs, I couldn't help feeling that there was something artificial about this one. I opened two bottles one week apart, decanted each for a couple of hours, and came to the same conclusion both times.
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This wine is useless before the 1 hour mark. Tight nose, very tannic. However, as it reaches 1 hour, a wonderful nose of currant and sweet herbs emerges. Very full-bodied, sweet dark fruits and a powerful backbone beg for a big steak. Decant for 1 hour or cellar for a couple of years.
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Nose: Dark Berries, Plum, licorice, smoked meat and a touch of baking spices. Palate: Dense and stacked with crushed blueberries, blackberries, cherry and kirsch notes. Very structured palate with noticable tanins and some unintigrated oak at this point. Finish: Long and dark with some red fruit poking out. Touches of cedar and tobacco/herbs as well.
This bottle was much tighter than the first and after 24 hours was showing its potential. Great stuff, but I have concerns about the amount of new oak on this wine.
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Bold Reds & Soft Whites (Farpointe Cellar): Smoke and earth on the nose, along with currant jam and spice. It finished with licorice and blackberry. Very tannic on the palate, with lots of black fruit and earth. The nose was good, but the palate was disappointing.
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Very dark purple color - texture is thick. Aroma is bold dark berry with a hint of vanilla. Flavor add raspberry, but the predominant fruit is blackberry with a tad of pepper. Wine is medium dry with a surprising long and pleasant finish.
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All the hallmarks (no pun intendend) of great Napa Cab: abundant chocolate, vainilla, mocha, plum, full bodied and long finish. A delight, if not a surprise.
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much better than the 2006 or 2007 i had last year; a drinker within first 10 years; a little bit sweeter than I prefer but the tannins are well integrated with some toasted oak; drink more like a cocktail wie than a food wine.
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See pervious notes. The great Red Gerhana of Cabernet. A plum and chocolate wonderland (which this will be for years to come). I am almost fearful of boasting about this beaut, do to the fact that I want no one else to buy it. I don't usually carry on about price, however, the QPR is the best I have seen from Napa in sometime. Please don't tell anybody.
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Very solid fruit. Even and this young age it is worth opening. Ran it through a "rabbit" to open it up, improved it immediately. Dark, rich berry and chocolate notes. Will only get better.
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Drank during a gathering after consuming a couple other wines. Popped and poured. First taste was brutal compared to the super tuscan I was drinking so it took me a while to enjoy it. It was concentrated with lots of Tannin and plenty of fruit and other flavors. 2 days later I had the last glass left in the bottle and it had mellowed out and was quite enjoyable. But I think this needs a few years.
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Very dark purple, thick and substantial. Rich, deep varietal fruit in the nose. 1st sip marvelous then a slightly metallic note on the middle palate and after. Improved with some white sharp cheddar accompanying. Needs a little time to smooth out. Big but drinkable, especially with food. 5-12-16-8: 91/100.
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Big and oppulent, this unabashedly new world style wine blows away any expectations on the nose. Tons of fruit, spices, cassis and a touch of earth and hint of VA create a compelling bouquet that is followed by an equally impressive and powerful body. Long smooth finish, great balance of tannin, acid in this complex but accessable wine. A hedonist's delight. Better than the very good to excellent 06 by a noticeable margin, this is the best Hall yet.
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Decanted for two and a half hours. Black and purple in colour, with a lighter garnet rim. I sincerely appreciate this winery on quite a few levels and now utilizing Ramey really shows the care and consideration to strive for the best. A blissful nose of sliced plumb, milk chocolate, currant paste, cassis, charcoal and flower shop. Long and sedative, this Napa Cabernet is very balanced and fresh, showing tannins that are polished and well-integrated. The back palate shows berry and there's a Pessac element that really is fascinating. Extremely enjoyable now and obviously will handle some age as well. I can't believe it, this is better than the '06. The best Hall Napa that I have ever enjoyed. Drink now - 2028.
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This wine is super complex and I can see why it's received all of the hype. Great color, aroma, and silky texture - very well made. However, it's still too young. Very sharp on the nose and could not really distinguish specific fruit profiles. The tannins dominate and it's not quite integrated or in balance with the fruit yet, even after a few hours in the decanter. That said, if you can get it at $40 or less, put it down for a few years and save for a special occasion. This one has tremendous upside!
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What a Cab!! Absolutely astonished, then seduced by this one!
Thick, viscous, showing beautiful dark garnet (w/ a hint of purple) in the glass. A dark brooding nose that's slightly phenolic, lightly spicy, and showing very tight deep berry fruits. Was absolutrely turned off my first coupla's sips . . . so I laid it down for a coupla' hours while I finished another wine.
. . . But it sure came around!! And what a beauty. Very Cab qualities, full bodied with lots of well integrated fruits, including red & dark berries, curants, licorice, tobacco, chocolate, with hints of spice, kirsch, and wet forest floor. Chewy (but not overwhelming), with a nice long well balanced finish. I think RP's review was spot on for this one!!
Only drawback is its youth . .. but I'll definately be getting a coupla' more bottles of this to lay down for 3-5 years. Highly recommended.
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Leslie visits Cleveland - Part 2: This was really good. Young enough and vibrant enough to capture my attention. Enough going on to keep it. Juicy texture. Cassis. Typical Napa Cab in a good way.
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Very nicely structured wine that needs lots of air. Nose of cassis, plum, blackberry, charcoal, minerals and spice. Palate: very dark fruit driven, but not over burdened with residual sugar or porty notes. Complex and showing good depth. Finish: very persistent, but tannic. Loved it and think there is good potential.
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At Tisa and Gunthers we drank the Hall 08 Cab and the Justin Justification 09 among others. The Hall was very round, great fruit flavors and soft. An excellent drink!! The Justification was also nice, slightly lighter in body, good color and fruit flavors. The Cab Franc base was good but after the Hall it seemed a little thin. If I were to do this again I would have had the Justin first then the Hall. Both are great.
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No score and no real review. Tried at a wine tasting and bought based on the Hall name. Wasn't ready after a pop and pour this afternoon. Opened another bottle for dinner, confirmed that Einstein was right about repeating an action and hoping for a different outcome. Probably will get better with some time to settle down and overcome bottle shock from shipping and youth. Right now, best I can say is "no review, wait". This wine needs time.
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Definitely needs decant time! Dinner with friends after a tasting. Opened for 30 min, decanted for about an hour, could have use addition 2 hours. Not much mid palate on first pour, seemed a bit dis-jointed and a little heat..... But all came together an hour later. Dark fruit, leather, cassis, with nice rounded finish - notes of chocolate and cedar.....solid wine still young ...looking forward to a year or two from now 91+
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These Hall wines are certainly one of my "drinking wines", good for popping open both any day of the week or for a special occasion. The price point on these Hall Napa Valley Cabs is pretty good for the quality, and the best part is they make 15000+ cases of it. I recently found the 2007 Hall Napa Cab at Costco for $32 a bottle.
So on to this 2008 Hall Napa Valley Cabernet: Deep purple, definitely still young. I like the nose, with blackberry and cassis. In the mouth it retains the blackberry, a hint of cranberry even, oak, a bit of chocolate as well. I have to say it doesn't have that 'Napa Cab' character to it though. The tannins are smooth, with a bit of bite at the end though, and the finish goes on for 20 seconds or so.
This gets an extra point or two due to the pricing and volume...It will probably make Spectators Top 100 due to those facts as well, though probably not as high on the list as the 2006.
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Opened at the Hollywood bowl about an hour before we drank it. Was still very tight, but evolved amazingly though the show. Some early heat but, after another hour was well rounded with chocolate, leather, cassis and Jammy dark fruit - was a big hit when paired with some dark chocolates.
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I'm not sure how this wine got 95 points. I big and off balance. If you like big oaky wines with extra tannins and charcoal this is the wine for you. Personally I like a lot more fruit than this wine had. Right from the pout the chalk and minerals overwhelms, I tried really hard to pick up a bit of ripe plumbs. In the mouth the tannins grips like vise with minerals and charcoal to follow. I feels a lot drier than the typical CA cab but this was abou the peak of my interest. I used to like this style of wine but recently find myself drawn more to the fruit driven style.
Remember you don't drink the label.
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Was very tight on opening, definitely opened up after an hour. Licorice and dark fruit, leather, mocha and some chocolate notes as well. It had a little heat but I think with a few years of cellaring it will be stellar especially at the price. Maybe the best $30 bottle I've had in a while. Day 2 much more structured & opened up, really likin this wine
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Tasted by the glass at Fleming's Steak house. Paired execellent with Petite Filet, Oscar style. Well made wine with good fruit and balance. A little too much oak on it's own for me, but paired with the steak the Oak seemed more balanced. Still young (obviously), so I am sure that maturity will create a more balanced profile of acity and tannins. Otherwise, very enjoyable.
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Decanted 2 hrs. ahead, and consumed over another hour. Very dark almost black ruby color. Very nice nose of dried herbs, truffles, and the blackest of black fruits; quite good in this regard. Very rich on the palate, with cloves, licorice, and a bit of syrup. It's too rich, really, for me (but I'm old enough to remember when napa cabs were lighter & more elegant); the acid structure is, shall we say, firm, which is a big understatement. Alcoholic heat is there as well. The finish is very very grippy with harsh tannins. It seems to me that this wine trips over itself with intensity. The nose leads you to expect great things, while the color tells you something closer to the truth. Maybe this wine needs 5 years in the bottle, but I have to say that the roughness and harshness that I'm finding today don't encourage me. Lots of reviews of this wine talk about its future potential; maybe they're right. But I have had many CA reds that reached greatness after 10-15 yrs without starting out this harsh.
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first (of many to come) bottles. Has quickly become the "house red"--as if anything else would make any sense being. I hope that they have made enough to go around. Flavor is very pleasant, but challenging. A bit of sweet, but also a small bit of heat and spices. I really enjoyed the 2006, but this has real potential to be better, and will greatly enjoy the ride.
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decanted for 1 hr. Nose of candied fruit fig paste, and camphor. Taste was much the same with prominent heat from the alcohol content and oppressive tannins. In a word disjointed. After a few more hours, everything became much more harmonious and pleasant with considerable softening and rounding of the tannins. Overall its a big cali cab and a great bottle for the money, but not as outstanding as i had expected. I will hold the rest of mine and hope for the best.
Edit: on day 2, the wine had improved markedly. Everything had come together beautifully and the tannins had mellowed and softened nicely. Make me considerably more optimistic that in a coup;e fo years, this wine will live up to the hype.
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Forthcoming, unctious, delicious. Syrupy nose of blackberry jam, anise, extends into a plush, dark, jammy palate with dusty tannins and light but tangy acidity. Perceptibly sweet. Finish is light but long - minutes after a sip I tasted chocolately smokey notes - perhaps more complex than what came before it! This will develop for a several years in complexity - I hope some of the sweet fruit gives way to show some of the underlying complexity - but the lithe structure strongly suggests this isn't built for the long haul. I would normally rate such an unctious cab lower, but the experience is of a piece. Enjoy sooner than later.
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The reviews are starting--don't take their word. It is even better than they say--maybe better than the 2006. I was very happy when sipping it (of course the 2008 Kathryn is even better...). Very drinkable now (although still layered and complex). Very sophisticated effort. I can only imagine what more time will bring.
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1/25/2024 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 93 Points
Last bottle. This has been a great Cabernet Sauvignon. The bottle was opened for about one and a half hours. Still drinking very well.
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10/31/2023 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 93 Points
This has been a great wine. It continues to drink very well. One bottle left. Just opened it for an hour to an hour and a half.
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10/21/2023 - JTA9904 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still fantastic. Popped and poured, no decant necessary. Very aromatic nose, and still has a structure of fruit and well integrated tannins. Delicious with meatloaf. Nice finish as well. Drink now, it’s still in a nice window.
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10/19/2023 - BernieMSY Likes this wine: 94 Points
Opened 90 minutes prior to tasting.
Dark magenta color; leather nose.
After
Dense and chewy. Lots of dark fruit with a pronounced cocoa/mocha flavor profile. The tannins have receded, as has the overtly fruit-bomb profile that was apparent shortly after bottling. This will be continues to evolve in an interesting manner, but I suggest drinking it sooner rather than later.
It may have several good years ahead of it, but I don’t see it getting any better than it is right now.
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10/15/2023 - AAJR Likes this wine: 93 Points
Last bottle, drinking remarkably well. Soft tannins with berry, plum & space flavors. Glad I save this one, wish I had a few more...
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8/14/2023 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 93 Points
Just like a bottle consumed two years ago. Drinking very well, but I have 2025 down as the last year in my drink window. I am inclined to stick with that year. It is not going to get better from here.
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5/6/2023 - MrD Likes this wine:
Delicious!
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4/3/2023 - vitroman Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine was much more enjoyable on the second day. Distinct notes of chocolate and mocha on the nose and palette. This would definitely cellar for a while longer, but is drinking very well right now.
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12/22/2022 - cheetadad wrote: 90 Points
- Brick color - Inky purple and dense. No air necessary. Wonderful vanilla nose. Fruit is front and center followed by heavy oak, which lingers on while the fruit fades rather quickly. I think its beginning its downward journey. Drink up if you still have some.
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11/29/2022 - JGinMO wrote: 92 Points
Still years left in the tank
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9/13/2022 - MrD Likes this wine:
Delicious!
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7/11/2022 - Zinlady Likes this wine: 95 Points
Wow so dark. Great nose wonderful with steak. Still tannic Was opened two days before Lots of sediment
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7/2/2022 - BernieMSY Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delicious
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4/4/2022 - BernieMSY Likes this wine: 94 Points
Popped and poured.
Dark, nearly opaque purple;
Beautifully integrated. Lots of dark blue/black fruit, with cedar pencil, leather and a ever-so-slight touch of mint. Tannins are well-integrated and the finish goes on and on.
Give Parker credit: he called this one a gem upon release, back when the winery was not well known. This is a tour de force.
