Decanted for sediment. Very tasty wine but definitely on the decline. Ripe blackberry and cassis still present along with some vanilla and toasty oak but wine drinks a little flabby on the palate at this point. Tannins are soft and resolved and acidity is medium at best. Has a delicious factor and enjoyable to just sit and sip on but finishes a bit sweet and oaky. Would drink up if holding any.
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very pleasant surprise. the cork was brittle and virtually disintegrated around the cork screw. But we jammed down the cork and poured the wine between two decanters as we filtered out and spooned out the cork. And then served and started drinking. So the wine was out of the bottle for perhaps a half hour prior to drinking. And it drank wonderfully. Tannins had dissipated. It was smooth and very balanced. We actually would have enjoyed the taste of the wine even if it the bottle opened normally. But quite a bonus given the state of the cork.
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Lots of skepticism about this wine for the first five years; experience shows, it can often take time for some of these Napa “Mountain Wines” to resolve and integrate their tannic structure. Deep ruby, aromatics and flavors of all black drying fruits; structure still notable revealing a wine that still has lots of life. In the last stages of development but should cellar for another 5-7 years. Long finish, had no problem with a grilled ribeye.
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The nose leaps out of the glass. Identifiably Napa. Aromas of currant, chili mango candy, crushed raspberries. Young still, with joyful raspberry fruit. Chili mango candy spices things up. Exciting. This is the best Levendi wine I've had to date. The others don't come close. Drinking well now, but I'd recommend giving it another couple of years, as it has the bones to last.
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Based on recent reviews, decided to open last bottle. Pnp small glass. As expected rich luxurious fruit was subdued; profile was flat and uninteresting. Worse with over 30 min in glass. Added N2 to the bottle and refridgerated. Far better the next day. Structure, liveliness and complexity returned--quite enjoyable. It appears to have gone into a "dumb" phase. Will see how it evolves over next 3 days; it might have 5 more years. If you have some more bottles, might wait at least a year, or give it a cool night with N2. In my experience (alone), decanting seems to ruin dumb wines....cheers.
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Don't decant, and, if possible, serve at a large setting so that one can pour to several people at once and pretty much pour out the entire bottle. It is really fruity and very tasty immediately upon opening. A real treat. But it does not do well even in the first half hour after opening, let alone a couple hours later.
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Dark ruby in color. Beautiful nose of dark cherries and cigar box. This drank best as a pnp. Out of the hole it had big tannins but it was balanced by the juicy acidity. Drank this over 2 hours. The air softened the tannins but it unfortunately also subdued the fruit. Liked the first glass best and probably would have enjoyed it more 2 years ago.
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This wine has aged beautifully. Rich nose, deep color. Ripe, dark fruit; notes of leather, cedar, vanilla. No need to decant. I bought half a case 5 years ago and wish I had more left.
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Decanted. Aromas are rich and showing a balance between its youth and maturity. Scents of cassis, macerated blackberry, plum and dark cherry that are supported by notes of leather, cigar box, pencil shavings, caramel, toffee, mocha, vanilla bean, dark toast, herbs and warm stone. The palate reveals the prime of this wine. Fine grained tannins, juicy-berry laced acidity and fleshy mid-palate texture showcase the full body that gives up flavors of cassis, blackberry, black plum, wild mountain herbs, toast and cedar; all strongly supported by No.2 pencil, vanilla bean, mocha, leather, cigar, toffee, caramel, earth and rock. Exceptionally long and complex through the finish. Getting better with time and should continue to improve.
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Based on a prior tasting note, we did not decant ahead of time. We did pour into a decanter, but started to drink right away. It was wonderful at the beginning. So drinkable. But we waited on the balance until steaks were served, and an hour later it was a different wine. It was much stronger, and did go well with the meat, but was not as drinkable on its own. I would not suggest decanting and letting it air out. Drink it right away
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Opaque purple in color. Decanted for 1.5 hours and drank over another hour and a half. Big nose, this drank pretty easy from the get go with a strong mid palate and decent finish with sweet tannins. I thought it lost a touch of vibrancy as the night wore on. Next time only an hour decant. This is in a prime drinking window. Nice bottle for the $42 I paid for it. I am a big fan of 2007 Cabernets.
