Pop and pour. 14.5% a.b.v. Dark maroon color. Very thick, slow legs. If I was drinking this blind, I'd swear it was a Chateauneuf du Pape based on the intial nose which was heavy on fresh strawberries and garrigue. As it opens, there's lots of licorice, but still lots of fruit. Initial palate is fruit forward with a nice balance of clean tannins helping to focus the fresh fruit. Lots of plush fruit, almost candied, but not a fruit bomb, and also not overoaked either. Noticable alcoholic heat on the back palate. Clean finish. Good structure and depth, it's a potent wine, but not any great complexity at this time. The fruit is still quite fresh, so it's a safe bet this bottle could age longer, but it is drinking nicely now.
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Interesting, if not a bit awkward. Started out with dominating oak and black fruit. Opened up into an enjoyable wine. Definitely a bit out of balance but an interesting bottle. Probably a bit overpriced at $35, but the age gives the bottle some additional charm.
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Deacnted for 2hrs, dark fruit, chocolate, alcohol and a touch of mint in the nose. Some blackberry and cassis on the palate, though not as concentrated as I would like. A little vanilla, some heat and still plenty of tannins. Based on this bottle I don't believe the fruit will outlast the tannins i the long run, so i would drink up. Still a pleasure to drink now.
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This wine has a dark purple color, heavy body and 14.5% alcohol. It gives off aromas o black currants, dark berries, creme de cocoa and spices. It tastes of black currants, black cherry, dark berries and spices. It still has plenty of tannin, and enough acid where I think this wine has not yet hit its peak. Try again in 3 to 5 years, it might have a chance at seeing 20 years and being a good wine, but anything after that is a definite risk. Bottom line, if you have this wine, forget you have it for another 3 to 5 years. If it improves, it could easily go from a 90 to 93 or 94.
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Popped and poured. Initial funky aroma of stewed dark fruit blew off to reveal sour cherry, cedar, bell pepper, mint, and black currant. On the palate, cherry, mint, tobacco, cedar, black currant. Finishes with vibrant acidity and firm tannins. Well balanced. Drink. OK value
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Again a very nice bottle. Rather tight and rough for the first 30-45 min. and then opens up and mellows out. Not a lot of complex flavors, but there is plenty of dark fruit and oak, a nice full mouthfeel, and good balance with ample tannins. It has a medium-long, fruity and slightly rough finish. I think it has plenty of life remaining and overall is a nice wine and a good value.
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Again a bit richer and fruitier than prior bottles. Balanced with black and red fruits and a bit of cassis. Nice full, rich texture with good structure. Very flavorful and drinking great right now.
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This seems to have benefitted from some additional time. The flavors - red and dark fruits with some oak - seemed richer than I recall from prior bottles. Good texture and nicely balanced, and with a bit of complexity. Not a typical big Cali cabernet - drank a bit more like a meritage. Very enjoyable.
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Clear, medium plus intensity ruby color. Clean, medium intensity aromas of red fruits, smoke, wood, and some earthiness. Medium acid, light-medium tannin, medium body. Flavors match aromas, with short-medium length finish. Nice food wine, and starting to come into a good drinking window. Hold or drink over next 2-4 years.
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Surprisingly good. Somewhat muted at first, it stared to open up after about 30 minutes. Has all the elements of a very good cabernet, but at a reduced level from the higher end cabs. Everything seemed somewhat muted and restained - but it was all very enjoyable.
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Popped and poured with frozen pizza dinner. A little disjointed at first but came together as the night went on. The finish was relatively short and hot.
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This seemed to have finally come together quite nicely. The tanins, while still present, provide a good frame to carry the medium berry fruits, cedar, and herbs. Not mindblowing, but very satisfying indeed.
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Green pepper aromas and slightly dull fruit. A nice layer of spice and herb with little tannin. Has what can only be described as an "artificial fruit" flavor. Expected more.
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Big tannic wine. Typical of Spring Mountain. However, there was a big green, herbal, underripe streak right through the midpalate that I really disliked. Might have to try again sometime.
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On clearance at a local retailer for $18. Nice nose and dark color, but on the palate it falls a little short, especially for an '01 CS. Right now Im just not getting alot of fruit as its rather burly and somewhat tannic. Medium bodied but just not balanced right now. I dont have experience with these so not sure where this one is headed. Its really not a bad buy for $18 but not a strong buy either...