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2/25/2022 - ppcwino wrote: 91 Points
My last bottle of 2 cases. I had saved this last one for about 5 years. Was still very good, but faded a little after about 4 hours. Probably still has decent life left, but probably might not want to wait 5 more years before drinking.
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12/28/2021 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 90 Points
I like it but not as good as a bottle I drank in '18. Still plenty of fruit and good balance. Drink up.
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12/27/2021 - mtwehr wrote: 87 Points
Opened for Christmas dinner: PnP. Big berry notes on the nose. Big jammy full-bodied with softer dusty tannins. Rather one-dimensional, it was very fruit-forward (dark berries) and just a big gob of flavor. It also lacked drive and energy and seemed a bit hot at 14.5 percent alcohol.
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12/25/2021 - zanzabar Likes this wine: 94 Points
Perfectly stored, short cork held up well. Wine decanted about an hour and this was singing and still had room to unfold after 3 hours. I say of you have them and they've been well stored and untouched for years then they should have a few more years left.
Gotta be honest, I figured this would be over the hill, but its still climbing. Kudos Hall, I'd take this over younger more expensive bottelings.
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11/22/2021 - vinko84 wrote: 93 Points
Fully matured Napa Cab. Nothing else to say.
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11/22/2021 - Robwild Likes this wine: 92 Points
Full bodied. Supple and well balanced. Raspberries, blueberries, vanilla, cherry and cassis. Soft tannins. A delightful Napa Cab.
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10/26/2021 - BernieMSY Likes this wine: 95 Points
45 minute decant
Medium purple color, savory nose. Fresh blackberry/blueberry fruit, balanced by cedar pencil, leather and roast meat. Structured, but tannins have softened. Nice, long concentrated finish. Quite delicious. Drinking very well. Easily the best bottle of the two cases I bought on release.
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8/23/2021 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 93 Points
I agree with another recent reviewer......drinking very well right now with no tannins. While that is a good thing from a drinking enjoyment point of view, it also means this one will not last forever. I have had 2025 down as the last year of my drink window. Based on this tasting, that is the latest year I would use.
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6/17/2021 - Good2drink Likes this wine: 93 Points
Sipped it without food. Wonderful. Full bodied, smooth and complex with no tannins
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6/12/2021 - rocknroller wrote: 89 Points
Very dark red/purple color. PNP, drank a couple glasses over 3 hours. Less giving nose at first, gradually becoming more interesting with dark fruits; blackberry, a little sweetness on the nose, On the palate, full bodied with rather firmish tannins and a green streak that distracts; tart black currants and black cherry fruit with pleasant underbrush and dried woodsy qualities; strong peppery finish. Good, but falls a little short for me.
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4/18/2021 - RCS73 wrote: 94 Points
Really in a great spot right now.
Complete first layer of berry jam, mocha, crushed flowers, and cinnamon. Secondary palate of camphor and pencil - lead almost Bordeaux like.
Thick and unctuous - very nice
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3/29/2021 - heidoanddave wrote: 93 Points
Beatiful dark fruit and a nice coco finish. An enjoyable wine.
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2/14/2021 - BernieMSY wrote: 93 Points
Beautiful purple color, no bricking, blackberry nose. Deeply flavored. Black fruit, umami forest floor. Plenty of acidity balancing things out, moderate tannic structure. Delicious.
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12/19/2020 - Vailman Likes this wine: 91 Points
The last of a case purchased years ago. Lots of cherry and cassis, well balanced, earthier than the younger bottles. This wine is still good but it has begun its slow, inevitable decline. There's no rush but then again no reason to wait.
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12/18/2020 - manny651 Likes this wine: 93 Points
excellent, so much body and life left in this, the fruit still shines in this gorgeous cab that hits way above its price
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12/17/2020 - winepaw Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent Napa cabernet. Rich, complex, balanced, plenty of structure, but very smooth finish.
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11/7/2020 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 95 Points
In spite of the Disney like tour and exit it through the gift shop they do make good wines. Mature, still supple, packed with layers of fruit, excellent structure, integrated oak, and a long and pleasing finish. Can likely still hang in there for several more years.
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11/5/2020 - Snag One Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice wine but not special. Linear and lacks complexity.
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10/24/2020 - Intellectual Sasquatch Likes this wine: 90 Points
1/2 hour decant. Aromas of vibrant fruit, big and well balanced. But... for me, this seemed to lack a distinguishable flavor profile or complexity to get me past a 90. In any event, I don't think there's any urgency if you have any left.
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8/11/2020 - MrD wrote:
Drank at the beach. Remember thinking it was amazing.
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8/8/2020 - travelme Likes this wine: 93 Points
Another exceptional bottle of 2008 Hall Napa Cabernet. Truly magnificent and sad that this is my last bottle.
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6/24/2020 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 92 Points
A very vibrant Napa Cab largely fruit driven.
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6/4/2020 - pinotpounder Likes this wine: 92 Points
92 points
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5/23/2020 - Robwild Likes this wine: 92 Points
Ruby color. Soft, supple and nicely balanced with mild tannin. Cherries and raspberries, with some Oak and Casis. Medium finish. Seems to be in its prime - drink up.
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4/26/2020 - Wineandsports Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really good. Well-balanced, still a little heat but wonderful notes of wood, leather, cassis. Drinking terrifically right now.
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4/25/2020 - JCA49 wrote: 93 Points
Purchased upon release. Stored at 57 deg. F and 70% R.H. Decanted 2.5 hr. Dark ruby at the edges and almost black in the center. Dark chocolate, currant, tea on the attack. Dark, deep, rich. Still somewhat tannic and slightly hot due to the alcohol content (14.5%). Nice finish. This is still young. Fortunately it's only my first bottle. Anxious to see how it develops.
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3/27/2020 - pgm wrote:
Notes consistent with the 2019 bottle: rich, sturdy Cabernet, with black currant, earth, and licorice. Tannins are still firm, and this bottle seems to suggest more life ahead.
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3/15/2020 - MLwine wrote: 90 Points
Same as prior notes. Solid but not special. Good QPR, especially for a Napa cab. Won't get better but still good.
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2/1/2020 - BHRH Likes this wine: 93 Points
Upon opening - sweet almost overripe, slightly pruney fruit and oak. Decanted one hour and tasted over the next three. WOW! This opened up to a very rich slightly sweet black currant nose with a nice dollop of oak. Super smooth, rich, full bodied and creamy fruit on the mid-palate. Obviously a good percent of Merlot providing a soft chocolate/mocha vein. Over the three hours the depth and complexity built with fine grained tannins providing a superb finish. An absolutely delicious, delightful Cali Cab that is in a perfect drinking window, but well stored bottles should have another 3-5 years of prime drinking. Sadly, my last bottle...
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1/18/2020 - Theboxcar Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really good. In perfect drinking space right this moment. Do it.
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11/26/2019 - Bobc7had Likes this wine: 89 Points
starting to fade a little.
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10/25/2019 - mcease wrote: 92 Points
Started with Oak on the nose - sort of Bordeaux like. Big black fruit also present on the nose.
Pallet has a very nice tannins that coats the mouth and lingers. Very dark fruit and cassis present on the pallet with a lingering finish as well. Fruit may be on the way out but still very prominent. Will last 5 years max. Drink in next 3 years. Oak and dark fruit (cassis) almost prune like in both nose and pallet along with oak. 92 points.
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9/25/2019 - Charlie C Likes this wine: 92 Points
Much like my last bottle in June. Smooth dark fruits, bit of anise and sweet tobacco. Polished tannins and great balance. Nice finish. Just a pleasure to drink. Should hold for another couple of years at least.
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9/24/2019 - Cabernet4me2 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Same notes as previous, this still has years left, and benefited from a short decant.. 11 yrs and still holding up nicely, probably at least another 5+ years
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9/22/2019 - 82Latour Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pnp, last bottle. I've found that hall made fantastic wines in 08, despite the difficult growing season. Wonderful wine, cream of casis, chocolate, slightly vegatal. Wonderful balance. I think this should open up a little more in the bottle but the aging is largely done. Enjoy while you can still find them.
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9/15/2019 - Wineandsports wrote: 90 Points
Spicy, hints of vanilla but not overbearing.Still pretty hot, wait another couple of years before opening the next one
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7/16/2019 - mac-eye Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice. Perfect age now. Very well balanced. Great accompaniment to grilled lamb chops with mint chimichurri.
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4/27/2019 - oldwines Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted at 5pm and tasted through the evening and the next day. Definitely a more modern style Cali Cab. It is opaque medium to dark garnet with a nose of oaky, jammy fruit. Medium- tannin and low to medium acidity, somewhat chewy mouth feel. Palate has blackberry, licorice, some coffee, black cherry and bacon on the finish which was surprisingly short. Good for drinking over the next few years. Pleasant enough and probably a generic crowd pleaser but not something I found very unique or interesting.
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4/26/2019 - pgm wrote: 91 Points
Lots of cherry and cassis, with deep licorice spice notes too. Drank over two nights, with the first night having more brightness and better structure, suggesting to me that this is best drunk in the next few years. Delicious now.
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4/14/2019 - weinmatt Likes this wine: 92 Points
In a great place. Very well developed. The fruit has given way to that taste of maturity (more leather, more spice, more creme de cassis). This has a few more years left in it - at least until 2021-2023.
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4/3/2019 - Buffy the Wine Slayer wrote:
Tasty tasty
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2/16/2019 - iamandyc Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drinking really well with about an hour or so of air. Really punching above its price class. Lively with nice dark fruit. A bit velvety as well with a nice finish. Drink up but could hold.
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1/27/2019 - pkatz Likes this wine: 93 Points
Mature but still vibrant. No rush to drink but no reason to wait.
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12/3/2018 - iamandyc wrote: 89 Points
Drinking well but probably past its peak. Good liveliness to it and a fine mid-week cab.
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11/26/2018 - 82Latour wrote: 92 Points
Pnp, sweet nose cream of cassis, chocolate, drying tannins, mid finish. Should get a touch better with age but drinking well.
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11/11/2018 - BrendanMcS wrote: 93 Points
Decanted over an hour and drank. Opened up really nicely. Tannins are soft. Delicious bottle.
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10/28/2018 - Rollerball wrote:
Last bottle. At plateau with no signs of fading. Now-2023 at least.
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9/13/2018 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Party for Jenni. My last bottle of this. It is drinking well now, but I can't be as enthusiastic as some recent tasters. There is still plenty of fruit and it has decent richness. Also has pretty good acidity. But it leaves a bit to be desired on the finish, where I detect a bit of bitterness. Good but not great.
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9/4/2018 - WineGuyFL wrote: 92 Points
Good, but not as good as the first bottle from a couple of years ago. Hopefully, it is just in a dumb phase and will evolve back to the prior experience.
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8/15/2018 - Cabernet4me2 Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine still amazes me, as the QPR is still off the charts!!
No signs of fading at all. PnP at the Hollywood Bowl, but everyone was blown away this was an '08, most guesses were '13, and when they found out it was purchased for $35 a bottle, you could hear a pin drop!
Same flavors as previously noted, took about 2 hours to start showing itself, as the tannis were still so heavy on initial opening.
So glad I still have some bottles, though wish I could go back in time and have purchased a truckload!!
These are still ready for business but don't feel compelled, as plenty of time left in bottle!!
92+
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8/14/2018 - MemorialWineFan wrote: 91 Points
Wonderful! This bottle was robust and had several more years on it should you wish to hold.
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8/5/2018 - sommwines wrote:
The acidity and balance of this wine is off. Every bottle. It's still enjoyable but it never came together like a NV Cab should.
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7/13/2018 - BernieMSY wrote: 94 Points
Consistent with my prior note. Outstanding!
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6/27/2018 - BGK810 wrote: 90 Points
Rich black currant and black cherry with nicely integrated oak.
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6/22/2018 - Charlie C Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine is drinking beautifully right now, lovely dark fruit, nicely resolved tannins, great balance, long and graceful finish. I can't see it getting any better, but it will probably hold for another two years.
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5/12/2018 - Tahlequahdave1972 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Slow ox for two hours before pouring. Consumed over the following two hours. Beautiful dark purple in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, toasted bread and floral notes. Medium full mouthfeel with flavors of black fruits, chocolate, cherry, licorice, vanilla, caramel and raspberry. Dark, rich and round, the wine was fully resolved and wonderfully balanced, offering a polished and silky texture that led to a smooth, moderately long finish. A well made wine that exemplified quality at a reasonable price point. Ready to drink now but will hold for several more years if so desired. Wish we had more.
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4/20/2018 - levinml wrote: 93 Points
This was really good and what Napa cab is all about, and for $40. What a deal. Great fruit flavor, all in balance. May be at plateau for the next year or two, but I wouldn’t wait. Enjoy.
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4/1/2018 - StainedGlass Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pretty much pop and pour. Delicious. I think this well-cellared example was at its peak and just wonderfully integrated. The cloying jamminess often present in young Napa Cabs is completely absent, and one is left with a rich, full-bodied but silky texture of red and black fruits. Still readily identifable as a Napa cab. Some vanilla and spice from the oak. Paired well with lamb chops. Has the stuffing to easily go another 5 years. Decanting is needed more for the plentiful sentiment as opposed to oxygen exposure.
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3/5/2018 - EMTAME wrote: 91 Points
Lots of sediment, so decanting off of it is recommended. This is mature but seems to have at least 5 more years of good drinking ahead of it.
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1/25/2018 - dsimmons Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very nice mature CA. Excellent balance, ample fruit without being over-the-top. All around delicious. This wine is likely at or near its peak. Drink in next 5 years. Fair pricing.
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1/13/2018 - Zinlady Likes this wine: 94 Points
Love this wine. Fantastic nose. Delicious taste. So big. Went delicious with 7 hour lamb.
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1/5/2018 - wtianseter wrote: 95 Points
The wine had huge fruit and structure to keep it in play for years and years. Fruit lead with dark berries and dark tar flavor. Balance was quite good and the wine balanced more as we drank it. Tannin was big and bold and long-lived along with fruit of dark berries on the finish.