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This is my first bottle of the case so I have a long way to go. I was a bit nervous when I opened it because the cork was a bit moist, but not to worry. This is some seriously good wine. Full bodied, dark fruit and pronounced pencil lead notes.
I hope it continues to mature and develop. This could be special in a few years.
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Opaque, garnet appearance. It has some baby fat to shed but this is muscular, long, penetrating, and mouth filling. Black fruit aromas segue into notes of currants, cherries, chocolate, dill, and pencil shavings. Shows good concentration on the broad finish. Decant or for the cellar.
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Popped and poured. Really nice nose of blueberry, cassis, black currant, charred oak, vanilla and some dark chocolate. Really enjoyable to smell this wine. Similar flavors on the palate with a nice burst of ripe, dark blue fruit and toasty oak flavors. Medium+ acid and tannins and a medium+ plus. Looking forward to trying this wine again in a more relaxed setting but this was quite nice.
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Not rating, as I suspect this could be slightly corked. Just seems a bit muted and I think there's the slightest hint of TCA...otherwise this seems ready to rock so looking forward to the next bottle.
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I agree with others that this is improving with cellar time. I had a 2007 Chimney Rock Stags Leap Cab last night and this Levendi Stagecoach Vineyard is much more primary. CR SL cab was very smooth lacking acidity and tannins. The Levendi has great depth of color and a full mouth-full. Great silky texture. Still with nice crisp acidity and drying tannins but with fruit to spare. Think this has yet to reach its peak. Good to go for 5-8 years. Glad I have a few more, will try to wait.
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Decanted 3 hours Aromas of Moderate+ intensity present scents of rich caramel, cedar, sandalwood, flowers, smoke, currant, cassis, espresso, sweet vanilla bean pods, toast, pencil shavings, toffee and herbs are complex and mouthwatering. The palate is full bodied and structured, with moderate+ acidity, tannins and alcohol. The density on the mid-palate is also mod+, with weight and balance. The flavors are absolutely remarkable with rich caramel laced tones of cassis, cedar, toffee, vanilla, floral tones, tea, espresso and burnt toast. Complex and in the infancy of its prime. the finish is long, dry and lingers on the sweet vanilla bean, caramel and cedar flavors.
Overall beautiful, well made and a must have for the cellar!
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Definitely improving with age. More layering and deep fruit when given air. Needed two hours to peak so has lots of life left. When popped and poured at cellar temperature, has a Bordeaux character to it but strictly Cali with warmth and air.
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Tuesday Night Double Blind <$30 (Bin 75): Black core with reddish purple rim; kind of funky nose, oxidative, flowers, red cherry, sour plum, spice; fruit is darker on the palate, blackberry, some red cherry, sandalwood, higher alcohol, fuller body, lower acid, tart blackberry, some tannin, dill, sandy, cedar; ok but I'd expect more from this vineyard in a good vintage.
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Nice wine that could become excellent with time. Nice Stagecoach fruit that bursts with cassis. Silky texture and decent finish. Very dark and inky. Kind of simple at this point. Delicious though.
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Fruit forward, nice finish, smoother with time and air, opened bottles for an investors gathering and everyone smiled when they tasted. Sophisticated for an unsophisticated price. Will purchase more.
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This is my third bottle. This one was SIGNIFICANTLY better than the previous bottles. The fruit was well integrated with the "big cab" nose. Before the nose was off. Solid wine.
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Based on my experience with the 2006 Levendi Cabernet, I knew to decant this for at least two hours. Deep dark purple with aromas of black currant, dark cherries, blackberries and vanilla. Very smooth and starting to show some silkiness; tannins seem to be integrating well. Big, but also balanced. Very long, lingering finish. As compared to the 2006 Juslyn Estate Cabernet, this was slightly better. Just as good and maybe slightly better than the 2006 Levendi Cabernet.