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2001 was a great vintage, we all know that. Now, which wines were really interesting? In October I took a trip to California with our intrepid GM, Brian, and two unwitting clients. We traipsed down the unbeaten path looking for hidden treasures which, yes, still can be found in the heavily explored Napa Valley. Our thought was to head up - into the mountains, that is. The valley floor and benchland are for tourists, we were serious wine adventurers. So we packed a lunch of PBJ's, fruit roll-ups and juice boxes and fearlessly ascended into the realm of eccentric winemakers, conifer forests, and no cell phone service. Spring Mountain. Located on the north end of Napa Valley on the western side (that's the one closest to the Pacific Ocean, by the way) Spring Mountain has been a lofty perch for vineyards since the 1800's when first planted by settlers with more gumption than sense. The steep mountainside slopes did make for good wine though and vineyards have been carved out of the evergreen forests ever since. We found three really interesting properties - a great success rate for one day! This e-mail offering is the first of this mountainous trio. The other two will follow in the coming year.
Terra Valentine is an amazing stone winery built by hand replete with huge, intricate stained glass windows. The original owner/architect/builder passed away years ago but the legacy still exists. The vineyards here produce what I love best about Spring Mountain Cabernet. The elevation, declivity, and thin soils make for very intense fruit. The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon pours out in a dark purple stream allowing only momentary reflections of crimson light. A couple of swirls in your big Riedel glass (you do have Riedel, right?) releases aromas unique to Spring Mountain Cab. Its as if the evergreen trees surrounding the vineyards have lightly infused their essence into the tangy, intense cherry fruit. A faint suggestion of a black cup of coffee arises. The attack on the palate is immediate. The juice is very persistent and focused and takes a few moments to fan out in the mouth and fully show the many flavors awaiting. Cassis, licorice, sour cherry, vanilla, coffee, toast and a bit of evergreen fold together endlessly. This is a Cabernet that is still bound up in its youthful, mountain grown concentration and would prefer a few quiet years in the cellar to mellow out as the full, fleshy tannins that linger with the finish will attest. This is not the soft, round valley floor stuff. This is Cab with guts and purity of fruit and intensity. This is what I like. In 4-6 years it should be glorious to drink and will last longer.
Terra Valentine 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon "Spring Mountain District" - $27.99
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Terra Valentine Visit and Tasting: Tasting at winery. Bright black cherry aromas and flavors. Long fruit in middle with good acidity and moderate tannins. Better in another year or two, probably not a long-term cellar hold.
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2/25/2020 - Yopinot wrote: 91 Points
Still great.
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12/24/2011 - oldgrowth45 wrote:
Pop and pour. 14.5% a.b.v. Dark maroon color. Very thick, slow legs. If I was drinking this blind, I'd swear it was a Chateauneuf du Pape based on the intial nose which was heavy on fresh strawberries and garrigue. As it opens, there's lots of licorice, but still lots of fruit. Initial palate is fruit forward with a nice balance of clean tannins helping to focus the fresh fruit. Lots of plush fruit, almost candied, but not a fruit bomb, and also not overoaked either. Noticable alcoholic heat on the back palate. Clean finish. Good structure and depth, it's a potent wine, but not any great complexity at this time. The fruit is still quite fresh, so it's a safe bet this bottle could age longer, but it is drinking nicely now.
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6/21/2011 - pian0_player wrote: 90 Points
Interesting, if not a bit awkward. Started out with dominating oak and black fruit. Opened up into an enjoyable wine. Definitely a bit out of balance but an interesting bottle. Probably a bit overpriced at $35, but the age gives the bottle some additional charm.
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12/11/2010 - biggwater wrote: 88 Points
Dense, dark, chocolate, black cherry. I agree with a previous reviewer that the fruit is at its peak but still has a substantial body. Drink it up
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11/25/2010 - HappyWineGuy wrote:
it is probably just past its peak. Drink now.
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7/11/2010 - wineshaman wrote: 88 Points
Deacnted for 2hrs, dark fruit, chocolate, alcohol and a touch of mint in the nose. Some blackberry and cassis on the palate, though not as concentrated as I would like. A little vanilla, some heat and still plenty of tannins. Based on this bottle I don't believe the fruit will outlast the tannins i the long run, so i would drink up. Still a pleasure to drink now.
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6/26/2010 - Renegade wrote: 90 Points
This wine has a dark purple color, heavy body and 14.5% alcohol. It gives off aromas o black currants, dark berries, creme de cocoa and spices. It tastes of black currants, black cherry, dark berries and spices. It still has plenty of tannin, and enough acid where I think this wine has not yet hit its peak. Try again in 3 to 5 years, it might have a chance at seeing 20 years and being a good wine, but anything after that is a definite risk. Bottom line, if you have this wine, forget you have it for another 3 to 5 years. If it improves, it could easily go from a 90 to 93 or 94.
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6/3/2010 - winejnky wrote: 83 Points
Drinkable, but lots of alcohol and pretty monotone cherry candy flavors. Not aging well or just not that good to begin with.
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3/14/2010 - GalvezGuy Likes this wine: 89 Points
Popped and poured. Initial funky aroma of stewed dark fruit blew off to reveal sour cherry, cedar, bell pepper, mint, and black currant. On the palate, cherry, mint, tobacco, cedar, black currant. Finishes with vibrant acidity and firm tannins. Well balanced. Drink. OK value
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8/4/2009 - rickspicks wrote: 90 Points
Again a very nice bottle. Rather tight and rough for the first 30-45 min. and then opens up and mellows out. Not a lot of complex flavors, but there is plenty of dark fruit and oak, a nice full mouthfeel, and good balance with ample tannins. It has a medium-long, fruity and slightly rough finish. I think it has plenty of life remaining and overall is a nice wine and a good value.
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7/16/2009 - rickspicks wrote: 91 Points
Again a bit richer and fruitier than prior bottles. Balanced with black and red fruits and a bit of cassis. Nice full, rich texture with good structure. Very flavorful and drinking great right now.
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4/21/2009 - rickspicks wrote: 90 Points
This seems to have benefitted from some additional time. The flavors - red and dark fruits with some oak - seemed richer than I recall from prior bottles. Good texture and nicely balanced, and with a bit of complexity. Not a typical big Cali cabernet - drank a bit more like a meritage. Very enjoyable.
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3/16/2009 - HappyWineGuy wrote: 87 Points
This took some time to open up but after it did it was a very tasty wine.
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11/1/2008 - incident wrote: 89 Points
Consistent with prior bottles.
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9/29/2008 - incident wrote: 89 Points
Clear, medium plus intensity ruby color. Clean, medium intensity aromas of red fruits, smoke, wood, and some earthiness. Medium acid, light-medium tannin, medium body. Flavors match aromas, with short-medium length finish. Nice food wine, and starting to come into a good drinking window. Hold or drink over next 2-4 years.
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7/11/2008 - RWilkinson wrote:
Coming together and showed nicely.
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4/18/2008 - rickspicks wrote: 89 Points
Surprisingly good. Somewhat muted at first, it stared to open up after about 30 minutes. Has all the elements of a very good cabernet, but at a reduced level from the higher end cabs. Everything seemed somewhat muted and restained - but it was all very enjoyable.
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9/8/2007 - Garfield wrote: 85 Points
Popped and poured with frozen pizza dinner. A little disjointed at first but came together as the night went on. The finish was relatively short and hot.
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6/21/2007 - mjayer wrote: 88 Points
This seemed to have finally come together quite nicely. The tanins, while still present, provide a good frame to carry the medium berry fruits, cedar, and herbs. Not mindblowing, but very satisfying indeed.
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6/11/2007 - RWilkinson wrote: 88 Points
Dark purple, nice nose, structure okay, a nice wine for the dollar
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3/5/2007 - jnastynebr wrote: 82 Points
Green pepper aromas and slightly dull fruit. A nice layer of spice and herb with little tannin. Has what can only be described as an "artificial fruit" flavor. Expected more.
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1/3/2007 - Garfield wrote: 90 Points
Opened @ wine tasting 2-18-06. Showed very well.
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9/8/2006 - pakabear wrote: 86 Points
Extreme cherry flavors with a decent amount of the fruit tanning remaining. Not terribly complex, but not bad for the price.