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1/3/2018 - BordeauxBoy wrote: 92 Points
Nice Cali-cab with a little age on it. Tasted blind and all guessed Cali-cab so no surprises from this one. You get what you expect from a nice, balanced wine. Probably at peak now.
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12/3/2017 - JGinMO wrote: 92 Points
In peak drinking window for me, still plenty of tannins to provide an edge to really well balanced fruit. Such a great QPR on this one.
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11/20/2017 - DavidDay Likes this wine: 91 Points
My last bottle of 12, still very solid, drinking well, I would say it has at least 2-4 years of life left.
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11/18/2017 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose of black berry, black currants, and allspice, same on the palate, medium/big body, time to open and enjoy this Cabernet, very tasty, at it's peak, almost mouth filling fruit, very classy, and a medium/long finish.
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11/17/2017 - tfharris wrote: 92 Points
Still has a few years left. Outstanding tonight.
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10/15/2017 - RichardP wrote: 92 Points
Menthol and faint cherry on the nose. On the palate, black cherry, currant, and notes of black and white pepper, cocoa, and vanilla, with light tannins and good acidity. This was drunk over two days, and it had evolved somewhat on the second day, with better integration and no apparent tannins; the cocoa and vanilla had disappeared, but it was still fairly peppery. This seems to be early in its drinking window with several good years ahead of it. Excellent value for the money at about $40.
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10/8/2017 - PinotPaul Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice. Smooth but with enough tannins to keep going. Fruit still good.
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9/1/2017 - csillabu Likes this wine: 94 Points
This wine is drinking exceptionally well right now. Complex, balanced throughout and smooth lingering finish.
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8/24/2017 - BernieMSY wrote: 94 Points
In a really good place right now. Beautiful fruit, lovely structure and balance. Opulent and delicious.
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8/19/2017 - DRS-Inc wrote: 93 Points
Had this over 7 hours. This was hitting on all cylinders upon uncorking. Spicy and sharp upon opening, it got better after each successive glass with some time open to breathe. Notes of black cherry, red currant, dry berries, pepper, and some earth and herbs. Full-bodied, complex and structured with dusty grainy tannins, moderate acidity and a long lingering finish.
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8/4/2017 - gtm Likes this wine: 94 Points
still takes an hour + to open up . great balance, good acidity and fruit. very nice finish
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7/29/2017 - TastesGoodToMe Likes this wine: 91 Points
My last 2008. It was a great vintage for Hall. But time to drink these up if you have any left. No decant needed.
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7/10/2017 - DENNISREITZ wrote: 93 Points
Drinking well now, wish we had more, 1 left! Just delicious!
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6/18/2017 - cliffkol wrote: 92 Points
Soft, mature, feminine aromas and flavors. Medium body, mouth filling flabors. Dark fruits, oak, leather, floral. Long finish.
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6/18/2017 - TKS9 wrote: 92 Points
Probably not quite at peak, but close, this is drinking well with nice integration of fruit and structure and a bit of added complexity versus younger bottlings.
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6/3/2017 - Double D wrote: 93 Points
Wish I had bought much more! One bottle to go.
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3/18/2017 - Ortiz Brown Likes this wine: 88 Points
On P&P restrained fruit on the nose with a woodsy, basement aroma. More of that wood (oak) comes through on the palate, with dark fruit gradually revealing itself over the course of several hours, and that charcoal note that NEALFISHER mentioned below. Soft tannins but an acidity that remains prominent despite the wine’s age. This is like drinking a friend’s man cave. Good but not as remarkable as other Hall cabs that we’ve enjoyed.
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3/4/2017 - FoxStreet55356 wrote:
- Garnet color.
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2/15/2017 - Nealefisher Likes this wine: 92 Points
Valentine's Dinner at home with prime steak. Nice deep red and blue fruit along with some charcoal on the palate. Allergies prevented me from picking up too much on the nose. A really nice wine. Think it's about at its peak, though probably still good for several more years. Great value Napa Cab.
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2/12/2017 - CV Griz Fan Likes this wine: 93 Points
I picked up some nice baking spice notes on the nose of this medium bodied beauty. This Cab has a soft and dense red fruit quality to it mixed in with a little saddle leather. It's not over powering at all in fruit forwardness but there is some "pop" to it. An overall nice effort....
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1/7/2017 - Hamersly Likes this wine: 94 Points
Time has been very good to this beauty, and it's still better on Day 2 than Day 1 (even with slow ox), so it's best days may lie ahead. Everything you want in a finely crafted Napa Cab is here, and there's nothing I'd point to as a flaw of commission. This is a borderline 95 for me, and hopefully it will continue to put on weight.
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12/8/2016 - Delli Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is a beautiful wine that is becoming a monster. It's excellent. See my last notes. 5+13+17+8=93
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12/4/2016 - Rollerball wrote: 93 Points
Just what you’re looking for from an honest napa cab. A depth and density of sweet fruit. Bursting with Dark, serious, peppery and black-cherry cabernet smells and flavors and sprinkled with browned herbs, and skunk, with a nice smoky tail. At plateau with no hurry but also no certainty of additional improvement. 2016-2022
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11/25/2016 - nm10 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Started to emerge after 90 minutes. Dark, concentrated, with some lovely tertiary flavours. This has plenty of time to evolve but, sadly, this is my last bottle. Good QPR, if I remember correctly.
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11/17/2016 - WineCPA wrote: 92 Points
Improved quite a bit in the past three years and certainly in it's ideal window now. The heat died off thankfully to let some nuanced leather and smoke come through the still ripe and dark fruit. Quite good at the price.
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11/12/2016 - Castle Peak wrote: 93 Points
Really nice. Purity of flavors and textures.
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11/11/2016 - JERB wrote: 91 Points
It was good, but I have to agree with other CTers that it is beginning to fade. This wine followed a 2011 Mollydooker "Carnival of Love." The Hall did not even come close. This wine was released with a WS score of 94+ Yeah... That's not happening now.
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11/4/2016 - MattB72 wrote: 90 Points
Initially good, but faded, just like the last few bottles. Drink up
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10/3/2016 - JGinMO wrote: 93 Points
Tannins softening, drinking quite well
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9/30/2016 - weinmatt Likes this wine: 91 Points
Fruit has begun to fade (at least relative to my last note), but still a long way to go. Alot of tobacco, leather, strong dark chocolate, a little cedar, menthol nose, still very tannic. Enjoyable.
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9/17/2016 - Cabernet4me2 wrote: 91 Points
Took up to enjoy at a wine stores 10yr anniversary party and bottle was good but seemed on this opening to be a little bit over-ripe, possible bad or not up to par bottle as previous ones have been great, especially at that price point. Seemed to be mostly medium blue and black fruit and the oak seems to have tamed down a lot. Have some more bottles, so going to try again soon, to see if starting to plateau, though still believe the the fruit and tannins, these are not sliding fast any time soon.
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9/17/2016 - Intellectual Sasquatch wrote: 91 Points
1/2 hr decant. Still a very nice cab. Grippy tannins accompany ample fruit. Enjoyable to the last drop. I'm not sure why others are saying that this is on the decline. I will give my second bottle another year or so.
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9/14/2016 - StraightnoChaser Likes this wine: 87 Points
87 on opening, barely drinkable on day 2.
If you have this in your cellar - drink now and all at once - It's fading fast. Not bad at pnp with mild tannins and some fruit
I made the mistake of saving half the bottle overnight and on day 2 it was no good.
Hard to imagine a Napa with pedigree that aged so fast and so poorly
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8/23/2016 - Janstan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark fruit,cassis, went well with charcoal grilled strip steaK
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8/21/2016 - SpoochMan wrote:
Gifted to Ruben's father
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8/21/2016 - gtm Likes this wine: 94 Points
my all-time best QPR
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7/3/2016 - wildmang666 wrote: 89 Points
I had this wine a couple of years ago and really liked it. I got this bottle from someone selling their entire cellar. Too tart and definitely on the decline. Very disappointed since the other one was so good. Knowing not all bottles are good because of they way they are stored, I still gave it a decent score because of the first one being better.
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6/20/2016 - jeffjohnsonjj@hotmail.com wrote: 92 Points
Great on the PnP. Dark full fruit, soft and round. Tannins emerged after a couple of hours, so I would not decant. Drinking great but I would not hold much longer.
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6/17/2016 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Brought to Tapas177 for dinner. This is a good solid cab. Lots of dark fruit, adequate acidity, and still a little bit of tannic bite. This is somewhat one-dimensional but that dimension is good. I think this still has several years to go and hopefully it will develop a bit more complexity with time.
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6/12/2016 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Coravin taste. Good solid cab. Pretty well balanced, but not much secondary or herbal notes. Drinking well now. Not quite as much depth as the '08 ACVV Estate cab, but much more balanced than the '08 Lewis.
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6/6/2016 - steinbrl12 Likes this wine: 92 Points
-classic cab; medium body with well balanced fruit
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5/22/2016 - AAJR Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really sad :-( only 1 bottle left. Tremendous value. Will hold & consume last bottle in 2018.
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5/15/2016 - PimpDaddy2Kool Likes this wine: 91 Points
My last bottle of this vintage. Excellent but definitely won't last much longer...drink up!
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5/14/2016 - MattB72 wrote: 90 Points
It was a was ( and still is) a great wine, but on its decline. Drink up.
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5/11/2016 - TastesGoodToMe Likes this wine: 92 Points
When I first tasted this wine 4 years ago I thought it was such a good wine for the money that I went ahead and bought 2 more cases. Sadly, I am down to my last few bottles. But I also think it is time to start drinking these up if you have them as I do not think it will get any better and may actually be starting its gradual decline.
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5/3/2016 - Decanthor Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for about 45 min. Lots of sediment present. Rich with currants, licorice, and sweet oak. Perfect for steaks. This is probably at its peak right now.
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4/28/2016 - Treblid wrote: 90 Points
Don't wait much longer. Tannins are mild and could be on the downward side in a few years
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4/27/2016 - Treblid wrote: 90 Points
Ready to drink. Mild tannins.
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4/9/2016 - pkatz Likes this wine: 95 Points
Outstanding.
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3/12/2016 - Cabernet4me2 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still think this '08 Hall is a baby. Pnp and this is still quite the monster with a grip of tannins, dark black fruits with some vanilla, licorice, coffee and allspice. Have had this in the glass for close to 2 hours and taming down a bit, but still huge tongue & mouth feel. Big Napa fruit. For the money, think this may be my favorite, should have bought a few cases. These have years left, would not be surprised if these went another 7-10 years! If drinking, decant would definitely help. Looking forward to seeing how they continue to progress!!
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2/19/2016 - slywka7 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Popped and poured. Opened up nicely over 20 minutes. Aromas of blackberry, violets, cherry and white chocolate. On the palate, it has flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, melted chocolate, kirsch liquor and a touch of iron. Ends with an impressive of about 25-30 seconds. It got better as it got more air. This has developed more into a classic Napa Cabernet. When I had it initially it was more Bordeaux like. Certainly not anywhere near dead as someone suggested. Parker was spot on with this one.
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2/4/2016 - MemorialWineFan wrote: 91 Points
Just a great wine that is very good in the cold weather. 2008s were special from Napa and I have not found that later years to have the same charm.
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1/23/2016 - nm10 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Ripe dark fruits. Deep ruby colour. Plums and cassis. I think will improve.
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12/25/2015 - Z1nnfull Likes this wine: 91 Points
Third of three bottles, had one each in 2013, 2014 and now. This was very good, but had lost just a tad of its previous punch. Lots of licorice and black fruit, maybe fig, did I say black fruit? Exquisite, luscious, between medium-bodied and robust. Went perfectly with Xmas day beef burgundy over noodles. Would recommend as a drink now, as it has maybe smoothed out a bit more than some would appreciate, but it still was very good. In 2013 and 2014 it had a bit more Napa "stuff" to it (we rated it higher in previous years), maybe a little more robust and complex, but still very good, but not for much longer.
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12/17/2015 - swade wrote: flawed
Flawed.
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12/6/2015 - MattB72 wrote: 92 Points
Continues to impress. But starting to question how much longer this has. I can see 3-5 more years, but could be at peak now and may not make to 2025.
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12/5/2015 - fairwaywalker wrote: 92 Points
Hall Winery makes many outstanding cabs from many different spots around Napa Valley. This is their "beginner", "everyday" cab that is rich and deep in color like dark chocolate. This is a full body cab meant to be paired with a ribeye steak. Glorious
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11/13/2015 - RyanWu wrote: 93 Points
Pnp. The pencil, cedar, and graphite nose showed the signature character of Rutherford. Even thought this is not 100% Sacrash Vineyard, the nose still shined with its distinct character. interestingly, the nose is a bit more attractive than usual Rutherford because of a hint of sweetness. On the palate, sweet plum, cocoa powder, blue berry, and ripen tannin composed a great play at Friday night. This is more approachable than 2006. People always argue the importance of sweetness in wine. There is a great example on this concept that a little bit sweet is not necessary evil. The residue sugar harmonize with the unresolved tannin, and help us to enjoy the long lasting with a sweet ride. Now is a god window to drink. It should be able to excelle for next 5 to 10 years.
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11/2/2015 - SMZ wrote: 91 Points
Great QPR
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10/25/2015 - gtm Likes this wine: 95 Points
Really hitting its stride. Nice black fruit, good acid and tannin balance. Great wine
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9/23/2015 - Delli Likes this wine: 93 Points
Fabulous wine. An incredible value. My last note was bang on. The nose, body and finish. 5+13+17+8=93
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9/21/2015 - jfaulk Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good Hall cabernet. Distinctive flavors and balance. Nicely layered. Good value
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8/23/2015 - Cabernet4me2 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still hard to believe this was a $35 bottle of wine. Opened, PNP, had with with a bone in filet and have to say that it took almost 2 full hours to open up, still huge tannins on the palate, had a little bricking, but still had a dark purple hue, with flavors of black current, raspberry, and rasin with a little cedar, coffee and chocolate. think i might not open another for at least 6 months to a year.. glad I still have a few more left!! Nice drinking now, but still has a long life ahead.
