Big black fruit, solid mineral and tannic spine, solid acidity. Quite tasty. More moderated fruit and tannins than a few years ago, did have some early maturity leather and earth components. Some light Oak influence, but it was reasonable. Good with with Argentinean BBQ.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Quite fitting for my 1000th bottle consumed (per CT), it turns out by happenstance it is this wine. And it is another winner by EMH. I can't believe this wine is 14 years old. Similar fruit profile as the newer vintages I've become familiar with, red and dark fruits. The youthful fruit and the acidity were just fantastic. Only one of these left in my storage, think I'll hold it for 5-10 years and see where it goes. Bravo, Merrill!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Hard to believe this is 14 years old, strong acidic spine supporting an amazing balance of fresh red and black fruits, tobacco and spice. Long finish .
There are some good reasons to open outstanding wine in life--celebrations, birth years, special milestones… this season, the good reasons are simply for being together and enjoying a great weekend and meal. So, what would upgrade it more than EMH 2007? Honestly, I do not know. On the fourth bottle I get to taste it from , I would say that by all means, shapes and forms it is a top-end companion for steak and meats meal. Very bold with the sirloin steak, great secondary tastes have developed since the last time I tasted it—more of the leather, peppers, and balanced smoke. The oak smoke in the background was not overwhelming, just a perfect match to the meal. Longer finish than I recalled in ’15 and in ’17 when I tasted the wine before. . Over the course of two nights not only that it did not fade, but actually it got better. Even much better. That’s after a 2-3 hours decant on the first night. The aroma of the spices kept developing the second night. It’s interesting as I noted to myself on the side notes- berries, peppers, currant, blackberries in particular, and three of the four where there in my ’17 tasting as well. What makes this one more of a meat companion compared with other EMH I recall? The secret is the combination. A more bold wine for meat, but one that does not overwhelme you with secondary tastes and over dominates the palate. The finish that gets longer with that chewy sirloin that you put on top of the salad for the lunch on day two. The nose that is blossoming, even day two,even from the other side of the living room. Drink it or hold it more, just give it the air time. It certainly is one that drinks well (WELL) above its price range. I actually feel I almost ‘robbed’ the winery. This has been an upgrade for our weekend, and well upgrades since I tasted it last in 2017. Well meauw.
(94+ but a single number does not capture the finish and the match to meats. For a meat dominant meal, give it a 95)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Opaque inky violet color. Nose dark fruit. Palate refreshing, dark fruited yet a clarity to the flavors that's striking. Hint of anise. Still chalky firm tannins.
Still drinking well, and good with some red meat. 92 pts
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This is so delicious! It starts with fresh and pretty aromas and impressions of dark, cool cabernet fruit and pretty light spices, imbued with secondary and tertiary age traits. As I drink the wine I am so pleased with the cool fruit profile and tasty red and black fruit. There are some tannins present, but they are well within the lines, not bracing, just adding depth, and crunchiness. Great job Merrill and Art!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted several hours before drinking. Dark red, nice nose of cassis, red fruits, bit of complexity. Medium body, ripe lush fruit, excellent balance,no apparent alcohol, tannins well integrated, medium finish. Drinking really well. We all preferred it to the 2012. Excellent.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Still quite dark in color, the 2007 Black Cat gives off aromas of cassis, aromatic herbs along with hints of flowers and bittersweet chocolate. There is medium body, a generous mouthfeel and loads of dark berries, earth, minerals, as well as a trace of vanilla bean. A very long finish, accented by gently gripping tannin and good freshness—especially for a 2007 Napa Cab—caps things off in style. I would say that this is early in its drinking window, and will certainly last for another decade or more. Sadly, this is my last bottle. A Wonderful drink. 94.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
There was no way we were not buying a bottle to show our appreciation for the generosity of our afternoon hostess. This is classic 2007 Napa—black fruited, big, alcoholic, and fun. We decanted the bottle for several hours and enjoyed it for several more. It shows every bit of its 14.5% ABV, but there is still plenty of fruit to make it work. It was a fun foil to the 2008 and 2011 from earlier in the day.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I have a lot of vintages of the Blackcat. The 2009 has been drinking good so I decided to drink one of my 2007. WOW... what a treat. It was one of those wines where you just sit there saying how good it is. A teriffic bottle.... smooth solid fruit and tannins. Just a winner.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
In a very good spot now, with a lovely, complete offering of perfumes and complexity - more on the nose than the palate - but that's saying a lot, as the palate is impressive, too. The lighter side of full-bodied, the fruits are mostly red, with some soil tones rounding out the flavor and aromas. Very enjoyable as a food wine, this (PnP) kept getting better with each pour (i.e. a 90~ decant would have been best, I think). My best experience with a BC so far - perhaps because it's in a perfect place of maturity; not sure I'd hold too much longer, the trade off might not be worth it. Good balance still, with gently lingering flavors. Easily recommended
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Gave this 2.5 hrs in the decanter. Great color at age 10 - a very dark, velvety ruby in the glass. The nose is fresh and clean, and the palate offers a mix of mature red and black berries backed by a streak of tangy acidity. Faint notes of dried oregano, subtle spice and tobacco show in the long finish. It's been 5 years since my last bottle and this has developed very well in the interim.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Blind Cabernet: Drank a small pour blind at a tasting. I guessed modern Bordeaux as I really liked the complexity here. There's a fair amount of earth and tobacco, with good balancing acidity. 2nd out of 8 for me, groups 1st place.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Vegetal, earthy, heavy tannins, yet smooth. Fruit forward nose, cocoa, leather, spice. Very good. This was my starting wine of the night, and I preferred it more when I came back to it later in the evening. Me - 88/89, Wife - 90/91
My 5th place wine, Wife's 5th place, Group's 1st place (42 pts: 3 - 1st place, 1 - 2nd place, 1 - 2nd to last place)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I agree with DH, David T and others who noted on the wine for the last few months. It is getting better, and does not seem to fade anytime in the foresee future. Drank over two nights at home (first night, with some fresh Italian Pizza and herbs, second night with meats and veggies). The currant, berries and peppers are well balanced and noted both from PnP but especially after few hours decant (even more second night). The violet showed up more second night. Well balanced as other noted. The cassis and smoky notes were not overloading. Especially towards the end of the first evening (~3 hours into decanting) they integrated perfectly, and stayed stable for the second night as well. No rush to drinking, but if you do I would say open 2-3 hours prior. Enjoyable, and one of the best drinking EMH at this time.