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7/31/2006 - mrabinowitz wrote:
Pretty nice - good structure, nice fruit
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6/9/2006 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
Napa-Noma, June 2006: Sweet, port-like currant nose. Less obvious oak. Concentrated oaky entry turns firm and tannic. Rustic finish. Needs food or something.
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5/21/2006 - GolferChris wrote: 91 Points
Terra Valentine Winery Visit and Tasting (Spring Mountain, Napa Valley, CA): Deep ruby color. Aromas/flavors of cedar, spice, dark red fruits and a hint of leather. Supple tannins provide elegant balance. Long, lucious 40 second finish.
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4/7/2006 - Aiko165 wrote: 89 Points
d/w C&M: Big, bold, cali cab. With flank steak and asparagus.
At this price, don't buy again....or wait longer to drink
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3/26/2006 - irish87 wrote: 86 Points
Big tannic wine. Typical of Spring Mountain. However, there was a big green, herbal, underripe streak right through the midpalate that I really disliked. Might have to try again sometime.
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2/23/2006 - Ekoostik wrote: 89 Points
On clearance at a local retailer for $18. Nice nose and dark color, but on the palate it falls a little short, especially for an '01 CS. Right now Im just not getting alot of fruit as its rather burly and somewhat tannic. Medium bodied but just not balanced right now. I dont have experience with these so not sure where this one is headed. Its really not a bad buy for $18 but not a strong buy either...
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5/3/2005 - tshields wrote: 90 Points
An excellent Cab from one of our favorite areas, Spring Mountain. Enjoyed over a few days, it opened up nicely.
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2/8/2005 - aaronva wrote:
Dear California Dreamer,
2001 was a great vintage, we all know that. Now, which wines were really interesting? In October I took a trip to California with our intrepid GM, Brian, and two unwitting clients. We traipsed down the unbeaten path looking for hidden treasures which, yes, still can be found in the heavily explored Napa Valley. Our thought was to head up - into the mountains, that is. The valley floor and benchland are for tourists, we were serious wine adventurers. So we packed a lunch of PBJ's, fruit roll-ups and juice boxes and fearlessly ascended into the realm of eccentric winemakers, conifer forests, and no cell phone service. Spring Mountain. Located on the north end of Napa Valley on the western side (that's the one closest to the Pacific Ocean, by the way) Spring Mountain has been a lofty perch for vineyards since the 1800's when first planted by settlers with more gumption than sense. The steep mountainside slopes did make for good wine though and vineyards have been carved out of the evergreen forests ever since. We found three really interesting properties - a great success rate for one day! This e-mail offering is the first of this mountainous trio. The other two will follow in the coming year.
Terra Valentine is an amazing stone winery built by hand replete with huge, intricate stained glass windows. The original owner/architect/builder passed away years ago but the legacy still exists. The vineyards here produce what I love best about Spring Mountain Cabernet. The elevation, declivity, and thin soils make for very intense fruit. The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon pours out in a dark purple stream allowing only momentary reflections of crimson light. A couple of swirls in your big Riedel glass (you do have Riedel, right?) releases aromas unique to Spring Mountain Cab. Its as if the evergreen trees surrounding the vineyards have lightly infused their essence into the tangy, intense cherry fruit. A faint suggestion of a black cup of coffee arises. The attack on the palate is immediate. The juice is very persistent and focused and takes a few moments to fan out in the mouth and fully show the many flavors awaiting. Cassis, licorice, sour cherry, vanilla, coffee, toast and a bit of evergreen fold together endlessly. This is a Cabernet that is still bound up in its youthful, mountain grown concentration and would prefer a few quiet years in the cellar to mellow out as the full, fleshy tannins that linger with the finish will attest. This is not the soft, round valley floor stuff. This is Cab with guts and purity of fruit and intensity. This is what I like. In 4-6 years it should be glorious to drink and will last longer.
Terra Valentine 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon "Spring Mountain District" - $27.99
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9/3/2004 - Burgundy Al wrote: 90 Points
Terra Valentine Visit and Tasting: Tasting at winery. Bright black cherry aromas and flavors. Long fruit in middle with good acidity and moderate tannins. Better in another year or two, probably not a long-term cellar hold.
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