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8/23/2015 - KSWinegeek wrote:
Improving each year, but not there yet.
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7/14/2015 - StefanAkiko Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is why we keep wine in our cellars!
Opened with fears of re-living our previous mega-jam-experience. But, there was no need to worry as this has grown into quite a handsome man.
Rich, deep and quite rewarding as an inspiring meat/mild-cheese wine. Over on the heavyweight side of things. As it's now in a mature state of being, it possesses much more quality than previous btl.
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7/4/2015 - Robwild Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark ruby color. Big and bold. Well balanced.Oak, and black current. A true joy
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7/3/2015 - Lazlo Toth wrote: 94 Points
This is the best sub $50 Napa-style Cab that I have had and I am glad that I bought a lot of it because it continues to please. Requires a longer decant (2 hrs) than when first released to get to peak integration. Very floral bouquet with enticing rose, blackberry and cherry scents. Fruit forward cab with silky tannins -- blackberry, cherry and some blueberry notes drive this wine -- almost like a mixed berry pie. Good acidity and well integrated tannins keep this from being over the top. With time, the wine has evolved to include some more complex flavors of leather, dried herb and anise. The oak is very present upon opening but integrates and fades to the background as the fruit comes forward with a longer decant. 2008 is the gold standard of the entry level Hall Cab vintages and is drinking very well even if not the "pop and pour" it was when first released. 2012 vintage is the closest approximation to this version.
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7/2/2015 - ppcwino wrote: 92 Points
After a 2 hour decant is still going strong.
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6/7/2015 - pdemaio wrote: 93 Points
Big, but not huge cabernet. Straightforward with a touch of veg, but generally very ripe. bordering on excellent.
PDQ92+
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6/5/2015 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Black cherry fruit, forest floor, and currants, more of the same on the palate, big body, lovely fruity taste, mouth filling, and a long finish with a great cabernet aftertaste.
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5/29/2015 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 93 Points
This wine exceeded expectations. Decanted for about 2+ hours before dinner of grilled BBQ chicken, rice, and salad. Very dark, purple violet color. Nose brings a distinctive mix of wet clay, blackberries, olives, rose petals, raspberries, leather, and some dark cherry menthol. The palate is square, jagged, full-bodied, and extremely concentrated, bringing more blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, sweet tobacco, cherry cobbler baking spices, fresh mint, and some touches of dried herbs. The finish is long, uneven, and very interesting - not fully developed yet - still with thick tannins. I'd drink this though 2025. It should evolve nicely.
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5/29/2015 - Brandovious wrote: 94 Points
Lovely nose of stinky flowers, burnt flower pedals and spit out olive pits. Wine was super tannic for first 1 hour, but opened nicely in decanter. Smooth drinking wine. Beautiful.
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5/27/2015 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose of black cherry fruit with lots of forest floor, dusty road, and a touch of sage, more of the same on the palate, medium/big body, opens to licorice and black cherry fruit on the mid palate, soft tannins have almost disappeared compared to a year ago, medium/long finish, and cabernet aftertaste. Decant for one hour, about one year from its peak.
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5/17/2015 - KSWinegeek wrote: 90 Points
Recommend two hours in decanter before tasting. Licorice nose. Blackberry, cassis liquor flavors. A little sweet and still tannic. Short finish.
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5/7/2015 - themki wrote: 94 Points
Rich and delicious. Not complex enough to score 95+ but a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Not many wines would beat this in a blind test. Pop and pour.
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4/6/2015 - gf2182 Likes this wine: 93 Points
from mag; pnv'd, decanted 1+ hr, med nose, huge flavor, med body and finish... awesome wine
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3/31/2015 - Double D wrote: 93 Points
Dark, rich and smooth...much on the Caymus style..leggy and nice complexity of flavors at this point.
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3/24/2015 - levinml wrote: 90 Points
90 points, but with a question mark. At first taste this seemed really top notch, but secondary flavors and finish had a weird flavor. Not a flavor associated with flawed, off or over the hill, just not as good as I'd like. Maybe better in a year, but again, not sure.
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2/14/2015 - mwneil Likes this wine: 91 Points
Balanced, heavy wine. Good fruit with chewy tannins. For a Cali Cabernet Sauvignon we liked the wine but it is high in alcohol. The wine gets tiring as you drink it. I would not age it much longer. I trust RP that this is a great wine but I guess that we just don't love Cali Cabs.
Would drink a glass again but not a bottle.
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2/8/2015 - bboard wrote:
Expectation was a napa fruit bomb, and it wasn't your typical napa fruit bomb. Even thought its a fruit bomb by my standard, it showed restraint, some complexity, and decent finish. Is it still young, probably is as wine seems unbalanced at times during the evening, tannin were at times over powering. I enjoyed the finished (pretty long at times) of cassis & dark chocolate. Drank with steak dinner. Wished I waited for this only bottle...maybe another year
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2/1/2015 - KAP wrote: 91 Points
Drinking well now.
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1/23/2015 - weinmatt wrote: 92 Points
Definitely in the drinking window now! I'm pleased to have several more bottles of this. Early in life, this was harsh, very strong flavors of tobacco, tar, and tannic. Now, beautifully mellowed, fruit forward, and tannins are a complement. Solid with a pan seared strip.
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1/9/2015 - JERB wrote: 92 Points
Really good. Not sure I concur with the WS 94+ rating it received when it was released. Maybe it is just in an awkward period right now, past the fruit fullness of its release and not yet settled into its maturing state.
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1/4/2015 - R&R Likes this wine: 94 Points
I just freakin' love this wine! Very lush with well integrated cedar, mocha, damp Earth, blueberry pie ala mode, blackberry, etc. This wine always makes me smile when I have it, and to me represents the quintessential Napa Cab.
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12/29/2014 - Vailman Likes this wine: 92 Points
Displays distinct and consistent notes of black licorice, leather, black fruits and cassis. Rich and rewarding on day one, this wine was even better on day 2. Still young with many years to go.
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12/25/2014 - skinut Likes this wine: 91 Points
Excellent cab with prime rib. Well balanced, slight tannins that subsided with time in the glass. A bargain. Many good years ahead.
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12/25/2014 - KSWinegeek wrote: 93 Points
Dark color, methanol and licorice nose. Concentrated, with cassis, blueberry, flavors. Smooth, yet with still plenty of tannins. More approachable than three years ago, but still a few years to full maturity. Wish I had purchased more.
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12/21/2014 - Z1nnfull Likes this wine: 92 Points
Second of three bottles, best to hold off on this one. It was great with LOTS of tannins that deserve to be absorbed a little more, typical great Napa Cab with all the attributes you'd expect and no downside other than it taking a while to open up, thus HOLD versus drink. Full-bodied with finesse. Touch of red bell pepper, plummy, raisiny, earthy.
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12/18/2014 - corkscrews Likes this wine: 92 Points
A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark garnet in color. A medium to full bodied Cab with currants, blackberry, cassis, chocolate and spice on long finish. In a great drinking zone, a very good red. www.winelx.com
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12/5/2014 - manny651 Likes this wine: 91 Points
this is one well made cali cab! cassis, black cherry, menthol, oak. super smooth, full bodied with lasting finish
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11/13/2014 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark fruit, complex, multilayered full throttled Cali Cab . Will wait for a couple of years to drink my second bottle.
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10/22/2014 - JDV.DDSPHD Likes this wine: 92 Points
Okay I sealed this with a vacu-vin and came back to it a few days later and dang it's good. Fruit is nicely balanced. Very round and structured. For the money this is definitely one of my favorites. Tannins were perfectly integrated. Still a fruit bomb but just the right kind.
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10/9/2014 - levinml wrote: 90 Points
This one went back and forth on me over three nights under pump. First and third nights excellent flavor and balance, but second night seemed a little off. Don't pay any attention to this note. I probably don't know what I'm talking about.
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9/28/2014 - brucerob wrote: 91 Points
The fruit on this wine is fantastic but it's enveloped in some serious tannins. Even after an hour decant it was pretty brawny. Will wait a could of year on the other bottles. Hold
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9/6/2014 - traderspartan wrote: 95 Points
Consistent with my other bottles.
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9/3/2014 - DavidDay Likes this wine: 93 Points
This was one of my all-time best buys, still drinking well, at least 5-10 years left, plenty of nice black currant fruit left.
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8/26/2014 - kingboo wrote: 93 Points
Past results mixed. Last night's bottle was quite prominent in tannins and complexity. Quite delightful.
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8/10/2014 - flwinos wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for about 1 hour and 15 minutes before I started drinking. It needed a little more than that IMO. Some bitterness on the finish when we first started drinking that resolved itself after a little more air time. Nice fruit with a medium finish. Great QPR @ $34.
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7/19/2014 - skinut Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice balance, barely discernible tannins, deep complex nose and a medium long finish. Not sure it will gain much with additional time in the cellar, except to perhaps fully resolve the tannins at the expense of losing the fruit on the palate.
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7/11/2014 - Kdad wrote: 89 Points
Jammy. A little too fruity for me.
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6/25/2014 - JDV.DDSPHD Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is around the same price point as the chimney rock and it is much better. Bigger, bolder, tannic but approachable. Great wine and especially for the price.
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6/15/2014 - SCosgrove wrote: 93 Points
Exquisite Cab, chalky, smoky, great with steaks at the beach house.
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6/12/2014 - bonedoc wrote:
This wine was a bit of a hot mess tonight. Chocolate Liquor, Viscous mouthfeel, lack of acidity, too much heat with the slightly bitter finish, basically out of balance. Just popped and drank - would recommend w food to hopefully hide imbalance.
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5/28/2014 - brucerob wrote: 92 Points
Decanted 1/2 hour. This wine is amazing for the price. Great CA cab fruit balanced by good acidity and a great mouth feel... it's simply lush! Almost Caymus-like, but not as extracted (that's a good thing!) Tannins are there and some oak but all in balance. Could go longer but why wait... sometimes when a wine cab this young is so drinkable, time dose not necessarily improve it?
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5/26/2014 - drummer wrote: 93 Points
opened up wonderfully on the home stretch....so YES, recommend decant at least 1 hr...apparently we were in too big a hurry to enjoy it
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5/24/2014 - MemorialWineFan wrote: 90 Points
Very good. Pair with fllet mignon. Would recommend opening up about two hours before hand to let it breathe out.
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5/18/2014 - Double D wrote: 93 Points
Quite good. a fairly heavily bodied Cab, reminds me of the regular release Caymus, sweet on the palate and not overly complex, not much aroma after swirling and just a bit of hot alcoholic aftertaste but none the less a solid Napa Cab with a good QPR.
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5/14/2014 - Praxis wrote: 90 Points
Dark blackish color with a big enticing nose of rich, dark forest fruits with hints of integrated oak. The palate is big, sweet and with notes of clean dark fruits, cassis, with very little discernible oak. Generally a pleasant fruit-driven wine with very little complexity at this point. Still very young a this point, perhaps a few more years with help put everything in place.
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5/13/2014 - oenophilemoose wrote: 93 Points
Rich and full bodied dark fruit accompanied by firm tannins on a lengthy and highly enjoyable finish. Since this is their entry level cab, it’s obvious this vintner intends to set the bar for high quality juice in the Valley. Outstanding.
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5/12/2014 - swade wrote: 91 Points
Dark fruit profile. Mouth-filling fruit, with lively acid on the finish. Nice mouth feel. Medium body. My impression is this will round out and up a point with a couple more years in the cellar. I expect it will really be open for pleasure at that point. Nonetheless, this was excellent today. 91
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5/8/2014 - sellerscellar Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking very well right now. Still a load of abundant fruit, but everything is in balance. Secondary notes of light creamy oak, and slight detection of old world minerality. I can't see it gaining any more significant strides, but it may move up just a tick over the next 1-2 years. Drink up. No need to wait, this is ready to go and sings with about a 20 min. decant.
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5/4/2014 - jimkay21 wrote: 92 Points
Half bottle. Well rounded Napa Cab. Maybe a little sweet, But good depth. Tannins still present. no rush on this one
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4/14/2014 - JGinMO wrote: 93 Points
still quite young. very good wine for the value.
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3/30/2014 - xxquadxx Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wow....Incredible. I've always liked Hall wines, with 2006 being the last vintage of excellent quality in my mind. Well, this 2008 is 2 notches better. Decanted it for 9 hours prior to pairing it with medium-rare fillet and lobster combo at Flemming's. It totally blew me away especially for $40 that I paid for it. It unfolded like a $120 bottle of estate Napa cab. Tremendous cassis, chewy but balanced tannins, oaky pencil lead and a hint of boysenberry flavored tobacco. Stunning. I regret having only 2 more bottles left. Will reach its pinnacle in another 3-5 years.
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3/27/2014 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 93 Points
Poured for the people at Silver Oak and Baldacci, Lovely black cherry fruit with lots of earth, smoke and spice, more of the same on the palate, very big, fruity and concentrated in the mouth, very soft tannins, medium/long finish, great, long, cabernet aftertaste. Decant for three hours or cellar for 3 years.
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3/26/2014 - Cabernet4me2 Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine is still big, alcohol was a bit prominent at first, but gave an hour of decant, smoothed out, had with steak. Still has some years left, don't think it will get much better, but for the price, it is a great bottle of wine, glad I still have 8 more to space and drink over the next few years.
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3/25/2014 - kingboo wrote: 90 Points
Heading south. Drink up.
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3/22/2014 - PimpDaddy2Kool wrote:
Normally a luscious wine, but this may have been a flawed bottle. The nose was fine, but the palate was very thin and slightly bitter...cork taint? Seemed to be on the downside (I hope not), which shouldn't happen for a 2008 Napa Cab. I'll rate it 89 as is, but won't post an official rating until I try another bottle.
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3/15/2014 - csillabu Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistent with previous notes. Started out out great, and getting better with age, but might still want to let it sit a while longer.