(93 or plus, but I realized I graded it before few times, hence I will not add a score to avoid biasing the scale)
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Gorgeous nose of black currant, blackberry/raspberry, black cherry, and violets/potpourri. The palate matches all of the fruits/florals and adds a bit of herbs/earth. Drinking very well now but no hurry, this is medium-bodied and the medium acid/tannins are integrating nicely; very balanced. A well-made Napa cab that shows everything the grape/region should while restrained to that and nothing more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Gorgeous rich cherry and red fruit nose, smooth and silky palate with more red fruit. Excellent. Tasted alongside a 2014; the two share similar aromatic profile, but clearly shows how a few years of age allows for amazing softening and integration of the wine's elements. Very strong. A long life ahead for this wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The 2007 EMH Black Cat opens up with a powerful nose of black raspberries, cherries and a hint of violets. Medium-bodied and suave in the mouth, with solid structure, good minerality and acidity. Some serious tannins still linger on the long finish, and my suspicion is that the wine will improve for a number of years. While tasty now, I will wait a few more years before I open my last bottle. Good stuff! 93+.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I drank this at Berserkerfest at Peking Duck House in NYC. This wine has come a long way since my first note in October 2009. My first impression was Oh My! This isn't a heavy California Cabernet. It's an elegant, smooth, feminine wine. Light on its feet. No tannins at all. I shared a glass with my friend Diane. She liked this too! I managed to save a short pour for Sunday/Monday. This was the last of my '07's.
First time tasting from this wine maker. Fairly deep dark purple in color. On the nose there is bit of smokyness and cassis. On the palate this has good structure with balance and well integrated tannins. Secondary flavor a are starting to peak thru. Really nice.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Singing beautifully tonight. Wonderful nose spoke of it's Napa Cabernet roots. On the palate, smooth and delicious with plenty of structure and weight. An excellent choice for a birthday celebration. I believe this has plenty of life left, but it's in a prime place now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
EMH Black Cat Vineyard Visit (Calistoga, CA): The first one of the flight, and second time I'm having this one. I may have underestiamted it last time--cassis on the nose (more than I recall from last year) and the spices and minerals show very well. The nose is more integrated than it was last year (or simply it had harder competition last year). It could be a 'star' of its own meal. Actions speak louder than words- the lady finished the entire taste, and asked for extra. A non common move, by all means.
I hold my opinion from last year, "IMHO, it just keeps maturing" (So I am happy I have one resting in storage)
Only thing I may add is that from all four tasted on Sunday, this one had somewhat more vanilla on the nose (especially compared with the '12)
92-93
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This was on fire tonight at our Superbowl dinner. Nice nose. Some tannins, giving this is a long life. Elegant. Limited notes, but everyone at dinner really enjoyed this. WOTN vs a '07 Sea Smoke Southing and a '10 ACV Right Bank. I'll let my other bottle sleep another year or two. Nice job Merrill!
Dark red fruits, spice, and vanilla nose. In the mouth, Dark reds, currant, chocolate, herbs, smooth tannins, with a side of acidity. 30 second finish. Really a well balanced wine. Another few years and wowsers!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nice nose. A hint tannic. Smooth. Big. Round. I'll let my bottles sleep for now. FYI, if this was the only wine you were drinking at dinner, you'd enjoy it very much. I drank this '07 at an EMH verticle in NYC., where every bottle on its own, would have been a pleasure to drink.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
EMH Black Cat Vertical (North Square): Redder fruit, hint of grilled herbs, much more primary, shows some oak but in the lighter toast side of the spectrum, with more vanilla and less chocolate. Richer and rounder than 06 with slicker tannin and less acid, long finish, nice with lamb.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
EMH Black Cat Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical, 2003-2011: This 'flight' got harder. I liked this one alot on opening. Maybe the best initial nose. The vanilla taste was more notable than the '06 and '08 aside. Works very well with the food or stand alone. It does show the spices (herbs) and minerals, but compared to the 'blossom' of the '08 and '06 it was hard. It could have been a star on its one. I would certainly try getting one again to try with a meal. IMHO, it just keeps maturing.
