Remember the girl in high school who was so sweet that she was boring...?
The nose of this wine is strong and rich with jammy blackcurrant. A monolithic, sweet, fruit forward body dominates the palate. Only soft tannins remain, ready to drink now. A surprising tobacco note on the round finish.
...she smokes?
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PNP, second bottle tonight I found serendipitously while ruminating through my cellar,, seems rather consistent with previous notes, dark fruit, a bit disjointed, big oak,, ok nothing more.
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Cork finished, nice 5 band cork with not a bit of purple on sides. Tasted in a Riedel Bordeaux, good choice for it.
A touch of transparency of a mm or two, deep purple-red like a deeply colored tea rose and sweet vanilla oak,; but no bricking at this stage.
Blackcurrant and tea with leaf and tar, some hints of mint and a little bitter weediness.
Savory palate, edged about with savory, firm tannins, sweet tannins; medium finish.
A great wine with a Beppo Uno pizza with prosciutto and mushrooms. This wine is very fine current drinking, but there's no hurry. A joy to drink with the pizza.
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The nose on this bottle was full of flowery fruit, the palate was a bit disappointing, with red plums, some dark cherry, but overall it was a bit thin and austere. Drank along side with the 2008 from this producer which was much richer and concentrated.
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Weekly tasting group #144; A fully blind test. (@ The factory by MN): Red with a slightly carmine rim. In the bouquet fresh cherries and some sweet spices. On the palate juicy and friendly fruits, some sweet spices, coffee and cocoa. Ok acidity, some oak and round tannin. A really nice wine with a good qpr. Ready now and the next few years.
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No mistaken this for new world, big black berry, dark cherry, hints of chocolate, rich, hints of chocolate low tannins, drink over the next several years,
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Two years since last tasted, splash decanted, loads of dark fruit, blackberry, black currant,, some coffee notes, good dose of oak on the finish.. Smooth, concentrated, rich, more forward than I would have thought!
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From a Tasting Room 50 ml. Nose: Light-medium expressiveness, blue fruit - plum and blueberry, dust, white pepper and leather. Palate: Medium bodied, blueberry, black berry, with hints of white pepper on the attack, nice balance between the tannins and acid make combine thru the mid-palate with the up front fruit, an earthiness joins in the back-end and lingers thru a medium-plus length finish. I really like the balance in this effort, good fruit but not over the top.
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Dark fruit on nose and palate. Wine is not complex and not very exciting. However the wine is very smooth. Can't see anybody loving this wine but can't imagine anybody hating it either.
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Lacking on the nose. Easy-drinking on the palate right from the get go, with black cherry flavors and medium tannins on the midpalate and through the finish. A solid, crowd-pleasing Cab., food-friendly and versatile. Would pair well with any oily dishes involving burnt ends or spice (as per the winemaker's notes: "this wine pairs well with grilled rib eye or pork chops, steak tartare, chorizo and seafood paella, wild mushroom and scallop risotto, smoked duck sausage over polenta, garlic marinated prime rib, braised lamb shanks, pork or beef barbequed ribs and hearty pasta dishes such as baked rigatoni"). Drank well over two hours. Worth buying especially if you can get it for under $25 (that is, in New Jersey...). Perfect as a Monday night pizza wine. 14.5% ABV. Drink now through... 2018? 88-89
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Delicious wine. Right at opening was a bit fruity on the front end but developed a nicely balanced spicy finish after a few minutes and a double decant. Peppery almost and very smooth.
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Second Cab of the evening. This one was better for an oaked California cab. A touch of dark fruit up front, oaked middle, smooth tannins, earthy lingering finish.
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Nice color and ripe fruit aroma on the nose. Balanced wine with ample fruit and spice flavor. Medium earthy finish making this a very enjoyable wine for a reasonable price
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Opened and poured through Vinturi aerator. Closed a bit at first, but opened up on day two. Not overly complex but not bad for the price. Held up okay to filet mignon.
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Medium(+) ruby with purple hue, slow moving legs at 14.5% abv. Medium(-)-medium developing nose of red fruits, green bell pepper, wood. Off-dry-dry, medium acidity, medium(-) mellow tannins, medium(-) body and high alcohol. Medium flavours of black cherries, kirsch, chocolate, M'on Cherie' bonbons, oak. Balance is ok, with a tad too much hot alcohol and a could use more structure. Jammy texture, good length and the tannins do well in the finish.
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Not what I expect from a Raymond. Subtly a bit sweeter. Mellow tannins. Miss the Rutherford dust. Tasted after a 2 hr decant. The winery said their new winemaker blended this one.
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Very nice wine. After an hour in the decanter, this started off spicy with blackberries and cherries. Nice, well balanced earthy finish with hints of leather and tobacco. Great value at $25; I'll definitely pick up more.
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Really nice black currant, cedar and a hint of vanilla on the nose. Good plush mouthfeel with a long finish. Drinking good now and should only get more balanced in a few years. Great QPR.
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Cherry & Vanilla Coke, and root beer with a twist of mint, this may overstate the sweetness but it is there. Some pumpkin pie spice. Grippy, dusty tannins.