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3/13/2014 - DavidDay Likes this wine: 91 Points
One of my all time great buys for a cab, cassis and black currants, with a little tobacco on the nose, the tannin is still there in pretty good quantity, although drinking great right now, I am beginning to wonder who will win the race to the end, tannin or fruit?
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3/2/2014 - Bob & Sue Atlanta wrote: 91 Points
Needs about 2-3 more years....
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3/1/2014 - JDV.DDSPHD wrote: 94 Points
Great nose. Big napa fruit bomb. Great depth & complexity. Licorice, anise, black cherry, & plum. Some herbs on the nose though I can't pick them out. Clay as well on the nose. Great finish as well. For the money this is awesome.
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3/1/2014 - SLR204 wrote: 91 Points
Opened up after an hour. Flavors of roasted raisins, dark chocolate covered cherries, christmas fruitcake, anise and baking spices. Enjoyable. Tannins still present so could come together a bit more over the next few years.
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2/22/2014 - AAJR Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted 5 hours - prior to blind tasting. Tasted with 2010 Caymus SS, 2009 FF Wintson Hill & 2000 Seavey. Tannins still evident - time will help yield a smoother finish.
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2/19/2014 - nick.dean wrote: 92 Points
- It's in total harmony with a full body. Bright texture with a long finish.
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2/13/2014 - briquette wrote: 91 Points
Very concentrated and pleasant. Decent bang for buck on napa cab.
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1/27/2014 - sterin Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great wine...drinking well now but will hold up for years. Great concentration and depth.
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1/6/2014 - Floyd77 Likes this wine: 93 Points
This wine is peaking -- spicy, dark-fruit aromatics. Great balance and a finish that goes on and on.
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12/28/2013 - Mr.Overhill Does not like this wine: 86 Points
I had hoped this bruiser would improve with some age, but unfortunately it hasn't. It feels overextracted and unbalanced, with noticeable alcohol from the get-go. More pruney than it is cherry, and with a very clipped finish. The only good thing to note is that by day three it had settled down somewhat, especially in the heat on the palate. Hold for another 2-3 years and continue to hope for an agreeable metamorphosis?
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11/21/2013 - Sauvyfan Likes this wine: 87 Points
Big tannic oak monster. Lots of dark fruit, but overextracted.
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10/31/2013 - R&R Likes this wine: 94 Points
Amazing wine! still impresses. Excellent flavors and aromas of blackberry, graphite, teak oil . . . Sigh. Serious bang for buck!
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10/28/2013 - DavidDay Likes this wine: 93 Points
Cream de cassis, licorice, and chocolate in the nose, rich and well balanced on the palate.
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10/20/2013 - Z1nnfull Likes this wine: 92 Points
One of the best Cabs we have had in 2013. Very tannic and young, good aging potential as the alcohol will be more fully integrated. Good through at least 2015. Strongly suggest you let this breathe and decant to get the most out of this fine wine- it really opened up as dinner went on. Full-bodied with finesse. Touch of red bell pepper, plummy, raisiny, earthy. Glad we have two bottles left. Will have one in 2014 and one in 2015.
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10/19/2013 - RussK wrote: 90 Points
Russk. Dinner her with Jay. He brought. Pleasant nose. Big blackberry and blackcurrent. Not to jammy. Tannins easy in the midpalate, more firm inthe finish. 90+
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10/11/2013 - JDV.DDSPHD Likes this wine: 91 Points
Big black and purple fruit on the nose. Cassis, fig, anise and plum. At this point it has a bit of a hot finish but still very nice. Very nice velvety tannins. Long supple finish. Not a big tannic wine but hefty and dense. This could be cellared for another 10-15 yrs but for me I would drink this again in about 2-3 yrs. I would like the alcohol to soften and let up but I don't want this to wash out. 2016 for me.
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10/11/2013 - gtm Likes this wine: 95 Points
Continues to age beautifully. Balance has improved in the last six months as has the finish. Nice black fruit with slight floral and increasingly better mouth feel. I look forward to the next 10-15 years with this wine. Get it if you can find it, as good as any of their 08 offerings
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10/4/2013 - GNorton wrote: 93 Points
Drank about a week ago, Wonderful blackberry flavors is all i can remember and even better on day 2. 93pts
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10/1/2013 - tp096255 Likes this wine: 94 Points
---
COLOR:
NOTE: Nose is warm raspberry ganache. Nice loamy blackberry liqueur, cassis and leather in the mouth. Finish has a little heat. Great juice! Beat out the 2009 SQN Thrill of It.
DECANT: 1-2 hours
GLASS USED: Bordeaux
TASTE: 9.4-
OTHER:
COST: 88
VALUE: 8.0
PREVIOUSLY TASTED:
TRY AGAIN: now - 2019
PAIRING: Beef
Inquiries can be addressed to troypeterson@usa.net
---
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9/25/2013 - RockinCabs wrote: 93 Points
Best bottle of this yet. Tannin is well resolved and this drinks so nicely after an hour decanting.
Blackberry, Black Cherry and some red plum notes. Very full palate weight and long silky finish. Great wine just hitting plateau now.
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8/26/2013 - cliffkol wrote: 91 Points
(but Doris didn't like because of the tannins)
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8/26/2013 - MemorialWineFan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drinking well now. Paired it with a 2006 Pahlmeyer pinot noir. Both good bottles.
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8/6/2013 - MemorialWineFan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Solid cab. Drinking well now.
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8/2/2013 - drummer Likes this wine: 93 Points
fat extraction, (leather furniture, hand bag, and nice leather shoes....my wife says "it's like a shopping experience") and fat dark crushed fruit on the nose....integrated well into a fat short mid palate straight into a long enjoyable finish with sturdy enjoyable bottom end...good opulent but straight forward cab, not a lot of layering going on , just straight forward goodness
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7/31/2013 - rmgambrel wrote: 88 Points
Light texture with little complexity. Disappointing in some regards as expected a more robust, complex Napa Cab. Could have been an "off" bottle.
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7/24/2013 - ctlassoc wrote: 84 Points
Nothing special. A little tannic. Fruit not to distinguishable. Have. Few more bottles to put out for a BBQ. Doesn't merit more than backyard picnic.
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7/24/2013 - Janstan Likes this wine: 90 Points
dark fruits, leather, little sediment and light tannins. had with Coffee,brown sugar & salt coated NY strips steaks with a brandy sauce, recipe from Merryvale vineyards.
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7/18/2013 - texag96 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Great wine.
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7/16/2013 - 1961Vintage wrote: 92 Points
Nice dark rich killer cab. Enjoyed it and will enjoy more at least a year ahead.
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7/8/2013 - MLwine wrote: 90 Points
Solid Cali cab, but lacking something special to distinguish itself. Started off with potential but quickly turned to a pedestrian level. Hoping a little more age will help, but, to be clear, a solid wine with a good QPR, especially for a Cali cab.
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7/4/2013 - jfaulk Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decent, but not as good as 2007 or 2010
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7/1/2013 - Fuzzy Squash wrote: 91 Points
Drank over steak dinner at Jennifer and Bryan's?
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6/26/2013 - BigTex22 wrote: 88 Points
Meh. This wine was okay, but not didn't find it distinctive or complex in any way. Simple, straightforward cab, that was smooth. Reminded me a bit of a cheaper version of Caymus. I'd certainly drink this again if poured, but not something I'd actively seek out. GOOD.
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6/22/2013 - CaliRice wrote: 93 Points
Always a great wine. Seems a bit more tannic than a year ago, I think I'll sit on the rest for another year or two.
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6/21/2013 - WineCPA wrote: 89 Points
Feeling like I opened this too early. Very ripe fruit & full bodied. A bare hint of tar on the finish. Blackberry & black cherry on the palate. Will let the next bottle sit until after 2015. Good if you want a fruit bomb right now. I was hoping for a bit more balance.
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6/16/2013 - Castle Peak wrote: 93 Points
Quite good.
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5/30/2013 - MemorialWineFan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Another bottle down from Hall 2008. Great wine for the money.
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5/22/2013 - PimpDaddy2Kool wrote: 92 Points
Delicious!
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5/12/2013 - JGinMO wrote: 93 Points
Still lots of tannin on mid palette. Lovely, but no rush here
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4/3/2013 - GalvezGuy Likes this wine:
Decanted for two hours. Great nose of currants, sour cherry, violets, and hints of spicy oak. On the palate, really walled off by tannins right now but there are some nice black and red fruits peeking though. Finishes with nice acidity and a tooth sweater of tannins. Needs a few more years, but the aromatics promise something special.
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3/20/2013 - TWILS wrote: 93 Points
Drink date 2014-2030
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3/6/2013 - curtr Likes this wine: 93 Points
Deep, rich & intense. Needs more time for tannins to soften. Try again in 2016.
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3/2/2013 - MemorialWineFan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Wish I had more of this wine...
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2/24/2013 - MemorialWineFan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good as usual...2008 was an exceptional year for the Hall Winery...enjoyed it during the Oscars.
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2/24/2013 - DavidDay Likes this wine: 91 Points
Double decanted three hours ahead of time, this seemed to really open the wine up. Excellent value in a cabernet.
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2/16/2013 - neurovino wrote: 93 Points
My first bottle of Hall Cabernet. To my tastes, this is a classic quality cab. Very nice upon opening and it developed more depth and balanced flavors in the glass. I noted chocolate, rich dark berries, maybe a hint of tobacco, some spice, and a nice finish with smooth fine tannins. Very happy with this wine. Reputation is deserved.
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2/7/2013 - sellerscellar Likes this wine:
I'm going to hold off on rating this as I simply popped and poured. Recorked and will revist tonight to see how it develops.
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2/4/2013 - levinml wrote: 91 Points
Good, but not sure where the mid-90s critic rating came from. Big, needs more time.
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1/28/2013 - JJamba Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is an exceptional Napa Cabernet that starts with a very floral fruit nose. The front is inviting with notes of blackberry, black cherry, oak, and other dark fruit textures. On the mid-palet however it seems to get slightly heavy and somewhat muddled. The finish does start to find itself with a snap of focus. It does not have the same focus as its big sister the 2006.
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1/26/2013 - CP4 wrote: 94 Points
Awesome bottle. Big wine, soft tannin, chewy long finish, very enjoyable. Short decant desirable. .
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1/22/2013 - MemorialWineFan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good.
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1/13/2013 - TastesGoodToMe Likes this wine: 93 Points
Best $40 bottle of wine I have ever found! Spectacular with a decant.
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1/12/2013 - MemorialWineFan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Four hour decant. Super smooth with nose of fruit, but with distinct flavor.
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1/12/2013 - cjsavino wrote: 92 Points
Inky dark color in the glass. Very fragrant nose with a bit of fesh pine and eucalyptus. On the palate spicy, char, tannins that stay on for a minute, a really well made wine.
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1/5/2013 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 94 Points
Lovely black cherry fruit with hints of spice and herbs on the nose, more of the same on the palate, very big, intense mouthful of wine with small amount of very soft tannins, medium/long finish, great powerful, cabernet aftertaste, delicious. Will last 5 more years but why wait.
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12/25/2012 - schaack21 Likes this wine: 95 Points
great wine from the moment you pop the cork. Even better by the 2nd glass
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12/24/2012 - pkatz Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still excellent but starting to close down. Tannins on the rise as the bloom of youth fades. I probably should have consumed these sooner since it will now take a few years to reach the peaks of its youth again.
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12/23/2012 - rhanke wrote: 89 Points
touch too much oak, we should have decanted
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12/23/2012 - Napacablover wrote: 92 Points
A great bottle of cab for the money!
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12/17/2012 - Biogregw Likes this wine: 93 Points
A great value for a full bodied Napa Cabernet. It has a wonderful nose and on the palate has bright fruit, currants, blackberries, mocha, and some subtle oak at the back end. In my opinion the best "no vineyard designate" Hall Cabernet made to date.
The wine looks Purple colored. It smells like Blackberry, Black currant (cassis), Cinnamon, and Clove. The body is Medium/Full. The wine has Smooth texture. The wine finishes Medium.
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12/16/2012 - MemorialWineFan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Great wine for the money. Full of flavor. I like that it is ready to drink not, but will be good for years to come.
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12/9/2012 - JackieTreehorn Does not like this wine: 80 Points
Did not enjoy this one. Really boring. Opened 3 hours prior to consumption and it didn't not help at all.
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12/1/2012 - EJKIII wrote: flawed
Hopefully, an aberrant bottle. Pruny and tight even after an extended decant.
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11/29/2012 - BadOyster wrote: 91 Points
A very nice California Cab that did no wrong ... but also didn't excel in any particular feaure. Cocoa and cola and dark, rich fruit on the nose and subtle spice, reminiscent at times of new world syrah, but with a twist of something vegetal. Plush red and black fruit on the palate with moderate length, moderate tannins, and a hint of sweet. All-in-all, it's a nice cab, but ultimately a let-down for how expensive this bottle was - I'd call it no more remarkable than a $17 '09 Beringer Knights Valley (but better than the '10).
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11/25/2012 - DavidDay Likes this wine: 91 Points
Plums, black cherries, menthol, chocolate, spices, opened and decanted six hours ahead, medium full bodied, still ample tannins left, balanced by oak and fruit on the palate. Still can get better.
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11/20/2012 - godbee wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for 4 hours and was still tight, but great tobacco flavors. Believe the wine went to sleep.
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11/17/2012 - h8oopus wrote: 92 Points
even better the next day.
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11/16/2012 - RLee1124 wrote: 93 Points
Awesome!! This is one of my favorites! Keeps getting better with a little time.
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11/9/2012 - MemorialWineFan wrote: 93 Points
Amazing wine for the money. Great nose of fruit supported by tannins.
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11/3/2012 - xboomer wrote: 92 Points
Really good!
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10/28/2012 - 6831 wrote: 92 Points
Delicious and rich with sweet creme de cassis, dark mocha, berry and smoke. Ripe but by no means a bomb. Finishes with balance showing trace tannin. Drink or hold
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10/27/2012 - rgrosz6 wrote: 92 Points
This was second bottle I've had. Based on other tasting notes here, I decanted ahead of time - definitely improved versus the prior bottle. Beautiful cabernet nose, plenty of blackberry fruit, and very nicely balanced. Simply a joy to drink by itself, or with any red meat - in which case the tannin is not noticeable.