91-2 at flight, 92-3 later in the evening
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Pop and pour and followed for many hours. At hour 4, it was singing. Ripe blackberries, black and red cherries, plum jam, earth, incense, vanilla, and some smoke on the nose. Tart cherries, blackberries, red and black cherries, earth, a little vanilla, and licorice on the palate. Tart, juicy acidity, slightly furry tannins (that I like), very good finish. Terrific mouthfeel. I really enjoyed this wine. I love how there's a wash of juiciness on the front of the palate, followed by ripe fruit and some grippy tannins. It might need more time to mellow the tannins, but I kind of like it the way it is.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The nose showed black currant, cola, hints of herbs, menthol and milk chocolate. On the palate, it was juicy with silky textures, ripe dark fruits, black licorice and an acidic kick, which kept it mouth-watering. The finish went on and on, showing molten licorice, inner florals and black fruits--wow. This wine wasn't cerebral, but it was such a pleasure to drink
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wine, Browns and my 55th Birthday (My Home): I opened this known Charlie would be there, but it was my first time trying one of Merrill's wines. I liked it and think it is very competitive with other more well know Napa Cabs in its price range (and higher). The nose has cassis, spice and a bit of burnt earth. Soft and smooth, with air some tannins come out. Nice drinkable texture with cassis and some complexity. Still drinking young. Nice balance and finish. Very nice wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
After about 45 minutes in the air, the wine is definitely hitting its stride. Vanilla Oak, overripe blackberries followed by slightly sour black cherries. Rich and dramatically smoother than my last bottle, but still some firm but pliable tannins underneath. Hard to set down.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
3 hour decant. Great concentration. Nice dark fruit and smooth tannins. Just as good on day 2. Probably opened this a few years early but it delivered. Will let my other bottles lay down for a while.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Took over an hour to open. Still a bit rough and chewy. Dense black fruit but this wine clearly has a lot to give in addition to fruit. Won't touch again for at least a couple years. Could easily be a 93 point wine once it smooths out and the underlying elements come through.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tannins were much showier this time around. Still predominate nose of blackberry and black current with a nice tinge of clove. Color was purple and almost opaque with pale rim. Good concentration on the palate. Full bodied with medium minus acidity. Very long length. A wine that will be even better in a few years. Wait and you will be rewarded.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I prefer the 2009. This has more mineral and tannins. I can see where it truly is personal preference but I still stand by the thought that Merrill has improved and refined Black Cat.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for two hours. Nose reminded me of some Tuscan cabs I've had, with saddle leather and an earthiness to the dark fruit. More red fruited on the palate with moderate acidity, medium-full body, and a savory element on the finish. A unique Napa cab. I'm curious what a few more years would do.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This bottle just showed how badly the 04 Corra underperformed on this particular night. Definitely has the fruit up front and plenty of tannins and acidity to hang onto the remaining bottle for several more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
1 Hr decant. Expressive nose of blackberry, cassis, graphite and spice. Medium plus body of blackberry, vanilla bean, cedar and sweet tobacco. Long finish. Great balance.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Mpls Does Big Domestic Reds (Fire Lake, Mpls): Very dark red/purple color. Lots of licorice, spicy, heat, red fruits, prominent acid, somewhat grippy tannins. This is very young, and despite a 4 hour decant was not integrated well. I would like to revisit this in a few years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine was the star of the tasting for my tasted. Huge blackberry fruit with red cherry and some blueberry. Nice vanllla bites that weren't overwhelming. Some spice and pepper on the finish brought it home.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Beautiful garnet colored wine with medium legs. A hint of earthiness including sweet mushroom on initial open. For me, on initial taste it has flavors akin to slight lead pencil, some smokey bacon, plum, and prune. About an hour after aeration this wine opened to include sublte hints of clove and cinnamon. This is a medium to full body wine that includes a light leathery medium finish. It is a great value and delightful wine. Very enjoyable now but likely to age well as other EMH wines have aged.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Luscious dark fruit, cassis and hint of cocoa. I really love this cab One of my favorites to drink on its own or with dark chocolate. I found THIS bottle very balanced. Dark rich color. Very smooth and rich mouth feel with flavors of dark fruit, some plum and a touch of chocolate.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A smokey cab, with subtle fruit and cassis. I was not fond of it right after opening, but after an hour in the decanter it shows decent nose and flavors.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Beautiful nose, cassis, plum and graphite. Cherry and plum on the palate, maybe some blackberry. Blindly guessed it was a high-end Alexander Valley Cab. Acid high, Light-to-moderate tannins, silky. The only drawback to the wine was it seemed to have a slightly sweet component that increased with air. Even though this is definitely a very very good wine, it wasn't quite for me.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very delicious, silky smooth, balanced Cab. I don't remember all the particulars, just that it was rich and smooth and worked with with an eggplant Parmesan dish. Based on prior tastings, either we needed to leave it out longer or its in a slightly dumb phase.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
1 hour decant. Opened this up for a few people while hosting a christmas party for my wifes coworkers. A wonderful nose of cassis, blackberries hits right out of the bottle. This wine seemed to get even better agter another hour in my glass. This wine was smooth and sexy right out of the gate and the finish was superb. Wish I had bought more and hope to visit the property in March next year.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose of pure Cabernet flavors. Dark black fruit, currant, and spice on the palate. It's vibrant and was hitting on all cylendars at the 2- 3 hr decant mark. The wine is very balanced with what seems like a restrained use of oak and is framed with vibrant acidity. It is as pure as a Cab gets and my top 1 or 2 07's so far. Love the style.