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10/7/2023 - Rich S wrote: 88 Points
Decanted for sediment. Very tasty wine but definitely on the decline. Ripe blackberry and cassis still present along with some vanilla and toasty oak but wine drinks a little flabby on the palate at this point. Tannins are soft and resolved and acidity is medium at best. Has a delicious factor and enjoyable to just sit and sip on but finishes a bit sweet and oaky. Would drink up if holding any.
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5/10/2020 - jzebrack Likes this wine: 92 Points
very pleasant surprise.
the cork was brittle and virtually disintegrated around the cork screw.
But we jammed down the cork and poured the wine between two decanters as we filtered out and spooned out the cork.
And then served and started drinking. So the wine was out of the bottle for perhaps a half hour prior to drinking. And it drank wonderfully.
Tannins had dissipated. It was smooth and very balanced.
We actually would have enjoyed the taste of the wine even if it the bottle opened normally. But quite a bonus given the state of the cork.
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12/21/2019 - wmccone54 wrote: 93 Points
Lots of skepticism about this wine for the first five years; experience shows, it can often take time for some of these Napa “Mountain Wines” to resolve and integrate their tannic structure. Deep ruby, aromatics and flavors of all black drying fruits; structure still notable revealing a wine that still has lots of life. In the last stages of development but should cellar for another 5-7 years. Long finish, had no problem with a grilled ribeye.
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11/22/2018 - jzebrack wrote: 80 Points
bad cork.
wine did not necessarily taste corked, but it certainly was not very good
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11/5/2018 - Charlie.Gail Likes this wine: 92 Points
A wonderful wine. Popped the cork and poured...it is full-bodied, delicious.
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6/28/2018 - Doc90 Likes this wine: 92 Points
The nose leaps out of the glass. Identifiably Napa. Aromas of currant, chili mango candy, crushed raspberries. Young still, with joyful raspberry fruit. Chili mango candy spices things up. Exciting. This is the best Levendi wine I've had to date. The others don't come close. Drinking well now, but I'd recommend giving it another couple of years, as it has the bones to last.
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10/22/2017 - reidan1@verizon.net wrote: 93 Points
Based on recent reviews, decided to open last bottle. Pnp small glass. As expected rich luxurious fruit was subdued; profile was flat and uninteresting. Worse with over 30 min in glass. Added N2 to the bottle and refridgerated. Far better the next day. Structure, liveliness and complexity returned--quite enjoyable. It appears to have gone into a "dumb" phase. Will see how it evolves over next 3 days; it might have 5 more years. If you have some more bottles, might wait at least a year, or give it a cool night with N2. In my experience (alone), decanting seems to ruin dumb wines....cheers.
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9/2/2017 - jzebrack wrote: 91 Points
Don't decant, and, if possible, serve at a large setting so that one can pour to several people at once and pretty much pour out the entire bottle.
It is really fruity and very tasty immediately upon opening.
A real treat.
But it does not do well even in the first half hour after opening, let alone a couple hours later.
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6/2/2017 - RayT Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark ruby in color. Beautiful nose of dark cherries and cigar box. This drank best as a pnp. Out of the hole it had big tannins but it was balanced by the juicy acidity. Drank this over 2 hours. The air softened the tannins but it unfortunately also subdued the fruit. Liked the first glass best and probably would have enjoyed it more 2 years ago.
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5/19/2017 - Reblin Likes this wine: 93 Points
This wine has aged beautifully. Rich nose, deep color. Ripe, dark fruit; notes of leather, cedar, vanilla. No need to decant. I bought half a case 5 years ago and wish I had more left.
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4/15/2017 - bjamesclark wrote: 94 Points
Decanted.
Aromas are rich and showing a balance between its youth and maturity. Scents of cassis, macerated blackberry, plum and dark cherry that are supported by notes of leather, cigar box, pencil shavings, caramel, toffee, mocha, vanilla bean, dark toast, herbs and warm stone.
The palate reveals the prime of this wine. Fine grained tannins, juicy-berry laced acidity and fleshy mid-palate texture showcase the full body that gives up flavors of cassis, blackberry, black plum, wild mountain herbs, toast and cedar; all strongly supported by No.2 pencil, vanilla bean, mocha, leather, cigar, toffee, caramel, earth and rock. Exceptionally long and complex through the finish.
Getting better with time and should continue to improve.
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3/9/2017 - jzebrack Likes this wine: 92 Points
Based on a prior tasting note, we did not decant ahead of time. We did pour into a decanter, but started to drink right away. It was wonderful at the beginning. So drinkable. But we waited on the balance until steaks were served, and an hour later it was a different wine. It was much stronger, and did go well with the meat, but was not as drinkable on its own.
I would not suggest decanting and letting it air out. Drink it right away
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11/14/2016 - RayT Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opaque purple in color. Decanted for 1.5 hours and drank over another hour and a half. Big nose, this drank pretty easy from the get go with a strong mid palate and decent finish with sweet tannins. I thought it lost a touch of vibrancy as the night wore on. Next time only an hour decant. This is in a prime drinking window. Nice bottle for the $42 I paid for it. I am a big fan of 2007 Cabernets.
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10/3/2015 - theoves Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is my first bottle of the case so I have a long way to go. I was a bit nervous when I opened it because the cork was a bit moist, but not to worry. This is some seriously good wine. Full bodied, dark fruit and pronounced pencil lead notes.
I hope it continues to mature and develop. This could be special in a few years.
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8/25/2015 - Rich S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistent with previous bottle.
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8/2/2015 - Baron Slick wrote: 92 Points
Opaque, garnet appearance. It has some baby fat to shed but this is muscular, long, penetrating, and mouth filling. Black fruit aromas segue into notes of currants, cherries, chocolate, dill, and pencil shavings. Shows good concentration on the broad finish. Decant or for the cellar.
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5/10/2015 - Rich S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped and poured. Really nice nose of blueberry, cassis, black currant, charred oak, vanilla and some dark chocolate. Really enjoyable to smell this wine. Similar flavors on the palate with a nice burst of ripe, dark blue fruit and toasty oak flavors. Medium+ acid and tannins and a medium+ plus. Looking forward to trying this wine again in a more relaxed setting but this was quite nice.
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4/5/2015 - Reblin Likes this wine: 90 Points
Smooth, balanced fruit and some notes of tobacco and chocolate. Good density, medium finish.
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3/18/2015 - wirelesswine wrote: flawed
Not rating, as I suspect this could be slightly corked. Just seems a bit muted and I think there's the slightest hint of TCA...otherwise this seems ready to rock so looking forward to the next bottle.
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3/2/2015 - JKelly05 wrote:
Last..wish I had more..decanted 2hrs and drank with the 06..showed very nicely
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1/22/2015 - ddmhunter wrote: 93 Points
Tasted previously and it has aged nicely. Dark fruit, chocolate and hint of tobacco flowing to finish with medium tannins. A pleasure to consume :)
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10/2/2014 - meatbomb013 Likes this wine: 94 Points
I agree with others that this is improving with cellar time.
I had a 2007 Chimney Rock Stags Leap Cab last night and this Levendi Stagecoach Vineyard is much more primary. CR SL cab was very smooth lacking acidity and tannins. The Levendi has great depth of color and a full mouth-full. Great silky texture. Still with nice crisp acidity and drying tannins but with fruit to spare. Think this has yet to reach its peak. Good to go for 5-8 years. Glad I have a few more, will try to wait.
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8/3/2014 - bjamesclark wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 3 hours
Aromas of Moderate+ intensity present scents of rich caramel, cedar, sandalwood, flowers, smoke, currant, cassis, espresso, sweet vanilla bean pods, toast, pencil shavings, toffee and herbs are complex and mouthwatering.
The palate is full bodied and structured, with moderate+ acidity, tannins and alcohol. The density on the mid-palate is also mod+, with weight and balance. The flavors are absolutely remarkable with rich caramel laced tones of cassis, cedar, toffee, vanilla, floral tones, tea, espresso and burnt toast. Complex and in the infancy of its prime. the finish is long, dry and lingers on the sweet vanilla bean, caramel and cedar flavors.
Overall beautiful, well made and a must have for the cellar!
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5/7/2014 - iamandyc Likes this wine: 91 Points
Definitely improving with age. More layering and deep fruit when given air. Needed two hours to peak so has lots of life left. When popped and poured at cellar temperature, has a Bordeaux character to it but strictly Cali with warmth and air.
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4/22/2014 - Rezy13 wrote:
Tuesday Night Double Blind <$30 (Bin 75): Black core with reddish purple rim; kind of funky nose, oxidative, flowers, red cherry, sour plum, spice; fruit is darker on the palate, blackberry, some red cherry, sandalwood, higher alcohol, fuller body, lower acid, tart blackberry, some tannin, dill, sandy, cedar; ok but I'd expect more from this vineyard in a good vintage.
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4/20/2014 - Love Good Wine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Had this wine with Easter dinner. Drinking very nicely now. Balanced, nice fruit, a lovely wine. It has greatly improved after two years in my cellar!
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3/2/2014 - awineo Likes this wine: 93 Points
Ok so I drank it early and rated it too low.
I plan to edit my earlier ratings but not the test.
This wine finally came around and was excellent.
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1/11/2014 - wmccone54 wrote: 93 Points
Drinking great, but recommend a good decant for the forseeable future.
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12/31/2013 - mdmerle wrote: 93 Points
Lahaina Grill
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12/11/2013 - awineo Likes this wine: 92 Points
This one is finally coming around. The fruit was much more integrated and the "odd" tastes were gone. A pretty good bottle.
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10/10/2013 - awineo wrote: 90 Points
Ok I found 6 more bottles tucked in the bulk storage bin....... it is getting better. Still not my favorite.
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7/22/2013 - awineo wrote: 89 Points
Last bottle. This one just never made the grade. Better stuff out there for less.
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7/21/2013 - iamandyc wrote: 89 Points
Nice wine that could become excellent with time. Nice Stagecoach fruit that bursts with cassis. Silky texture and decent finish. Very dark and inky. Kind of simple at this point. Delicious though.
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7/1/2013 - awineo wrote: 87 Points
Pretty bottle, but the wine is just off on the nose and the fruit is not balanced. Drinks ok once you "adjust"
ADDED COMMENT AFTER THE FACT:
I think this bottle might have just been off. All bottles I drank after this one were just getting better and better.
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5/22/2013 - awineo wrote: 90 Points
Fancy bottle, fancy price, not so fancy wine.
I raised the rating from 88 to 90 because the later bottles were much better.
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2/15/2013 - Waitingforguffman Likes this wine: 90 Points
Fruit forward, nice finish, smoother with time and air, opened bottles for an investors gathering and everyone smiled when they tasted.
Sophisticated for an unsophisticated price. Will purchase more.
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12/3/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is my third bottle. This one was SIGNIFICANTLY better than the previous bottles. The fruit was well integrated with the "big cab" nose. Before the nose was off. Solid wine.
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11/17/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 93 Points
Consistent with September 2012 TN. Very, very solid.
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11/6/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 88 Points
This wine has some "odd" overtones in the front end fruit. Otherwise it is solid.
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10/22/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 92 Points
Just came in and had to try it. I think it was a little backwards because of bottle shock. Giving it the benefit of the doubt for now.
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9/29/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 93 Points
Based on my experience with the 2006 Levendi Cabernet, I knew to decant this for at least two hours. Deep dark purple with aromas of black currant, dark cherries, blackberries and vanilla. Very smooth and starting to show some silkiness; tannins seem to be integrating well. Big, but also balanced. Very long, lingering finish. As compared to the 2006 Juslyn Estate Cabernet, this was slightly better. Just as good and maybe slightly better than the 2006 Levendi Cabernet.
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