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10/24/2012 - Pluecht wrote: 92 Points
Very nice structured Cabernet. This one needs time to come together. Age a few more years and taste again.
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10/15/2012 - justmill wrote:
I shared most of this bottle and only had a small taste. Excellent wine with a more thorough eval on future openings.
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10/4/2012 - shkalata wrote: 98 Points
Extraordinary. This is one superb wine from Napa Valley. Blows away Opus, Insignia, and maybe even Caymus at a fraction of the price, IF you can find it at all. Try eBay, that's where I just bought a case for around $47 a bottle.
This wine is one of my top 5 and may go even higher as it continues to age. Keep your eye on HALL...
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10/3/2012 - Cabernet4me2 wrote: 92 Points
PnP - no formal notes, this vintage still has a ways to go, definitely needs more bottle time or a nice long decant. Amazing nose and tannis were a bit overwheming at first and it did have some heat, needed a good hour to tame but still a little high alcohol, but has great potential - maybe 1 or 2 pts higher, gonna give another 6 months to a year for next one... glad we got a case!!
Day 2, Fruit became much more integrated, some of the blue and black fruits were much more pronounced, great mid palate and a good 30 sec + finish, on the nose much more mellow, but great black fruit with a hit of cinnamon and oak... delightful.
Day 3 - sad to finish, still drinking well, all the heat has completely subsided, unfortunately a bit of the fruit too, but still very nice - could drink this all day... very much looking forward to a few more years laid down...one of the best $30 bottles around.
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9/30/2012 - DavidDay wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 6 hours ahead of time, wine is drinking very well right now balanced, but still with plenty of tannin.
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9/23/2012 - Krakajack wrote: 91 Points
Absolutely fantastic, rosy blackberry taste and light bodied finish. Worth the price
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9/15/2012 - Baron Slick wrote: 93 Points
Fine black fruit and cassis nose. Unabashedly youthful. Velvety despite the tannic persistence. Chewy with densely layered flavors of cassis, blackberries, blueberries, leather, eucalyptus, black pepper, cigar box, minerals, and licorice. Mocha backpalate crescendos into a dark chocolate finish. This is powerful and assertive but articulates a sense of opulence, gaining regal prominence and dimension in the glass. I'd like to taste this again in a couple of years. Outstanding. Decant.
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9/3/2012 - Tarpon222 wrote: 90 Points
Rich, very soft tannins, and very fruit forward. I thought this was maybe a 16%+ alcohol level, but it's 14.5%. Lacked the punch I enjoy, but better the second night. I'm going to wait for awhile to drink the next bottle.
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8/25/2012 - mpricher wrote: 91 Points
A rock solid Napa blended Cab. Not a bargain, but worth the coin. Consistent with prior TN's. Good fruit, and not over-oaked.
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8/19/2012 - Jonnysul wrote: 93 Points
It's all there, full bodied with great structure, one of my favorites as far as big, bold Cabernets go.
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8/14/2012 - uncle al wrote: 93 Points
Need to decant but excellent. Wow, big wine with dark fruit. Powerful but smooth. Long finish.
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8/11/2012 - wineberg Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wine Night/Baby Shower: Notes are pretty consistent, it's mellowed out a bit though. Still needs an hour or so in decanter to open up, and evolves through the next day.
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8/11/2012 - RockinCabs wrote: 93 Points
Vintouri aerated for quick opening. Another great bottle. See prior notes. I may have to get another case of this.
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8/4/2012 - chuckreece wrote: 91 Points
I got dark roots and some forest-floor-like earthy aromas on the nose. Prunes and cassis on the palate. An excellent, well-structured wine.
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8/4/2012 - TastesGoodToMe Likes this wine: 93 Points
Hmm, Hmm, Hmm! This is excellent and getting better. Decanted 2 hours at cellar temperature. Had with Filet Mignon and then sipped on it following dinner for another hour or so. Love the balance and the dark fruits (blackberries, plum, currants). Wish I could find more.
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7/30/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great fruit and solid tannins. Nice cab.
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7/15/2012 - StefanAkiko wrote: 85 Points
Non-blind. Decanted 3 hrs.
Over extracted fruit-bomb upon opening and remained an over extracted fruit-bomb during dinner. So much I couldn't tell the grape.
However, has both some good and some promising points: fine set of tannins from fine, mature grapes paired w great vinification skills (not always equals a great wine!).
Wife did not like it at all. Beat two btls of no-name Bordeaux. Still have 2 btls to go... Hoping for the best. Next encounter: ~2016.
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7/11/2012 - stantheman wrote: 94 Points
Drinking marvelously. Better as it opened up, but great from the pop of the cork.
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7/9/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 92 Points
Solid wine. Good fruit and tannin balance. Full bodied with a long finish.
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7/7/2012 - Matt Scott wrote: 95 Points
2008 Hall Night (My house): See previous notes. Plum and cassis that just won't stop. A flavorful profile of exquisite, caliber Napa fruit. The finish that just does not stop!
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7/1/2012 - jschnabel wrote: 92 Points
Excellent entry into to Hall. Fruit forward, with Jammy fruit, earth and leather. Tannin structure still tight, will get better year by year.
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7/1/2012 - ScubaSommelier wrote: 94 Points
This is an excellent wine IMHO. Prune and leather flavors are integrated well with oak tannins. Very impressed with Hall's wine, even at this intro level.
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6/25/2012 - mikev101 wrote: 90 Points
Well, I waited 6 months from the last bottle I opened, much better but still needs time....looking forward to watching 08 mature
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6/24/2012 - Life At Your Leisure 🍷 wrote: 93 Points
Rich, thick and opulent with flavors of dark cherry, dark chocolate, mocha, vanilla, leather. Very well-balanced and luscious, albeit a bit jammy, but supple. Very easy to drink on its own. Drink now until 2020.
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6/22/2012 - JDV.DDSPHD wrote: 94 Points
Fruit forward & delicious. Amazing nose with licorice, black currants & black cherries. Great wine I'm buying a case.
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6/17/2012 - MAntonovich wrote: 94 Points
Smooth and supple. Nice fruit, soft and well integrated tannins. Loved it!
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6/17/2012 - StainedGlass wrote: 91 Points
A better than average upper end, big California cab. The fruit and oak were a bit too prominent on day 1, leading to a typical (but popular) Cali. fruit forward profile that lacked complexity. Things significantly improved on days 2 and 3 after the fruit settled down and some earthy elements became evidence . Since I have just 1 bottle left, I plan to wait until at least 2014 to open it.
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6/4/2012 - Serge Birbrair wrote:
a bit smoother since the end of last year. It's getting there, no need to be in a hurry yet. Approachable now.
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5/31/2012 - hr3 wrote: 88 Points
I love a big Napa cab, and this is one of those -- however, it is too sweet, hot, and oaky for my taste -- even after a long decant and several days of rebottling. Perhaps this fades with time in the bottle.
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5/27/2012 - RBOND wrote:
Tennis Party or Thanksgiving
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5/22/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 94 Points
Another great Cab. Big fruit forward with strong tannin balance.
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5/21/2012 - RockinCabs wrote: 92 Points
PNP, then poured through Vintouri. This was another excellent bottle of this crowd pleasing wine. Continues to come across very big and has a well composed, layered palate. Blackberry, Cassis, Licorice, Chocolate and some smokey notes. I have 6 left and would not hesitate to find more.
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5/14/2012 - DavidDay wrote: 93 Points
Blue and black fruits, some subtle background oak, full-bodied mouth feel. Decanted six hours in advance, this really opened this wine up.
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5/12/2012 - RockinCabs wrote: 91 Points
Meeting (of) the Parents; 5/12/2012-5/13/2012 (Cambridge, MA / Lincoln, RI): Nose: Blackberry, Cassis, Plum and Licorice. Slight smokey note and some nice Chocolate notes. Palate: Full and dense with black fruit and some hint of red berries. Nice tobacco and herb notes with the palate feel of a much pricier cabs
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5/8/2012 - PerfectVintage wrote: 92 Points
A solid well made Cabernet. A pleasing blend of currant with a bit of mocha, together with subtle charcoal and cedar. Fruit, tannin and price are appropriately proportioned. Drinking better than the 06 currently and may end up being the better of the two.
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5/5/2012 - Delli Likes this wine: 93 Points
Purple color and very full bodied. Dark fruit and vanilla nose. Chocolate mocha finish. Big mouth feel with very soft round tannins. 5+13+17+8=93
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5/1/2012 - awise45 wrote: 91 Points
So much better than the first bottle last year. More balanced and full, nice expression of dark fruit. Deep garnet color, lots of dark kirsch and vanilla.
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4/22/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 90 Points
Great cab for the price. Nice balanced fruit and tannins. Smooth finish.
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4/14/2012 - gagrapes wrote: 94 Points
Delicious, BIG, new world cab.
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4/2/2012 - robertdtwo wrote: 93 Points
Fruit forward with a velvety mouthfeel and fantastic mocha presence. Discovered this on vacation Big Island; wine list markup here is obscene and we were looking for a reasonable alternative to recently-released $300 Napa cabs...this was every bit as good and one-third the price of names more familiar to us. Drinking wonderfully at four years old!
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3/31/2012 - RockinCabs wrote: 93 Points
One of the best bottles of this yet. So rich and velvety. Really can't beat this for near term drinking.
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3/30/2012 - drummer wrote: 92 Points
opulent berries, blackberry, blk cherry on the nose and appropriately more subtle on the palate, excellent balance .... tight protruding tannins on the finish and nice fruit lingering in the back of the throat..... succulent and enjoyable
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3/26/2012 - Backdoctor wrote: 91 Points
one of the better Hall cabs I've had in a while
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3/25/2012 - Hawk94 wrote: 90 Points
Impressive cherry nose, upfront fruity new style wine, fresh berries, a bit of jam, not so much concentrated, relatively simple, good drinking, finish a bit hollow.
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3/23/2012 - Lee Fining wrote: 88 Points
Medium dark red wine. Smoke and leather dominate the nose with fruit lurking. Elements of raspberry intermingled with big tannins and finishes dry. All the elements are there for a very good wine. Now all it needs is time.
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3/20/2012 - revanness wrote: 90 Points
No mud on decant. A little hot at first, but smoothed out in an hour. Simple.
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3/13/2012 - BCharlieG wrote: 91 Points
another stellar bottle if a wonderful vintage and amazingly well made wine. huge gripping tannins with big red fruity extraction. big overripe cherry, blackberry, raspberry, red rose pedals and bright red fruit with excellent thyme, rosemary and vanilla heavy toast spice. excellent lengthy finish and wonderful display of balance to chalk and loam. thus far, best vintage of napa valley HALL cab I've had. consistently outstanding from one bottle to another. my opinion, amazing value for a 40-45 dollar wine. absolute find at this price.
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3/11/2012 - BCharlieG wrote: 90 Points
All around consistent/great wine from the folks at HALL. Rich dark fruit and highly gripping tannins with good acid balance. I think this is probably drinking a touch better and more herbal/complex than the 2007 vintage. Classic HALL napa cab. needs about 2 hours to come together. lacks a touch of length on the finish but perhaps just a touch young. Rich fruit of plum, blackberry an rich casis/grapey characteristics. dirty gritty wine on the finish.
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3/9/2012 - rexmerlot wrote: 91 Points
Clear dark ruby in colour. Clean nose of black fruits, cedar, and spice. Dry, med acidity, smooth tannins, med body, black currant, cedar, and spice. med + finish. Just popped and poured, did evolve in glass. Wish I could have decanted for awhile. Evolved and became a little more complex w time. Great wine.
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3/4/2012 - DavidDay wrote: 93 Points
Black dense wine, decanted three hours ahead of time, this barely put a dent in the evolution of this wine. Black currants, vanilla and spices in the nose, follows thru to the palate, finishes with ample tanin.
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2/27/2012 - Pointchaser wrote: 93 Points
Plentiful fruit and extract. Glycerin. Really a wonderful, long finish on this wine. Great Cab.
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2/25/2012 - GoBlue2002 wrote: 92 Points
Strong aroma of currant, blackberry, prune, and some green pepper. The wine was significantly fruit forward, with moderate tannins. The finish was long with moderate complexity. The wine was fairly good by itself but paired very well with a beef pot roast - an excellent food wine. I didn't notice much evolution in the glass as we drank the bottle over 2+ hours. Drinking well now, but will be interesting to see how it ages.
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2/19/2012 - mgribble94 wrote: 93 Points
This wine was tight on opening. Didn't have my Decanter handy (at my in-laws), but opened and let breathe for 30 mins. I don't think it was near enough time. Nose was muted a little but had dark fruit and maybe a hint of licorice. Taste was well balanced but could really become something special with some time in the cellar. Bought a few more after returning from the trip and will stow them away for a few years.
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2/18/2012 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 94 Points
This botle was open for two days, it has great flavor-cabernet nose, very rich dark mocha chocolate nose, third bottle enjoyed ove three months. Lots of rich chocolate mouthfeel on the palate, vert lovely medium long finish. Needs 2-4 years more time.
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2/18/2012 - TexasBob wrote: 88 Points
Let it breathe about an hour. Bloody water red. Lovely red berry smell mixed with sweet plum and mulberry on the nose. Notes of sugared plums, mulberries, and strawberries. Some distant graphite on the mid to end palate. Something that tastes like vanilla mixed with a faint hint of Steen's cane syrup. Decent length, where the alcohol likes to remind you of its presence. Gripping tannins. A bit too gentle and sweet for my preference, but I can see others scoring this quite a bit higher. Much better with food than without.