Some drying tannins appeared at the 4.5 hour mark so don't spend too long with it after the decant. I won't touch the rest of mine for several years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The most amazing component of the wine was the length. It just went on and on. Great nose of blackberry, spice and current. Bright acidity and great color. This is a wine that will be around for a long time to come. Worth trying now and every year for years to come. Another great effort. This was my favorite wine of the Bassin's 2008 barrell tasting and for good reason.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for two hours. Very balanced and elegant yet complex. Very young and still a bit tight. Lots of stuffing and potential to improve a point or two with some additional time in the bottle. I look forward to trying this again in 2014 to see how this develops.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This was my 'Oh My' wine at at our tasting at EMH. This was floral and complex. I liked this even better (if you can say such a thing) than the 05. My cellar is looking forward to greeting this new friend.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Confirmed what everyone in Napa seemed to be talking about, and that’s the sheer vibrancy of the 2007 Cabernets. This bottle will certainly have a long life but like many of the 2007’s it’s so hard to not drink it now. On the nose, sour cherry, confectioners sugar and spice. On the palate it was refreshing and mouth filling with rich dark fruit complimented by balanced acidity. This is a fun and showy Cabernet that should turn some heads at future dinners.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
2/17/2022 - ericindc Likes this wine: 92 Points
Big black fruit, solid mineral and tannic spine, solid acidity. Quite tasty. More moderated fruit and tannins than a few years ago, did have some early maturity leather and earth components. Some light Oak influence, but it was reasonable. Good with with Argentinean BBQ.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/17/2022 - Charlie Carnes wrote:
The 2007 is great right now. Wish I had more!
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/5/2021 - jonboy74 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Quite fitting for my 1000th bottle consumed (per CT), it turns out by happenstance it is this wine. And it is another winner by EMH. I can't believe this wine is 14 years old. Similar fruit profile as the newer vintages I've become familiar with, red and dark fruits. The youthful fruit and the acidity were just fantastic. Only one of these left in my storage, think I'll hold it for 5-10 years and see where it goes. Bravo, Merrill!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/19/2021 - bobpsi Likes this wine:
Hard to believe this is 14 years old, strong acidic spine supporting an amazing balance of fresh red and black fruits, tobacco and spice. Long finish .
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
4/4/2020 - odds Likes this wine: 94 Points
There are some good reasons to open outstanding wine in life--celebrations, birth years, special milestones… this season, the good reasons are simply for being together and enjoying a great weekend and meal. So, what would upgrade it more than EMH 2007? Honestly, I do not know. On the fourth bottle I get to taste it from , I would say that by all means, shapes and forms it is a top-end companion for steak and meats meal. Very bold with the sirloin steak, great secondary tastes have developed since the last time I tasted it—more of the leather, peppers, and balanced smoke. The oak smoke in the background was not overwhelming, just a perfect match to the meal. Longer finish than I recalled in ’15 and in ’17 when I tasted the wine before. . Over the course of two nights not only that it did not fade, but actually it got better. Even much better. That’s after a 2-3 hours decant on the first night. The aroma of the spices kept developing the second night. It’s interesting as I noted to myself on the side notes- berries, peppers, currant, blackberries in particular, and three of the four where there in my ’17 tasting as well. What makes this one more of a meat companion compared with other EMH I recall? The secret is the combination. A more bold wine for meat, but one that does not overwhelme you with secondary tastes and over dominates the palate. The finish that gets longer with that chewy sirloin that you put on top of the salad for the lunch on day two. The nose that is blossoming, even day two,even from the other side of the living room. Drink it or hold it more, just give it the air time.
It certainly is one that drinks well (WELL) above its price range. I actually feel I almost ‘robbed’ the winery. This has been an upgrade for our weekend, and well upgrades since I tasted it last in 2017. Well meauw.
(94+ but a single number does not capture the finish and the match to meats. For a meat dominant meal, give it a 95)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/23/2020 - mlawren1 wrote: 93 Points
Beautiful cherries and currants, over a leather and cedar core.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/9/2019 - JOsgood wrote:
Tasted blind - the oak treatment stood out. A solid Cali cab. Drinking really well.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/8/2019 - fred o. Likes this wine:
Decanted.