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8/28/2018 - Zoomin Z Likes this wine: 90 Points
Remember the girl in high school who was so sweet that she was boring...?
The nose of this wine is strong and rich with jammy blackcurrant. A monolithic, sweet, fruit forward body dominates the palate. Only soft tannins remain, ready to drink now. A surprising tobacco note on the round finish.
...she smokes?
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2/13/2018 - Ed B wrote: 90 Points
Second bottle of the night. PnP. No detailed notes. Smooth. Nice flavor. Drinking well.
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1/19/2018 - wineshaman wrote: 88 Points
PNP, second bottle tonight I found serendipitously while ruminating through my cellar,, seems rather consistent with previous notes, dark fruit, a bit disjointed, big oak,, ok nothing more.
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10/6/2017 - wineshaman wrote: 87 Points
Decanted 1 hr, simple, 1 dimensional with lots of cedary oak, soft fruity finish that saves this cab from being draino.
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9/23/2017 - wineshaman wrote: 87 Points
This bottle was easy enough to drink but lacked complexity, with modest amounts of fruit, kinda boring.
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5/11/2017 - Bro Likes this wine: 90 Points
Robe de couleur rubis foncé ... Nez sur les fruits noirs, le tabac et les effluves empyreumatiques ... Papilles sur la noix de coco et le chocolat ...
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12/25/2016 - wineshaman wrote: 87 Points
Smooth and soft, a bit green, herbal notes, plum, cassis, ready now.
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3/12/2016 - wineshaman wrote: 88 Points
Decent cab with a little bottle age, nothing special nor did i expect it to be. Drink or hold!;
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2/22/2016 - ddgd Likes this wine: 88 Points
Medium plus presentation, deep garnet coloring and enjoyable but short finish. Expected more in this price point, vintage and reserve selection.
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2/5/2016 - sweetstuff wrote: 89 Points
Cork finished, nice 5 band cork with not a bit of purple on sides. Tasted in a Riedel Bordeaux, good choice for it.
A touch of transparency of a mm or two, deep purple-red like a deeply colored tea rose and sweet vanilla oak,; but no bricking at this stage.
Blackcurrant and tea with leaf and tar, some hints of mint and a little bitter weediness.
Savory palate, edged about with savory, firm tannins, sweet tannins; medium finish.
A great wine with a Beppo Uno pizza with prosciutto and mushrooms. This wine is very fine current drinking, but there's no hurry. A joy to drink with the pizza.
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12/26/2015 - wineshaman wrote: 87 Points
This bottle was a bit disjointed, plum, currants, tan is seem a bit harsh and over powering.
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12/4/2015 - wineshaman wrote: 90 Points
Plenty of cedar, nice dark plum, cassis, currants, lacking a bit of complexity.
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6/6/2015 - wineshaman wrote: 87 Points
The nose on this bottle was full of flowery fruit, the palate was a bit disappointing, with red plums, some dark cherry, but overall it was a bit thin and austere. Drank along side with the 2008 from this producer which was much richer and concentrated.
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11/24/2014 - Zweder wrote: 88 Points
Weekly tasting group #144; A fully blind test. (@ The factory by MN): Red with a slightly carmine rim. In the bouquet fresh cherries and some sweet spices. On the palate juicy and friendly fruits, some sweet spices, coffee and cocoa. Ok acidity, some oak and round tannin. A really nice wine with a good qpr. Ready now and the next few years.
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10/17/2014 - wineshaman wrote: 89 Points
No mistaken this for new world, big black berry, dark cherry, hints of chocolate, rich, hints of chocolate low tannins, drink over the next several years,
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8/15/2014 - Johnbaier wrote: 89 Points
Smooth full bodied, good finish, black current, smoke, vanilla.
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5/31/2014 - wineshaman wrote: 90 Points
Two years since last tasted, splash decanted, loads of dark fruit, blackberry, black currant,, some coffee notes, good dose of oak on the finish.. Smooth, concentrated, rich, more forward than I would have thought!
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3/23/2014 - prasm Likes this wine: 90 Points
From a Tasting Room 50 ml. Nose: Light-medium expressiveness, blue fruit - plum and blueberry, dust, white pepper and leather. Palate: Medium bodied, blueberry, black berry, with hints of white pepper on the attack, nice balance between the tannins and acid make combine thru the mid-palate with the up front fruit, an earthiness joins in the back-end and lingers thru a medium-plus length finish. I really like the balance in this effort, good fruit but not over the top.
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2/13/2014 - Gobertub wrote: 84 Points
Light taste
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2/7/2014 - Big Joe wrote: 91 Points
Must be aging nicely! Good grapes. Would buy for the cellar.
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12/18/2013 - maxima wrote: 86 Points
Fermé au nez, un peu de bois et de cerises.
En bouche, café et vanille avec un peu de chauffe en finale.
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9/13/2013 - APMX Likes this wine: 87 Points
Dark fruit on nose and palate. Wine is not complex and not very exciting. However the wine is very smooth. Can't see anybody loving this wine but can't imagine anybody hating it either.
