A dark, muted nose. It is dilute on the palate, dark fruits, tobacco. Fully resolved tannins, acidity is a bit harsh. Moderate finish. Past prime, but acceptable.
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This was very lean and sour when first opened, and an hour of air didn't help much, so I let it sit and tried it repeatedly over several nights. The second night was a little better. But on the 4th night, this had developed nicely, with the fruit and secondary flavors showing through. I have one last bottle that I may let sit for a long time.
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It seems to have improved some since last bottle in 2015. The fruit is more noticeable with nice a Cali Cab character. Medium plus weight, dark fruits with blackberry and dark cherry. Some slight acidity in mid-palate and mild tannin on the finish. Does not have the intensity that we see in some of the mountain fruit. Better with food.
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This seemed like an old style California cab. The cassis was there but muted, while the tobacco and tannins were the primary notes. Second night the tannins were mostly hidden. I'm kind of curious where this is going -- it could be downhill, or it could be entering a new and enjoyable phase.
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A decent but not exceptional cab. Based on prior reviews it was probably better a few years ago, losing its intensity now. Medium to full body, black fruits and quite soft for a Howell Mountain cab. Finishes with soft tannins. Smooth and easy drinker at this time.
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Decanted this time around. Paired with burgers on the grille. The first bottle I had back in '12 was exceptional, and while this is still a very nice cab, I can't see giving it a 90+ score anymore. The cork split in two when I opened it, and it's possible this bottle had a bad seal and some oxidation occurred.
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This is never going to be earth shaking, but it has improved a little since my last bottle a year or so ago. The butterscotch note is gone now and, while it's got a creamy sweetness to it, the wine seems to be less overtly 'fruit bomb-esque' than it was previously. Would probably make an appealing party wine, vs. something to contemplate or pair with dinner.
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Not as much of a WOW factor this time. Still an excellent Cab with medium body and finish. Developed as it sat in the glass. Extremely drinkable right now.
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Made for an early drinking style. Aromatic nose of spicy currant, mixed berries, vanilla and some faint earthiness. Fruit forward flavor profile with a very nice tannic core. Great mouthfeel with high acidity that provides a lively mouthfeel and a long finish. Tannins in check.
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Disappointed after reading some reviews. A lot of heat and alcohol on first taste. Settled a bit after airing and decanting. Had elements of quality but nothing was tied together. Would not buy again.
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AGM THis is definitely a 2nd day bottle of wine. Great tastes of chocolate, spices & right amount off tannins. Much better than the hour my wife & I each had a glass.
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First bottle of the three I'd purchased last summer. The nose is a bit worrisome, as I get more buttery oak (almost a butterscotch aroma) than fruit. There's some nice fruit on the palate but, here too, the oak influence seems to cast too big a shadow. The tannins are smooth and there's not a lot of structure for a wine from Howell Mtn. I'll hold my other two and see if the oak integrates more before the structure dissipates. Keep your fingers crossed.
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So much better than than bottle I drank in Oct '12. In that 5 mos dark fruit has moved to front & cocoa on finish. I did let it open for a couple hours first & it certainly didn't hurt.
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Nice drinkable, affordable bottle of wine. Tasted more like a blend than a 100% Cab, maybe because it is lighter than most. Liked the consistency of fruit from nose through first taste through finish with some other earthier notes blended in. Good QPR
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Much better than last tasting. After 30 minutes, dark fruits and some minerals started to come through the tartness. Still on the thin side for a Howell Mountain cab, with a quite a bit of acidity and some tannin. Not great, but interesting enough to be worthwhile.
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OK, so I know this wine is not one for the ages - but it is simply just a very enjoyable, flavorful bottle - very easy to drink and perfect for those that are not wine AfficIANAdos but need to be served a tasty wine at a great QPR-- like Allison's book club ...