Opaque inky violet color. Nose dark fruit.
Palate refreshing, dark fruited yet a clarity to the flavors that's striking.
Hint of anise. Still chalky firm tannins.
Still drinking well, and good with some red meat. 92 pts
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/9/2019 - mlawren1 wrote: 91 Points
Fruit is fading. Cherries and currants giving way to cedar and leather. Drink up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/11/2019 - mlawren1 wrote: 92 Points
Deep blackncherries and currants. Hint of green pepper on the finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/2/2019 - Charlie Carnes Likes this wine: 95 Points
This is so delicious! It starts with fresh and pretty aromas and impressions of dark, cool cabernet fruit and pretty light spices, imbued with secondary and tertiary age traits. As I drink the wine I am so pleased with the cool fruit profile and tasty red and black fruit. There are some tannins present, but they are well within the lines, not bracing, just adding depth, and crunchiness. Great job Merrill and Art!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/18/2019 - dbg wrote:
Decanted several hours before drinking. Dark red, nice nose of cassis, red fruits, bit of complexity. Medium body, ripe lush fruit, excellent balance,no apparent alcohol, tannins well integrated, medium finish. Drinking really well. We all preferred it to the 2012. Excellent.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/8/2018 - J o e wrote: 94 Points
Still quite dark in color, the 2007 Black Cat gives off aromas of cassis, aromatic herbs along with hints of flowers and bittersweet chocolate. There is medium body, a generous mouthfeel and loads of dark berries, earth, minerals, as well as a trace of vanilla bean. A very long finish, accented by gently gripping tannin and good freshness—especially for a 2007 Napa Cab—caps things off in style. I would say that this is early in its drinking window, and will certainly last for another decade or more. Sadly, this is my last bottle. A Wonderful drink. 94.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/23/2018 - S1 Likes this wine:
There was no way we were not buying a bottle to show our appreciation for the generosity of our afternoon hostess. This is classic 2007 Napa—black fruited, big, alcoholic, and fun. We decanted the bottle for several hours and enjoyed it for several more. It shows every bit of its 14.5% ABV, but there is still plenty of fruit to make it work. It was a fun foil to the 2008 and 2011 from earlier in the day.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/22/2017 - awineo Likes this wine: 94 Points
I have a lot of vintages of the Blackcat. The 2009 has been drinking good so I decided to drink one of my 2007. WOW... what a treat. It was one of those wines where you just sit there saying how good it is. A teriffic bottle.... smooth solid fruit and tannins. Just a winner.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/7/2017 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
In a very good spot now, with a lovely, complete offering of perfumes and complexity - more on the nose than the palate - but that's saying a lot, as the palate is impressive, too. The lighter side of full-bodied, the fruits are mostly red, with some soil tones rounding out the flavor and aromas. Very enjoyable as a food wine, this (PnP) kept getting better with each pour (i.e. a 90~ decant would have been best, I think). My best experience with a BC so far - perhaps because it's in a perfect place of maturity; not sure I'd hold too much longer, the trade off might not be worth it. Good balance still, with gently lingering flavors. Easily recommended
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/21/2017 - fred o. Likes this wine:
full aromatic nose, strikingly full/deep fruity flavors, cherry lightness, some violets/florals to the flavors. My personal WOTN. 93 pts
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/14/2017 - EMTAME wrote: 93 Points
Gave this 2.5 hrs in the decanter. Great color at age 10 - a very dark, velvety ruby in the glass. The nose is fresh and clean, and the palate offers a mix of mature red and black berries backed by a streak of tangy acidity. Faint notes of dried oregano, subtle spice and tobacco show in the long finish. It's been 5 years since my last bottle and this has developed very well in the interim.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/9/2017 - galewskj wrote: 92 Points
Blind Cabernet: Drank a small pour blind at a tasting. I guessed modern Bordeaux as I really liked the complexity here. There's a fair amount of earth and tobacco, with good balancing acidity. 2nd out of 8 for me, groups 1st place.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/8/2017 - GoBlue2002 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Cabernet Sauvignon (Blind Tasting) (Prior Lake, MN): Tasted Blind.
Wine A.
Vegetal, earthy, heavy tannins, yet smooth. Fruit forward nose, cocoa, leather, spice. Very good.
This was my starting wine of the night, and I preferred it more when I came back to it later in the evening.
Me - 88/89, Wife - 90/91
My 5th place wine, Wife's 5th place, Group's 1st place (42 pts: 3 - 1st place, 1 - 2nd place, 1 - 2nd to last place)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/25/2017 - odds Likes this wine:
I agree with DH, David T and others who noted on the wine for the last few months. It is getting better, and does not seem to fade anytime in the foresee future. Drank over two nights at home (first night, with some fresh Italian Pizza and herbs, second night with meats and veggies). The currant, berries and peppers are well balanced and noted both from PnP but especially after few hours decant (even more second night). The violet showed up more second night. Well balanced as other noted. The cassis and smoky notes were not overloading. Especially towards the end of the first evening (~3 hours into decanting) they integrated perfectly, and stayed stable for the second night as well.