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2/12/2012 - nrickman wrote: 92 Points
Drank around Christmas time. Drank with 2005 Newton Unfiltered Cabernet and 2007 Newton Puzzle. Was very powerful and complex. Still fairly tight. Let decant for 3 hours. Needs more time in cellar
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2/11/2012 - fort wrote: 90 Points
What a huge wine this is. It has serious wow factor up front, but as the night wore on (and more so as the days past, as we drank this over 3 days) we saw how unbalanced this was. It is very alcoholic. The LCBO delayed shipping to stores in order to re-label the alcohol content from 14.5% as stated, to the correct 16%. I have two bottles left, will keep them but wouldn't buy more - hence the 90 point rating. Not sure how this will age, or if the alcohol will ever integrate with the fruit.
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2/11/2012 - TastesGoodToMe Likes this wine: 92 Points
WOW! Similar to my previous note.
My first bottle of this a couple of weeks ago was so good, I had to open another one just to make sure that this is as good as I thought it was. It did not disappoint. This time I decanted for 2 hours. With a decant, this wine is open for business. Fantastic! Going to load up the cellar while these are still easy to find.
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2/11/2012 - Sauvyfan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark black berries and stone fruit on the nose, additionally notes of White pepper, anise, and dark roast coffee bean. This is big, young and unharmonious at this stage. The palate brings a huge dose of oak! Almost off-putting. Structure is there to suggest a ten year nap for this. Buy a case and forget it. If it comes together, you will have one tremendous bargain. Alternately, just pay the extra $ for the Kathryn Hall. It blows this away and drinkable today!
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2/10/2012 - pkatz wrote: 92 Points
Another excellent showing similar to previous.
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2/10/2012 - gagrapes wrote: 91 Points
Current rating. Hopefully time will integrate this BIG wine!
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2/7/2012 - Cyleb wrote: 95 Points
Awesome. Scarecrowish.
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2/5/2012 - RockinCabs wrote: 93 Points
After 48hr slow ox.
Nose: Classic napa nose. Black cherry, blackberry, sweet new oak, perfumed. Palate: dense red/black fruit and cedary oak. Strong grip in the mid/back palate. Finish: slight heat with cedar, blackberry and tart cherry. Great wine.
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1/28/2012 - BSpdx Likes this wine: 93 Points
Absolutely delicious. Full bodied with plenty of rich, dark berry flavors. Just a touch of licorice as well as pine and vanilla. All of it is well integrated and balanced and topped off by a long, satisfying finish. Great value in napa cab and I would highly recommend.
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1/22/2012 - texag96 wrote: 94 Points
Great wine, but needs a while to open up. Had a glass and left it open for the next day and was finally opening up. This one should last a long time.
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1/22/2012 - Hawk94 Likes this wine: 92 Points
A serious Napa cab and A contender to Caymus special edition. Need hours of decant. Dark, thick, heavy body, chewy, chunky tannins, sweet, very concentrate, upfront dark fruits, licrorice, long long finish. Still drink very well on second day, not loss a bit of complexity. I like it.
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1/21/2012 - iceman10 wrote: 94 Points
This one comes right out and pops you in the mouth - this is what a cab should be! We brought this bottle to a restaurant, popped and poured - not as tight as some make it sound
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1/20/2012 - TastesGoodToMe Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent. Fantastic QPR. Decanted for an hour. Had this bottle following an 07 SL Artemis and this was preferred. It had a lot more complexity and balance. Great dark color, dark cherries, spice and cocoa. Full bodied with a medium long finish. As good as this was, I still think this wine is a little tight. As a result, I think this could gain another point or two after a couple of more years laying down in the cellar.
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1/17/2012 - Vinobruin wrote: 94 Points
Drank in office from split, no food. Needed food, but enjoyable nonetheless. Wish I bought a lot more. This wine is too good now and too balanced not to drink at this time.
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1/6/2012 - Vinobruin wrote: 96 Points
Well deserving of 95WA rating. Popped and poured from split. Overwhelming intensity (in a good sense). Rich and lush and a lot going on. This cab is not for the faint of heart. Its big and bold. If you like old world style wines, you will not like this wine. If you like big Napa Cab's, you're in for a treat.
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1/1/2012 - mrpalmer wrote: 92 Points
Great - nice balance and strong finish. Quite tannic for CA. Presumably could last much longer in the cellar.
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12/31/2011 - csillabu Likes this wine: 90 Points
Enjoyed a glass of this wine with NYE dinner at Fleming's. Paired well with filet. Great aroma of dark berries, spice and touch of smoke. Very well balanced taste of dark berries, light toasted oak, and black pepper. Finishes nicely on the mid pallatte. Enjoyable now, looking forward to how my stash of this wine will develop over the next few years!
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12/30/2011 - mikev101 wrote: 89 Points
Right now, this is certainly a very good wine, but needs plenty of air and time. 5-6 hours decant easily. A big Cab with much potential for the future. Currently, very tannic, lots of spice, wonderful nose of cocoa, dark cherries, cassis. A long lingering finish that goes on for several minutes. I won't open the next bottle for at least 2 years, expecting a much higher score and pleasurable experience at that time.
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12/26/2011 - HRT wrote:
Beautiful nose of sweet cassis, balck currants and chocolate. Tannins have integrated well for a wine so young. Rich, powerful, full bodied yet has elegance. Don't know if it merits a Parker 95 but it clearly is well worth the $40 price tag. This is worth buying a case or two and seeing how it evolves over time. A much better value than the Kathryn Hall at $75.
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12/24/2011 - bonedoc wrote: 93 Points
This is a new world, chocolate liqueur, hedonistic cali cab. Loads of fruit and glycerin, thick and unctuous on the palate. I usually find Cali fruit bombs offensive and out of balance and overdone, however I really enjoyed this one (although balanced is not the first word that comes to mind in describing this wine). A fun wine now - no reason to wait!
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12/17/2011 - Mischa3000 wrote: 90 Points
Outstanding value. The Kathryn Hall Cab just won #2 wine of the year for 2011. This little cousin is blended from several of their estates; deep, dark color and lovely aromas of berry, chocolate plum and all-spice; the palate is lush and concentrated with boysenberry, cassis, anise. If one expression could summarize this wine: velvet punch. Smooth yet powerful.
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12/17/2011 - Serge Birbrair wrote:
My #1 Red WOTN, opened 5-7 years too early, served a couple degrees hotter than it should have been but still shows all the potential. Cellar it, forget about it for 5 years and you'll be rewarded dearly.
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12/15/2011 - Porchino wrote: 74 Points
Parker scoring this a 95 completely kills his credibility he must slip some few for a briefcase filled with
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12/12/2011 - bobv wrote: 95 Points
Excellent. Full bodied. High flavor. Flavor mixed black currant, plumb, blackberry. We hosted a big party and served 4 good Cabernet Sauvignon's, and this was the favorite! I liked it when opened, and after brief decanting it opened up and flavors were excellent!
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12/11/2011 - jfaulk Likes this wine: 89 Points
This Hall was Inky colored with nice slow legs. Blackberry, Black currant (cassis), Red Currant, and Black Pepper up front. I agree with others that this cab is a little Hot. Hopeful that it will improve over time. At $35/bottle, this could be a steal.
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12/11/2011 - DavidDay wrote: 91 Points
Massive tight young red wine. A little tough to evaluate at the moment, as it is very bound up. Decanted about two hours ahead of time, but still needs more air, it seems to keep getting better in the glass, so I am pretty confident in what the future holds for this wine.
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12/10/2011 - goofy Yno wrote: 91 Points
young and tight with layers of fruit. may have some potential but where was some heat.
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12/4/2011 - pkatz wrote: 93 Points
Excellent prototypical Napa Cab with dark fruit and soft minty tannins. A tasty treat. I see no reason to age this wine as it tastes so good now, but who knows?
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11/28/2011 - PimpDaddy2Kool wrote: 95 Points
Decant this big boy at least 2 hours. Margaux-like in both power in finesse. Probably the best Cab buy of the 2008 Napa vintage.
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11/21/2011 - CWilliam wrote: 91 Points
Lost my notes but Nutty08's notes sound spot on - I enjoyed this wine and it was fine the next day (under vacu vin sitting in the kitchen). If you like fruit forward wines this would hit the spot 91+/-. Would buy again as there are times when you need something bright & forward like this.
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11/20/2011 - ptelgenh wrote: 92 Points
If you like this style, which I do, you will love this one. Opulent, rich, ripe, and fresh, this one will benefit from short term cellaring. Ripe black currants, noticeable oak, followed by firm tannins. Screams for beef!
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11/20/2011 - mpricher wrote: 92 Points
Lady's Wine Tasting Event. Crowd pleaser, and wen through all three bottles. Similar to last TN's.
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11/20/2011 - mpricher wrote: 92 Points
Wine Tasting Event. Crowd pleaser, and wen through all three bottles. Similar to last TN's.
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11/20/2011 - mpricher wrote: 92 Points
Strong bottle from this California wine maker. There is alot of dark purple fruit, anise -herbals, and OAK on the nose. Very evident Cassis and kirsch action upon first tasting. After 2 hours decant, the oak wore off somewhat, but was still evident throughout the tasting. This has some strong flavors that coat the palate, so best served with grilled meats, game or roast. A very well made wine (from David Ramey), and we plowed through all three bottles at the wine tasting event. This was a crowd pleaser towards the end of the night, when the strong flavors gave life to tired palates.
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11/20/2011 - Nutty08 wrote: 91 Points
Inky black in the glass. Fragrant nose, with wood, chocolate, and red fruit liquor. Palate is quite massive, with noticible heat poking through with air. Viscous and almost sweet--features I sometimes notice with higher alcohol wines. Moderate acidity, very tannic with big chunky tannins. Quite concentrated, with black currants and cassis. Lengthy but simple finish with loads of
Chocolate, vanilla, and fruit. A fine wine in a more forward style, but not especially interesting. May develop over the short term.
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11/18/2011 - Uglypinga wrote:
Beefy nose with some flowery notes. Eucalyptus. The palate is all Brit fruits in the attack. The mid palate falls a little short for me. The finish has a fair ammount of tannins and needs to loosen up a bit.
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11/11/2011 - KSWinegeek wrote: 91 Points
Dark, subtle nose, blackberry flavors. Still tight; drinkable now, but better in a few years. From Dad's cellar at Keuka.
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11/9/2011 - Mr.Overhill wrote: 87 Points
Must say that the review from VeniceCalif is the most spot on so far for all notes on this wine. My biggest problem is the noticable heat and the high level of harsh tannins that seem to derail the potential of this wine. It's a prune cake on steroids. I like the nose with its sweetness and chocolate cherry, but once it gets into the mouth things only get worse. If all 14 plus percent napa cabs tasted like this one, I would eschew them for chile or washington every time. Good news was that by day three, things had settled down enough that some balance was suggested. I'll get back to this one in late 2012 or even 2013 to see if the "potential" is real.
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11/6/2011 - Dbesserer wrote: 94 Points
Great wine for the price. Well balanced, silky smooth tannins.
Glad I bought 12.
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11/6/2011 - Dagalaifus Likes this wine: 94 Points
Excellent example of the opulent New World style of Cabernet from California. In the glass, inky purple. Full-bodied, with cherry, plum, earth, licorice, cedar and oak. Long finish with well-integrated tannins. Requires a decant of a few hours before it begins to open up.
Agree with the other tasters, this is much better than the acclaimed 2006 Hall Cabernet. Excellent QPR
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11/6/2011 - sooty1432 wrote: flawed
corked rather badly unfortunately
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11/4/2011 - MarkMich wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for 3+ hours and had with Grilled Prime Filet. This was tight at first but opened up with the decant. Probably way to young but wanted to try before I purchased any more. will definitely buy more to store for at least 4 years.
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10/29/2011 - Alwolf wrote: 90 Points
WAY, WAY too young but has good potential. Even 4 hours of air is not enough. Smooth though....might be good after 6 years Just a disservice to drink now.
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10/26/2011 - bkeane wrote: 93 Points
Very approachable with good structure. Decanted for 1 hour and enjoyed with a rich and spicy tomato, bean, sausage soup. Apparently these Hall wines are made by David Ramey....explains a lot.
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10/25/2011 - JohnOnWine wrote: 91 Points
Drank with 07. Half like 07 better. I liked 08. Bothe excellent wine.
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10/24/2011 - Moby Vino wrote: 93 Points
For thirty bucks I'll call this a lush, lavish delight but I'll still underscore it. The husband was pleased, and when he's happy we are all fine. Caveat: big California wines please him, and fortunately this was a really good big California wine and it's food-friendly. Oh heavens, I've already said to0 much. Like "Matt Scott" I really don't want anyone else to know how good this is. I'm trying to rustle up the money to buy the 25 bottles left at the well-priced place I bought my 14 bottles. After that I'll do a real review.
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10/24/2011 - sjdcellar wrote: 92 Points
very tasty - particularly for a "regular" bottling at this price point. classic dusty cab flavors
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10/22/2011 - beezer6 wrote: 90 Points
Plum liqueur, dark rock, dark spice. New leather. Creamy vanilla accented aromatics.
Palate is more juicy with sweeter tannin structure. Nice balanced finish. Another really great glass pour.
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10/21/2011 - Matt Scott wrote: 95 Points
See previous notes. Exceptional and the favorite of the night for all.
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10/16/2011 - kingboo wrote: 93 Points
Needs 3-4 hours of decanting, but then the reward for your patience arrives. Won't bore your with a description as I don't believe in bloviating as most do when describing their tasting experience.
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10/13/2011 - rsbrew wrote: 92 Points
Ayoung wine that opens nicely with a few hours of decanting. For an everyday drinker, it is a decent cab sav.
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10/12/2011 - Rabelais wrote: 89 Points
This wine embodies all the qualities of what is meant by "New World" Cabernet: very bold and fruit forward. Although I usually love fruit forward, bold Napa Cabs, I couldn't help feeling that there was something artificial about this one. I opened two bottles one week apart, decanted each for a couple of hours, and came to the same conclusion both times.
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10/8/2011 - Decanthor wrote: 91 Points
This wine is useless before the 1 hour mark. Tight nose, very tannic. However, as it reaches 1 hour, a wonderful nose of currant and sweet herbs emerges. Very full-bodied, sweet dark fruits and a powerful backbone beg for a big steak. Decant for 1 hour or cellar for a couple of years.
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10/3/2011 - RockinCabs wrote: 91 Points
Nose: Dark Berries, Plum, licorice, smoked meat and a touch of baking spices. Palate: Dense and stacked with crushed blueberries, blackberries, cherry and kirsch notes. Very structured palate with noticable tanins and some unintigrated oak at this point. Finish: Long and dark with some red fruit poking out. Touches of cedar and tobacco/herbs as well.
This bottle was much tighter than the first and after 24 hours was showing its potential. Great stuff, but I have concerns about the amount of new oak on this wine.
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10/1/2011 - mmurry wrote: 85 Points
Bold Reds & Soft Whites (Farpointe Cellar): Smoke and earth on the nose, along with currant jam and spice. It finished with licorice and blackberry. Very tannic on the palate, with lots of black fruit and earth. The nose was good, but the palate was disappointing.
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9/29/2011 - RussK wrote: 89 Points
RUSSK WEnthusiast Tasting.
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9/22/2011 - Robbinson Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very dark purple color - texture is thick. Aroma is bold dark berry with a hint of vanilla. Flavor add raspberry, but the predominant fruit is blackberry with a tad of pepper. Wine is medium dry with a surprising long and pleasant finish.
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9/21/2011 - jorge48 wrote: 92 Points
All the hallmarks (no pun intendend) of great Napa Cab: abundant chocolate, vainilla, mocha, plum, full bodied and long finish. A delight, if not a surprise.
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9/18/2011 - jeanluc07 wrote: 92 Points
much better than the 2006 or 2007 i had last year; a drinker within first 10 years; a little bit sweeter than I prefer but the tannins are well integrated with some toasted oak; drink more like a cocktail wie than a food wine.
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9/17/2011 - slywka7 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Different wine than the 06. More old world. Tons of structure. Nice fruit. Needs time. Best QPR of the tasting today.
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9/17/2011 - Matt Scott wrote: 95 Points
See pervious notes. The great Red Gerhana of Cabernet. A plum and chocolate wonderland (which this will be for years to come). I am almost fearful of boasting about this beaut, do to the fact that I want no one else to buy it. I don't usually carry on about price, however, the QPR is the best I have seen from Napa in sometime. Please don't tell anybody.
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9/14/2011 - traderspartan wrote: 96 Points
As good as any wine I've had at twice the price.
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8/31/2011 - JCaress wrote: 91 Points
Very solid fruit. Even and this young age it is worth opening. Ran it through a "rabbit" to open it up, improved it immediately. Dark, rich berry and chocolate notes. Will only get better.
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8/24/2011 - overspeed62 wrote: 90 Points
Great QPR. A little hot so still young but a great every day pop and pour for the money, especially at < $20 for 375 ml.
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8/22/2011 - MrD wrote: 90 Points
Drank during a gathering after consuming a couple other wines. Popped and poured. First taste was brutal compared to the super tuscan I was drinking so it took me a while to enjoy it. It was concentrated with lots of Tannin and plenty of fruit and other flavors. 2 days later I had the last glass left in the bottle and it had mellowed out and was quite enjoyable. But I think this needs a few years.
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8/21/2011 - MicklethePickle wrote: 91 Points
Very dark purple, thick and substantial. Rich, deep varietal fruit in the nose. 1st sip marvelous then a slightly metallic note on the middle palate and after. Improved with some white sharp cheddar accompanying. Needs a little time to smooth out. Big but drinkable, especially with food. 5-12-16-8: 91/100.
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8/14/2011 - pdemaio wrote: 94 Points
Big and oppulent, this unabashedly new world style wine blows away any expectations on the nose. Tons of fruit, spices, cassis and a touch of earth and hint of VA create a compelling bouquet that is followed by an equally impressive and powerful body. Long smooth finish, great balance of tannin, acid in this complex but accessable wine. A hedonist's delight. Better than the very good to excellent 06 by a noticeable margin, this is the best Hall yet.
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8/14/2011 - Matt Scott wrote: 95 Points
Decanted for two and a half hours. Black and purple in colour, with a lighter garnet rim. I sincerely appreciate this winery on quite a few levels and now utilizing Ramey really shows the care and consideration to strive for the best. A blissful nose of sliced plumb, milk chocolate, currant paste, cassis, charcoal and flower shop. Long and sedative, this Napa Cabernet is very balanced and fresh, showing tannins that are polished and well-integrated. The back palate shows berry and there's a Pessac element that really is fascinating. Extremely enjoyable now and obviously will handle some age as well. I can't believe it, this is better than the '06. The best Hall Napa that I have ever enjoyed. Drink now - 2028.
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8/13/2011 - jlhkiss wrote: 90 Points
This wine is super complex and I can see why it's received all of the hype. Great color, aroma, and silky texture - very well made. However, it's still too young. Very sharp on the nose and could not really distinguish specific fruit profiles. The tannins dominate and it's not quite integrated or in balance with the fruit yet, even after a few hours in the decanter. That said, if you can get it at $40 or less, put it down for a few years and save for a special occasion. This one has tremendous upside!
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8/7/2011 - MoTheMan wrote: 94 Points
What a Cab!! Absolutely astonished, then seduced by this one!
Thick, viscous, showing beautiful dark garnet (w/ a hint of purple) in the glass.
A dark brooding nose that's slightly phenolic, lightly spicy, and showing very tight deep berry fruits.
Was absolutrely turned off my first coupla's sips . . . so I laid it down for a coupla' hours while I finished another wine.
. . . But it sure came around!! And what a beauty.
Very Cab qualities, full bodied with lots of well integrated fruits, including red & dark berries, curants, licorice, tobacco, chocolate, with hints of spice, kirsch, and wet forest floor.
Chewy (but not overwhelming), with a nice long well balanced finish. I think RP's review was spot on for this one!!
Only drawback is its youth . .. but I'll definately be getting a coupla' more bottles of this to lay down for 3-5 years.
Highly recommended.
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8/7/2011 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 91 Points
Leslie visits Cleveland - Part 2: This was really good. Young enough and vibrant enough to capture my attention. Enough going on to keep it. Juicy texture. Cassis. Typical Napa Cab in a good way.
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8/6/2011 - RockinCabs wrote: 93 Points
Very nicely structured wine that needs lots of air. Nose of cassis, plum, blackberry, charcoal, minerals and spice. Palate: very dark fruit driven, but not over burdened with residual sugar or porty notes. Complex and showing good depth. Finish: very persistent, but tannic. Loved it and think there is good potential.
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8/2/2011 - bryon m wrote: 93 Points
At Tisa and Gunthers we drank the Hall 08 Cab and the Justin Justification 09 among others. The Hall was very round, great fruit flavors and soft. An excellent drink!! The Justification was also nice, slightly lighter in body, good color and fruit flavors. The Cab Franc base was good but after the Hall it seemed a little thin. If I were to do this again I would have had the Justin first then the Hall. Both are great.
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8/2/2011 - dekay wrote: 93 Points
Very consistent with last bottle. Excellent.
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7/23/2011 - afu wrote:
No score and no real review. Tried at a wine tasting and bought based on the Hall name. Wasn't ready after a pop and pour this afternoon. Opened another bottle for dinner, confirmed that Einstein was right about repeating an action and hoping for a different outcome. Probably will get better with some time to settle down and overcome bottle shock from shipping and youth. Right now, best I can say is "no review, wait". This wine needs time.
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7/22/2011 - Cabernet4me2 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Definitely needs decant time! Dinner with friends after a tasting. Opened for 30 min, decanted for about an hour, could have use addition 2 hours. Not much mid palate on first pour, seemed a bit dis-jointed and a little heat..... But all came together an hour later. Dark fruit, leather, cassis, with nice rounded finish - notes of chocolate and cedar.....solid wine still young ...looking forward to a year or two from now 91+
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7/14/2011 - wineberg Likes this wine: 92 Points
These Hall wines are certainly one of my "drinking wines", good for popping open both any day of the week or for a special occasion. The price point on these Hall Napa Valley Cabs is pretty good for the quality, and the best part is they make 15000+ cases of it. I recently found the 2007 Hall Napa Cab at Costco for $32 a bottle.
So on to this 2008 Hall Napa Valley Cabernet: Deep purple, definitely still young. I like the nose, with blackberry and cassis. In the mouth it retains the blackberry, a hint of cranberry even, oak, a bit of chocolate as well. I have to say it doesn't have that 'Napa Cab' character to it though. The tannins are smooth, with a bit of bite at the end though, and the finish goes on for 20 seconds or so.
This gets an extra point or two due to the pricing and volume...It will probably make Spectators Top 100 due to those facts as well, though probably not as high on the list as the 2006.
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7/3/2011 - Cabernet4me2 wrote: 92 Points
Opened at the Hollywood bowl about an hour before we drank it. Was still very tight, but evolved amazingly though the show. Some early heat but, after another hour was well rounded with chocolate, leather, cassis and Jammy dark fruit - was a big hit when paired with some dark chocolates.
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6/28/2011 - kietkopelli wrote: 89 Points
I'm not sure how this wine got 95 points. I big and off balance. If you like big oaky wines with extra tannins and charcoal this is the wine for you. Personally I like a lot more fruit than this wine had. Right from the pout the chalk and minerals overwhelms, I tried really hard to pick up a bit of ripe plumbs. In the mouth the tannins grips like vise with minerals and charcoal to follow. I feels a lot drier than the typical CA cab but this was abou the peak of my interest. I used to like this style of wine but recently find myself drawn more to the fruit driven style.
Remember you don't drink the label.
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6/27/2011 - Cabernet4me2 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Was very tight on opening, definitely opened up after an hour. Licorice and dark fruit, leather, mocha and some chocolate notes as well. It had a little heat but I think with a few years of cellaring it will be stellar especially at the price. Maybe the best $30 bottle I've had in a while. Day 2 much more structured & opened up, really likin this wine
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6/25/2011 - MJTed wrote: 89 Points
Needs air. Closed down and highly herbal at first, showed better fruit and rounded out on Day 2.
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6/20/2011 - WineScoundrel wrote: 93 Points
A great California cab. 93++ now. Wouldn't be surprised with 95-97 in 10 years.
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6/18/2011 - mpricher wrote: 91 Points
Tasted by the glass at Fleming's Steak house. Paired execellent with Petite Filet, Oscar style. Well made wine with good fruit and balance. A little too much oak on it's own for me, but paired with the steak the Oak seemed more balanced. Still young (obviously), so I am sure that maturity will create a more balanced profile of acity and tannins. Otherwise, very enjoyable.
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6/15/2011 - VeniceCalif wrote: 86 Points
Decanted 2 hrs. ahead, and consumed over another hour. Very dark almost black ruby color. Very nice nose of dried herbs, truffles, and the blackest of black fruits; quite good in this regard. Very rich on the palate, with cloves, licorice, and a bit of syrup. It's too rich, really, for me (but I'm old enough to remember when napa cabs were lighter & more elegant); the acid structure is, shall we say, firm, which is a big understatement. Alcoholic heat is there as well. The finish is very very grippy with harsh tannins. It seems to me that this wine trips over itself with intensity. The nose leads you to expect great things, while the color tells you something closer to the truth. Maybe this wine needs 5 years in the bottle, but I have to say that the roughness and harshness that I'm finding today don't encourage me. Lots of reviews of this wine talk about its future potential; maybe they're right. But I have had many CA reds that reached greatness after 10-15 yrs without starting out this harsh.
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6/12/2011 - red guy wrote: 94 Points
first (of many to come) bottles. Has quickly become the "house red"--as if anything else would make any sense being. I hope that they have made enough to go around. Flavor is very pleasant, but challenging. A bit of sweet, but also a small bit of heat and spices. I really enjoyed the 2006, but this has real potential to be better, and will greatly enjoy the ride.
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6/8/2011 - awise45 wrote: 88 Points
Not ready yet. Strongly herbal at first, and very fruity once open for a bit. Lots of fruit, and will probably be better in a year or two.
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6/5/2011 - kingboo wrote: 93 Points
Neck and neck with the 06. Very good.
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6/4/2011 - berko wrote: 92 Points
decanted for 1 hr. Nose of candied fruit fig paste, and camphor. Taste was much the same with prominent heat from the alcohol content and oppressive tannins. In a word disjointed. After a few more hours, everything became much more harmonious and pleasant with considerable softening and rounding of the tannins. Overall its a big cali cab and a great bottle for the money, but not as outstanding as i had expected. I will hold the rest of mine and hope for the best.
Edit: on day 2, the wine had improved markedly. Everything had come together beautifully and the tannins had mellowed and softened nicely. Make me considerably more optimistic that in a coup;e fo years, this wine will live up to the hype.
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6/4/2011 - Yack Man wrote: 90 Points
Nice, better than the 06. Good wine, but 95 points? I dont think so.
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5/23/2011 - dekay wrote: 93 Points
Forthcoming, unctious, delicious. Syrupy nose of blackberry jam, anise, extends into a plush, dark, jammy palate with dusty tannins and light but tangy acidity. Perceptibly sweet. Finish is light but long - minutes after a sip I tasted chocolately smokey notes - perhaps more complex than what came before it! This will develop for a several years in complexity - I hope some of the sweet fruit gives way to show some of the underlying complexity - but the lithe structure strongly suggests this isn't built for the long haul. I would normally rate such an unctious cab lower, but the experience is of a piece. Enjoy sooner than later.
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5/15/2011 - jwb57 wrote: 95 Points
Parker was right on this one. A little tight at first but opened up and was solid will be even better over time.
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5/10/2011 - red guy wrote: 94 Points
The reviews are starting--don't take their word. It is even better than they say--maybe better than the 2006. I was very happy when sipping it (of course the 2008 Kathryn is even better...). Very drinkable now (although still layered and complex). Very sophisticated effort. I can only imagine what more time will bring.
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