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Great nose and dark ruby color, but was not all that impressed with the flavor profile and structure. Flat, thin and chalky. The fruit flavors were muted. No depth or intensity. Was surprised after reading all the rave reviews. Have a few more so will see if we had an off bottle tonight.
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Big luscious cab, ready for business, smooth and integrated tannins. Not a long term ager, but should develop nicely over the next couple of years...but why wait?
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Doesn't get much better than this for around $25. One of the best Risas in recent memory and almost as good as the flagship WCR Howell Mountain. Very well done!
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Gave a few hours in the decanter. Deep dark red in the glass. Nose is complicated, strong with branches, some menthol, dirt, espresso, tar, vanilla, and green herbs. Palate delivers more of the same, while softening like thick velvet, and supple leather. Tannin blooms in slow motion. The finish is like a long reduction sauce, highlighted with gooey, jammy fruit. Wow. PJG: 91
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Decanted for several hours first. Color dark purple with a translucent glow. Nose mainly vanilla and blackberry. Palate is full bodied with a subtle tartness on the finish which was a little hot as well. Decent everyday wine. 5,12,15,5=87
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Excellent cab; especially for the $20 I paid. Blueberry with a hint of vanilla. Nice finish. I have three more bottles, and would love to see how this one tastes after a little more time, but I'm not sure I'll be able to wait.
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Black and blue fruits underpinned with vanilla; approachable and smooth. Great structure. Long finish. Great buy. Made to "drink now", a perfect everyday drinker! Worked well with grilled sirloin on the 4th of July.
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Totally agree with others comments; bought at $25 on Invino.com and it's worth every cent. I've always been a fan of the White Cottage "flagship" Howell Mountain Cabernet, and have enjoyed many vintages. This is a great value and will easily compete with much higher priced "Napa" Cabs. Will definitely look for more.
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I'll run with the other "trackers" and score this 92!! This was exceptional, and one of the best wines I've had in months. Nice job by WTSO to get a $20 price point. The blueberry jumped out in the first glass. Decanted 60+ minutes, which I'm sure helped open things up. Solid structure, smooth tannins, very well balanced. If they throw this out again at this price I'll be getting more.
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I agree. Great surprise at $19.99. Definately Howell Mountain. I'm a huge fan of O'Shaughnessy and this wine is the perfect daily drinker when you dont want to shell at $60 plus for a nice cab. I expect the price on the White Cottage to sky rocket when the secret gets out.
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I read the reviews and thought,,,yea right 92pts, give me a break! It's all there for a young colt, no doubt about the Howell Mnt fruit. Bright and lush, perfect oak to fruit balance. I remember when this wine was $45- usd..nice work Rudy Z! Killer for 20 bucs!
Very nice nose of blue and black berries that continued on the palate. This wine needed to decant for a few hours but was quite nice. I'm looking forward to drinking the other bottle but not for another year or so.
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Light in the glass and on the nose. Almost pinot noir-like. Very subtle. Aromas of pretty and delicate red berry fruit. Some camphor on the nose and slight eucalyptus. Florals and some chalk. On the palate it's lithe with a light, feminine profile. Pretty red bramble fruit. Flavors of currant, cherry and raspberry. Very nice balance. Good wine!
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9/25/2022 - joesi16 wrote:
Still going strong and starting to throw some sediment I'll be saving my last bottle for a special occasion.
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5/13/2020 - wino121 wrote: 92 Points
Vinturied into decant,
In the window, beautiful at this point.
Drink now thru 2022.
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10/9/2019 - Charlie C wrote: 82 Points
A dark, muted nose. It is dilute on the palate, dark fruits, tobacco. Fully resolved tannins, acidity is a bit harsh. Moderate finish. Past prime, but acceptable.
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9/15/2018 - Quarked wrote:
This was very lean and sour when first opened, and an hour of air didn't help much, so I let it sit and tried it repeatedly over several nights. The second night was a little better. But on the 4th night, this had developed nicely, with the fruit and secondary flavors showing through. I have one last bottle that I may let sit for a long time.
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11/29/2017 - Kentw wrote: 89 Points
Similar to last bottle.
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4/29/2017 - Kentw Likes this wine: 89 Points
It seems to have improved some since last bottle in 2015. The fruit is more noticeable with nice a Cali Cab character. Medium plus weight, dark fruits with blackberry and dark cherry. Some slight acidity in mid-palate and mild tannin on the finish. Does not have the intensity that we see in some of the mountain fruit. Better with food.
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7/8/2016 - Quarked wrote: 88 Points
This seemed like an old style California cab. The cassis was there but muted, while the tobacco and tannins were the primary notes. Second night the tannins were mostly hidden. I'm kind of curious where this is going -- it could be downhill, or it could be entering a new and enjoyable phase.
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12/26/2015 - Kentw wrote: 88 Points
A decent but not exceptional cab. Based on prior reviews it was probably better a few years ago, losing its intensity now. Medium to full body, black fruits and quite soft for a Howell Mountain cab. Finishes with soft tannins. Smooth and easy drinker at this time.
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12/15/2015 - MCrawford wrote: 89 Points
Decanted this time around. Paired with burgers on the grille. The first bottle I had back in '12 was exceptional, and while this is still a very nice cab, I can't see giving it a 90+ score anymore. The cork split in two when I opened it, and it's possible this bottle had a bad seal and some oxidation occurred.
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2/7/2015 - winenut30 Likes this wine: 89 Points
jammy and delicious
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12/24/2014 - EMTAME wrote: 87 Points
This is never going to be earth shaking, but it has improved a little since my last bottle a year or so ago. The butterscotch note is gone now and, while it's got a creamy sweetness to it, the wine seems to be less overtly 'fruit bomb-esque' than it was previously. Would probably make an appealing party wine, vs. something to contemplate or pair with dinner.
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12/14/2014 - GlassHalfFull wrote: 89 Points
Ok for the money, but lacking any real zeal. Muted nose. Medium body with raisin and charcoal flavors and a bit of alcohol heat.
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8/7/2014 - Swajln Likes this wine: 88 Points
Strawberry nose, toast & fig.
Good flavor, short finish.
Solid wine but not great.
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4/4/2014 - Bricks wrote: 88 Points
drinking much better now than the last showing 1 year+ ago. a bit fuller than i remember with a little more life to it
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12/29/2013 - MCrawford wrote: 90 Points
Not as much of a WOW factor this time. Still an excellent Cab with medium body and finish. Developed as it sat in the glass. Extremely drinkable right now.
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12/19/2013 - TastesGoodToMe wrote: 86 Points
Almost a year since my last bottle. This showed a little better. Still a little thin and uninteresting to me. Drinkable. Just kind of blah
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11/9/2013 - wmccone54 wrote: 90 Points
Made for an early drinking style. Aromatic nose of spicy currant, mixed berries, vanilla and some faint earthiness. Fruit forward flavor profile with a very nice tannic core. Great mouthfeel with high acidity that provides a lively mouthfeel and a long finish. Tannins in check.
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9/21/2013 - Zumboto wrote: 89 Points
Disappointed after reading some reviews. A lot of heat and alcohol on first taste. Settled a bit after airing and decanting. Had elements of quality but nothing was tied together. Would not buy again.
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9/6/2013 - mithomps wrote: 89 Points
Very enjoyable
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7/25/2013 - Winoluver wrote: 91 Points
AGM
THis is definitely a 2nd day bottle of wine. Great tastes of chocolate, spices & right amount off tannins. Much better than the hour my wife & I each had a glass.
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6/8/2013 - EMTAME wrote: 86 Points
First bottle of the three I'd purchased last summer. The nose is a bit worrisome, as I get more buttery oak (almost a butterscotch aroma) than fruit. There's some nice fruit on the palate but, here too, the oak influence seems to cast too big a shadow. The tannins are smooth and there's not a lot of structure for a wine from Howell Mtn. I'll hold my other two and see if the oak integrates more before the structure dissipates. Keep your fingers crossed.
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3/27/2013 - Castle Peak wrote: 87 Points
Not great, but good enough for the price. Similar to earlier notes.
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3/20/2013 - Winoluver wrote: 90 Points
AGM
So much better than than bottle I drank in Oct '12. In that 5 mos dark fruit has moved to front & cocoa on finish. I did let it open for a couple hours first & it certainly didn't hurt.
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3/13/2013 - ddingley Likes this wine: 88 Points
Nice drinkable, affordable bottle of wine. Tasted more like a blend than a 100% Cab, maybe because it is lighter than most. Liked the consistency of fruit from nose through first taste through finish with some other earthier notes blended in. Good QPR
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2/22/2013 - GlassHalfFull wrote: 89 Points
Much better than last tasting. After 30 minutes, dark fruits and some minerals started to come through the tartness. Still on the thin side for a Howell Mountain cab, with a quite a bit of acidity and some tannin. Not great, but interesting enough to be worthwhile.
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2/10/2013 - mpsocal Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice juicy cab. Not too tannic and it has some nice fruit on the palate.
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2/4/2013 - Castle Peak wrote: 87 Points
Good everyday CA Cab.
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1/23/2013 - TastesGoodToMe wrote: 85 Points
Not worth the $20. Nothing horrible - just very thin, non complex, light and uninteresting.
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1/19/2013 - manny651 Likes this wine: 86 Points
A bit thin for a napa cab. Not my style.
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11/14/2012 - AngryPrez wrote: 90 Points
OK, so I know this wine is not one for the ages - but it is simply just a very enjoyable, flavorful bottle - very easy to drink and perfect for those that are not wine AfficIANAdos but need to be served a tasty wine at a great QPR-- like Allison's book club ...
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11/10/2012 - Castle Peak wrote: 85 Points
Great nose and dark ruby color, but was not all that impressed with the flavor profile and structure. Flat, thin and chalky. The fruit flavors were muted. No depth or intensity. Was surprised after reading all the rave reviews. Have a few more so will see if we had an off bottle tonight.
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10/31/2012 - jdjtk wrote: 93 Points
Very nice nose. Perfect tannins for a 2009. Balanced fruit, acidity and Bordeaux-style blend. I like the touch of Petite Sirah
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10/31/2012 - Travis D wrote: 89 Points
Great! Agree that is also excellent (if not more so) on day 2
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10/27/2012 - blaine wrote: 88 Points
Big luscious cab, ready for business, smooth and integrated tannins. Not a long term ager, but should develop nicely over the next couple of years...but why wait?
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10/26/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 91 Points
Doesn't get much better than this for around $25. One of the best Risas in recent memory and almost as good as the flagship WCR Howell Mountain. Very well done!
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10/24/2012 - broughstyle wrote: 92 Points
Fantastic and even better on day 2!
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10/15/2012 - hr3 wrote: 90 Points
Was much better on day 3.
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10/13/2012 - GlassHalfFull wrote: 87 Points
A bit thin, but some nice green complexity and firm tannins.
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10/12/2012 - shapsplace wrote: 91 Points
Dark ruby, very inviting. Dried cherries on first taste. Opens up very nice to a luscious fruits, smoke and a bit of chocolate.
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10/6/2012 - noahbw Likes this wine: 91 Points
Gave a few hours in the decanter. Deep dark red in the glass. Nose is complicated, strong with branches, some menthol, dirt, espresso, tar, vanilla, and green herbs. Palate delivers more of the same, while softening like thick velvet, and supple leather. Tannin blooms in slow motion. The finish is like a long reduction sauce, highlighted with gooey, jammy fruit. Wow. PJG: 91
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8/30/2012 - rodsjuice wrote: 87 Points
Decanted for several hours first. Color dark purple with a translucent glow. Nose mainly vanilla and blackberry. Palate is full bodied with a subtle tartness on the finish which was a little hot as well. Decent everyday wine. 5,12,15,5=87
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8/19/2012 - mqvn wrote: 86 Points
Rich flavors of blueberry, vanilla, and black cherry. Enjoyable wine.
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8/12/2012 - AngryPrez wrote: 90 Points
very flavorful, nice wine -- floral nose and very sooth tannins - great daily drinker at $25 Invino QPR
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8/11/2012 - joesi16 wrote: 90 Points
wow blueberry with a vanilla finish then some red fruit . light tannins. great buy for $20 sorry i only got 4.
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8/11/2012 - DecaturDan wrote: 90 Points
Took to a friend's and didn't decant. Good, but not as good as the last bottle that I decanted for 30-45 minutes. Still a great cab.
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7/25/2012 - DecaturDan wrote: 92 Points
Excellent cab; especially for the $20 I paid. Blueberry with a hint of vanilla. Nice finish. I have three more bottles, and would love to see how this one tastes after a little more time, but I'm not sure I'll be able to wait.
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7/23/2012 - mqvn wrote: 86 Points
Darker red fruit on the nose and palate. Not too tannic for such a young cab - an enjoyable wine at a great QPR.
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7/4/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 91 Points
Black and blue fruits underpinned with vanilla; approachable and smooth. Great structure. Long finish. Great buy. Made to "drink now", a perfect everyday drinker! Worked well with grilled sirloin on the 4th of July.
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7/4/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 91 Points
Totally agree with others comments; bought at $25 on Invino.com and it's worth every cent. I've always been a fan of the White Cottage "flagship" Howell Mountain Cabernet, and have enjoyed many vintages. This is a great value and will easily compete with much higher priced "Napa" Cabs. Will definitely look for more.
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7/2/2012 - MCrawford wrote: 92 Points
I'll run with the other "trackers" and score this 92!! This was exceptional, and one of the best wines I've had in months. Nice job by WTSO to get a $20 price point. The blueberry jumped out in the first glass. Decanted 60+ minutes, which I'm sure helped open things up. Solid structure, smooth tannins, very well balanced. If they throw this out again at this price I'll be getting more.
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6/29/2012 - Matteo's wrote: 92 Points
I agree. Great surprise at $19.99. Definately Howell Mountain. I'm a huge fan of O'Shaughnessy and this wine is the perfect daily drinker when you dont want to shell at $60 plus for a nice cab. I expect the price on the White Cottage to sky rocket when the secret gets out.
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6/26/2012 - wino121 Likes this wine: 92 Points
I read the reviews and thought,,,yea right 92pts, give me a break!
It's all there for a young colt, no doubt about the Howell Mnt fruit.
Bright and lush, perfect oak to fruit balance.
I remember when this wine was $45- usd..nice work Rudy Z!
Killer for 20 bucs!
Buy it, and drink it.
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6/26/2012 - IconeWino wrote: 92 Points
Consistent with previous note. Dang tasty. A great QPR at $20. Loving it.
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6/3/2012 - Cresus Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice nose of blue and black berries that continued on the palate. This wine needed to decant for a few hours but was quite nice. I'm looking forward to drinking the other bottle but not for another year or so.
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5/2/2012 - IconeWino wrote: 92 Points
Very nice. Not too much oak, not too much fruit. Very balanced. Medium finish with a little fresh wintergreen. Dark fruit on the nose.
Drinking well young. Probably slightly improve with some age, but no requirement to cellar.
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3/24/2012 - vegasoenophile wrote: 92 Points
Light in the glass and on the nose. Almost pinot noir-like. Very subtle. Aromas of pretty and delicate red berry fruit. Some camphor on the nose and slight eucalyptus. Florals and some chalk. On the palate it's lithe with a light, feminine profile. Pretty red bramble fruit. Flavors of currant, cherry and raspberry. Very nice balance. Good wine!
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