No rush to drinking, but if you do I would say open 2-3 hours prior. Enjoyable, and one of the best drinking EMH at this time.
(93 or plus, but I realized I graded it before few times, hence I will not add a score to avoid biasing the scale)
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/9/2016 - David_T Likes this wine: 93 Points
Gorgeous nose of black currant, blackberry/raspberry, black cherry, and violets/potpourri. The palate matches all of the fruits/florals and adds a bit of herbs/earth. Drinking very well now but no hurry, this is medium-bodied and the medium acid/tannins are integrating nicely; very balanced. A well-made Napa cab that shows everything the grape/region should while restrained to that and nothing more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/7/2016 - Richard P Howden Likes this wine: 93 Points
Gorgeous rich cherry and red fruit nose, smooth and silky palate with more red fruit. Excellent. Tasted alongside a 2014; the two share similar aromatic profile, but clearly shows how a few years of age allows for amazing softening and integration of the wine's elements. Very strong. A long life ahead for this wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/2/2016 - J o e wrote: 93 Points
The 2007 EMH Black Cat opens up with a powerful nose of black raspberries, cherries and a hint of violets. Medium-bodied and suave in the mouth, with solid structure, good minerality and acidity. Some serious tannins still linger on the long finish, and my suspicion is that the wine will improve for a number of years. While tasty now, I will wait a few more years before I open my last bottle. Good stuff! 93+.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/29/2016 - dhammer53 wrote: 93 Points
I drank this at Berserkerfest at Peking Duck House in NYC. This wine has come a long way since my first note in October 2009. My first impression was Oh My! This isn't a heavy California Cabernet. It's an elegant, smooth, feminine wine. Light on its feet. No tannins at all. I shared a glass with my friend Diane. She liked this too! I managed to save a short pour for Sunday/Monday. This was the last of my '07's.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
4/7/2016 - jnocera Likes this wine: 93 Points
First time tasting from this wine maker. Fairly deep dark purple in color. On the nose there is bit of smokyness and cassis. On the palate this has good structure with balance and well integrated tannins. Secondary flavor a are starting to peak thru. Really nice.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/30/2016 - dontime wrote:
Singing beautifully tonight. Wonderful nose spoke of it's Napa Cabernet roots. On the palate, smooth and delicious with plenty of structure and weight. An excellent choice for a birthday celebration. I believe this has plenty of life left, but it's in a prime place now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/5/2015 - odds Likes this wine: 93 Points
EMH Black Cat Vineyard Visit (Calistoga, CA): The first one of the flight, and second time I'm having this one. I may have underestiamted it last time--cassis on the nose (more than I recall from last year) and the spices and minerals show very well. The nose is more integrated than it was last year (or simply it had harder competition last year). It could be a 'star' of its own meal. Actions speak louder than words- the lady finished the entire taste, and asked for extra. A non common move, by all means.
I hold my opinion from last year, "IMHO, it just keeps maturing" (So I am happy I have one resting in storage)
Only thing I may add is that from all four tasted on Sunday, this one had somewhat more vanilla on the nose (especially compared with the '12)
92-93
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/1/2015 - dhammer53 wrote: 93 Points
This was on fire tonight at our Superbowl dinner. Nice nose. Some tannins, giving this is a long life. Elegant. Limited notes, but everyone at dinner really enjoyed this. WOTN vs a '07 Sea Smoke Southing and a '10 ACV Right Bank. I'll let my other bottle sleep another year or two. Nice job Merrill!
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
10/18/2014 - rcmccall wrote: 92 Points
Dark red fruits, spice, and vanilla nose. In the mouth, Dark reds, currant, chocolate, herbs, smooth tannins, with a side of acidity. 30 second finish. Really a well balanced wine. Another few years and wowsers!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/12/2014 - dhammer53 wrote: 91 Points
Nice nose. A hint tannic. Smooth. Big. Round. I'll let my bottles sleep for now. FYI, if this was the only wine you were drinking at dinner, you'd enjoy it very much. I drank this '07 at an EMH verticle in NYC., where every bottle on its own, would have been a pleasure to drink.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/12/2014 - Diane (LI) wrote:
This was ripe with a soft texture and concentrated fruit of dark cherries and chocolate. Balanced, long finish, and enjoyable.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/12/2014 - coremill wrote: 90 Points
EMH Black Cat Vertical (North Square): Redder fruit, hint of grilled herbs, much more primary, shows some oak but in the lighter toast side of the spectrum, with more vanilla and less chocolate. Richer and rounder than 06 with slicker tannin and less acid, long finish, nice with lamb.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/12/2014 - odds Likes this wine: 92 Points
EMH Black Cat Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical, 2003-2011: This 'flight' got harder. I liked this one alot on opening. Maybe the best initial nose. The vanilla taste was more notable than the '06 and '08 aside. Works very well with the food or stand alone. It does show the spices (herbs) and minerals, but compared to the 'blossom' of the '08 and '06 it was hard. It could have been a star on its one. I would certainly try getting one again to try with a meal. IMHO, it just keeps maturing.