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8/15/2013 - MoreWinePlease Likes this wine: 89 Points
Jammy, sweet oak, nice mouth feel, black cherry. Good wine for grilled steaks.
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6/19/2013 - wabi47 wrote: 88 Points
young and a bit chunky, with good black cherry, not quite integrated oak, clove, earth. Enough structure to hold.
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6/10/2013 - joraesque wrote: 89 Points
Lacking on the nose. Easy-drinking on the palate right from the get go, with black cherry flavors and medium tannins on the midpalate and through the finish. A solid, crowd-pleasing Cab., food-friendly and versatile. Would pair well with any oily dishes involving burnt ends or spice (as per the winemaker's notes: "this wine pairs well with grilled rib eye or pork chops, steak tartare, chorizo and seafood paella, wild mushroom and scallop risotto, smoked duck sausage over polenta, garlic marinated prime rib, braised lamb shanks, pork or beef barbequed ribs and hearty pasta dishes such as baked rigatoni"). Drank well over two hours. Worth buying especially if you can get it for under $25 (that is, in New Jersey...). Perfect as a Monday night pizza wine. 14.5% ABV. Drink now through... 2018? 88-89
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4/21/2013 - wabi47 wrote: 89 Points
sweet blackberry and black currant; some earth, tobacco; good, albeit slightly coarse acidity; still young
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3/11/2013 - paulst Likes this wine: 85 Points
The initial impression never changes. Some soft fruit with a bit of heat. Rather boring.
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3/4/2013 - damaw6 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Delicious wine. Right at opening was a bit fruity on the front end but developed a nicely balanced spicy finish after a few minutes and a double decant. Peppery almost and very smooth.
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12/24/2012 - DanTheRhoneFan wrote: 88 Points
Second Cab of the evening. This one was better for an oaked California cab. A touch of dark fruit up front, oaked middle, smooth tannins, earthy lingering finish.
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12/15/2012 - astroman wrote:
California Cabernet Tasting: Rather tight.
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12/9/2012 - paulst Does not like this wine:
Linear with some earth and light flat raisen.
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12/6/2012 - gigawine Likes this wine: 88 Points
a smooth one before dinner
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11/29/2012 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Sweet and cherry. Very delicious and with just enough tannins.
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11/24/2012 - Tiderunner22 wrote: 89 Points
Nice color and ripe fruit aroma on the nose. Balanced wine with ample fruit and spice flavor. Medium earthy finish making this a very enjoyable wine for a reasonable price
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11/20/2012 - Americana Likes this wine: 88 Points
Opened and poured through Vinturi aerator. Closed a bit at first, but opened up on day two. Not overly complex but not bad for the price. Held up okay to filet mignon.
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11/20/2012 - Barolo Raymond wrote: 88 Points
Medium(+) ruby with purple hue, slow moving legs at 14.5% abv. Medium(-)-medium developing nose of red fruits, green bell pepper, wood. Off-dry-dry, medium acidity, medium(-) mellow tannins, medium(-) body and high alcohol. Medium flavours of black cherries, kirsch, chocolate, M'on Cherie' bonbons, oak. Balance is ok, with a tad too much hot alcohol and a could use more structure. Jammy texture, good length and the tannins do well in the finish.
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10/28/2012 - theoz wrote: 90 Points
Dark fruit, cedar/oak, light vanilla, evolved nicely over the evening.
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10/17/2012 - BrianT wrote: 88 Points
Anise, pepper, tobacco on the nose. Sweet dark cherry, plums, vanilla on the palate. Finishes with very fine tannins.
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8/27/2012 - alohaboys wrote: 84 Points
Not what I expect from a Raymond. Subtly a bit sweeter. Mellow tannins. Miss the Rutherford dust. Tasted after a 2 hr decant. The winery said their new winemaker blended this one.
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8/12/2012 - cestes wrote: 89 Points
Very nice wine. After an hour in the decanter, this started off spicy with blackberries and cherries. Nice, well balanced earthy finish with hints of leather and tobacco. Great value at $25; I'll definitely pick up more.
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8/8/2012 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Pretty cabby cab. Fruit prices drove it above $30 which is annoying.
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7/26/2012 - cpgarage wrote: 86 Points
Nice color, good nose. Smooth and light tannins on the finish.
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5/30/2012 - CabIsKing wrote: 91 Points
Really nice black currant, cedar and a hint of vanilla on the nose. Good plush mouthfeel with a long finish. Drinking good now and should only get more balanced in a few years. Great QPR.
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5/19/2012 - eolesh wrote: 86 Points
Cherry & Vanilla Coke, and root beer with a twist of mint, this may overstate the sweetness but it is there. Some pumpkin pie spice. Grippy, dusty tannins.
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5/16/2012 - wineshaman wrote: 89 Points
Currant/cassis, cedar, coffee, still a bit young.
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4/25/2012 - kwistie wrote: 88 Points
Smooth and easy, mellow tannins. Would definitely drink again.
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4/14/2012 - NapaDave wrote: 82 Points
Bulk Cab
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1/6/2012 - Drankthewholebottle wrote: 90 Points
Outstanding color and nose. Well integrated score chasing fruit and a pleasure to drink.
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