91-2 at flight, 92-3 later in the evening
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/12/2014 - rmh66 wrote: 91 Points
Pop and pour and followed for many hours. At hour 4, it was singing. Ripe blackberries, black and red cherries, plum jam, earth, incense, vanilla, and some smoke on the nose. Tart cherries, blackberries, red and black cherries, earth, a little vanilla, and licorice on the palate. Tart, juicy acidity, slightly furry tannins (that I like), very good finish. Terrific mouthfeel. I really enjoyed this wine. I love how there's a wash of juiciness on the front of the palate, followed by ripe fruit and some grippy tannins. It might need more time to mellow the tannins, but I kind of like it the way it is.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/17/2014 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 92 Points
The nose showed black currant, cola, hints of herbs, menthol and milk chocolate. On the palate, it was juicy with silky textures, ripe dark fruits, black licorice and an acidic kick, which kept it mouth-watering. The finish went on and on, showing molten licorice, inner florals and black fruits--wow. This wine wasn't cerebral, but it was such a pleasure to drink
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/23/2013 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 92 Points
Wine, Browns and my 55th Birthday (My Home): I opened this known Charlie would be there, but it was my first time trying one of Merrill's wines. I liked it and think it is very competitive with other more well know Napa Cabs in its price range (and higher). The nose has cassis, spice and a bit of burnt earth. Soft and smooth, with air some tannins come out. Nice drinkable texture with cassis and some complexity. Still drinking young. Nice balance and finish. Very nice wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/27/2013 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 91 Points
After about 45 minutes in the air, the wine is definitely hitting its stride. Vanilla Oak, overripe blackberries followed by slightly sour black cherries. Rich and dramatically smoother than my last bottle, but still some firm but pliable tannins underneath. Hard to set down.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/21/2013 - tkolego wrote: 91 Points
3 hour decant. Great concentration. Nice dark fruit and smooth tannins. Just as good on day 2. Probably opened this a few years early but it delivered. Will let my other bottles lay down for a while.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/17/2013 - awilliamson4 wrote: 92 Points
Really nice wine. Good concentrated flavor that has a nice round mouthfull. Great on day 2 as well
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/14/2012 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 90 Points
Took over an hour to open. Still a bit rough and chewy. Dense black fruit but this wine clearly has a lot to give in addition to fruit. Won't touch again for at least a couple years. Could easily be a 93 point wine once it smooths out and the underlying elements come through.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/14/2012 - mwinky wrote: 90 Points
never really opened up
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/25/2012 - efc wrote: 90 Points
Tannins were much showier this time around. Still predominate nose of blackberry and black current with a nice tinge of clove. Color was purple and almost opaque with pale rim. Good concentration on the palate. Full bodied with medium minus acidity. Very long length. A wine that will be even better in a few years. Wait and you will be rewarded.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/23/2012 - jaxpaj wrote: 92 Points
I prefer the 2009. This has more mineral and tannins. I can see where it truly is personal preference but I still stand by the thought that Merrill has improved and refined Black Cat.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/12/2012 - EMTAME wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for two hours. Nose reminded me of some Tuscan cabs I've had, with saddle leather and an earthiness to the dark fruit. More red fruited on the palate with moderate acidity, medium-full body, and a savory element on the finish. A unique Napa cab. I'm curious what a few more years would do.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/22/2012 - awineo Likes this wine: 95 Points
For being so young, this bottle drank great. Nice balance of fruit and tannin. Always a winner.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/17/2012 - ToddS wrote:
This bottle just showed how badly the 04 Corra underperformed on this particular night. Definitely has the fruit up front and plenty of tannins and acidity to hang onto the remaining bottle for several more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/17/2012 - bobpsi wrote: 93 Points
1 Hr decant. Expressive nose of blackberry, cassis, graphite and spice. Medium plus body of blackberry, vanilla bean, cedar and sweet tobacco. Long finish. Great balance.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/26/2011 - pizzler wrote: 92 Points
Lovely, balanced wine, rich in dark fruit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/23/2011 - rocknroller wrote: 90 Points
Mpls Does Big Domestic Reds (Fire Lake, Mpls): Very dark red/purple color. Lots of licorice, spicy, heat, red fruits, prominent acid, somewhat grippy tannins. This is very young, and despite a 4 hour decant was not integrated well. I would like to revisit this in a few years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/10/2011 - rdsboca wrote: 95 Points
This wine was the star of the tasting for my tasted. Huge blackberry fruit with red cherry and some blueberry. Nice vanllla bites that weren't overwhelming. Some spice and pepper on the finish brought it home.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/4/2011 - scooterdog Likes this wine: 93 Points
Beautiful garnet colored wine with medium legs. A hint of earthiness including sweet mushroom on initial open. For me, on initial taste it has flavors akin to slight lead pencil, some smokey bacon, plum, and prune. About an hour after aeration this wine opened to include sublte hints of clove and cinnamon. This is a medium to full body wine that includes a light leathery medium finish. It is a great value and delightful wine. Very enjoyable now but likely to age well as other EMH wines have aged.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/28/2011 - Diane (LI) wrote:
Yearly check and the wine is losing its baby fat. It has become more elegant, with bright fruit, good acidity, and a delightful and lingering finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/26/2011 - Kayeman wrote: 92 Points
Luscious dark fruit, cassis and hint of cocoa. I really love this cab One of my favorites to drink on its own or with dark chocolate. I found THIS bottle very balanced. Dark rich color. Very smooth and rich mouth feel with flavors of dark fruit, some plum and a touch of chocolate.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/17/2011 - wineberg Likes this wine: 89 Points
A smokey cab, with subtle fruit and cassis. I was not fond of it right after opening, but after an hour in the decanter it shows decent nose and flavors.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/11/2011 - eric42 wrote: 89 Points
Beautiful nose, cassis, plum and graphite. Cherry and plum on the palate, maybe some blackberry. Blindly guessed it was a high-end Alexander Valley Cab. Acid high, Light-to-moderate tannins, silky. The only drawback to the wine was it seemed to have a slightly sweet component that increased with air. Even though this is definitely a very very good wine, it wasn't quite for me.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/26/2011 - pizzler wrote: 92 Points
Very delicious, silky smooth, balanced Cab. I don't remember all the particulars, just that it was rich and smooth and worked with with an eggplant Parmesan dish. Based on prior tastings, either we needed to leave it out longer or its in a slightly dumb phase.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/18/2010 - lsnider wrote: 93 Points
1 hour decant. Opened this up for a few people while hosting a christmas party for my wifes coworkers.
A wonderful nose of cassis, blackberries hits right out of the bottle. This wine seemed to get even better agter another hour in my glass. This wine was smooth and sexy right out of the gate and the finish was superb. Wish I had bought more and hope to visit the property in March next year.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/10/2010 - EMichels wrote: 92 Points
Nice strength of body; Tart
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/10/2010 - EMichels wrote: 95 Points
Showing wonderfully; Even surpassed the '01 on this outing
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/8/2010 - fdaner wrote: 93 Points
Nose of pure Cabernet flavors. Dark black fruit, currant, and spice on the palate. It's vibrant and was hitting on all cylendars at the 2- 3 hr decant mark. The wine is very balanced with what seems like a restrained use of oak and is framed with vibrant acidity. It is as pure as a Cab gets and my top 1 or 2 07's so far. Love the style.
Some drying tannins appeared at the 4.5 hour mark so don't spend too long with it after the decant. I won't touch the rest of mine for several years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/22/2010 - efc wrote: 92 Points
The most amazing component of the wine was the length. It just went on and on. Great nose of blackberry, spice and current. Bright acidity and great color. This is a wine that will be around for a long time to come. Worth trying now and every year for years to come. Another great effort. This was my favorite wine of the Bassin's 2008 barrell tasting and for good reason.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/17/2010 - pizzler wrote: 95 Points
2010 California Barrel Tasting (Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington DC): Just as fantastic as it was last year, a monumental wine with excellent structure and balance, tons of fruit and multiple nuances, again, one of our WOTN
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/28/2010 - Diane (LI) wrote:
The fruit was bold and the tannins melted in the mouth. Everything in balance and an amazing wine to drink with NY strips and ribeyes.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/11/2010 - SMG Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for two hours. Very balanced and elegant yet complex. Very young and still a bit tight. Lots of stuffing and potential to improve a point or two with some additional time in the bottle. I look forward to trying this again in 2014 to see how this develops.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/7/2010 - EMichels wrote: 94 Points
Dark nose; Dark flavors; Not overwhelming; Big vanilla on nose
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/26/2009 - dhammer53 wrote:
This was my 'Oh My' wine at at our tasting at EMH. This was floral and complex. I liked this even better (if you can say such a thing) than the 05. My cellar is looking forward to greeting this new friend.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/30/2009 - Cheryl wrote:
Dinner with the Ladies (Uncle Jack's, New York, NY): Lovely wine, but no notes.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/17/2009 - Eric Guido wrote: 93 Points
Confirmed what everyone in Napa seemed to be talking about, and that’s the sheer vibrancy of the 2007 Cabernets. This bottle will certainly have a long life but like many of the 2007’s it’s so hard to not drink it now. On the nose, sour cherry, confectioners sugar and spice. On the palate it was refreshing and mouth filling with rich dark fruit complimented by balanced acidity. This is a fun and showy Cabernet that should turn some heads at future dinners.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/21/2009 - pizzler wrote: 94 Points
2009 California Barrel Tasting (Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington DC): barrel sample, excellent balance, touch of vanilla and caramel with traces of nutmeg, one of our WOTN
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comments (1)
3/21/2009 - JJL wrote: 94 Points
Barrel sample - great floral nose, old world style wine. Tasted more like a Bordeaux blend than 100% cab. I will be drinking this again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment