This wine remains ripe and full-bodied. The cabernet franc gives it a berry quality as well as a more steely or green aspect. These drink beautifully with 10+ years age, not so much when they're young.
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Decanted 1 hr. In a wonderful spot now, a great union of dark plummy fruit, roses, and unsweetened chocolate while still having a solid backbone and spine. Might go another 5 if well stored. Always a big fan of the Bel Canto.
14.4% ABV. Brilliant ruby red. Aromas of pine needles, campfire smoke, mocha and violets are readily apparent after some swirling in the glass, increasing in intensity with both time and air exposure. In the mouth, there is medium body, with stong notes of bittersweet chocolate, licorice, dark plum and earth. There is good length and ample tannin on the finish. This is approachable now with some aeration, yet still a bit on the young side. Very good today, but my guess is that this will drink better in a few years’ time. 92.
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Deep ruby, large tears. Aromas of cherry, plum and vanilla. Full bodied, low acidity, medium tannins. Chewy cherries, dark chocolate and vanilla in this savory and lenghty finish cab. Seemless balanced. Full bodied. I loved it. Soft and sweet!! NI: 4, FI:22, FC:9, B:4, L:4
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Decanted, but only needed to warm up as the tannins were resolved and the fruit quite open. Surprisingly lush at this stage, with dark red fruit, but would have liked a little more acidity. Really enjoyed both alone and with food (ribeyes in this case). Will probably last a number of years longer, but i would drink fairly soon given the lower levels of tannin and acidity right now.
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The first of three 2007 reds our group consumed at dinner. We pnp'd, the nose was all fruit, the palate was dark cherry, plum, rhubarb with a touch of earth tones coming out on the finish which was moderate to long. A really nice bottle of wine.
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Really good QPR. Drank over 3 days and improved throughout. This bottle was not as good as my last one. Dry, dark, spicy (a bit woody) with good structure and medium length finish. Integrated better over the days.
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Nicely complex. This was mature, very well balanced and showing lots of nuanced character. Nice ripe dark cherry fruit, shows currant cab franc, some nice earthy notes and a hint of coffee or tar. Overall this was a really tasty wine with a very smooth finish. Not absolutely "wow" but a great companion for dinner.
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At a very good point right now. Tertiary notes yet still some good fruit and very balanced. Pairs well with a variety of foods! Took to dinner at a steak house and the complexity stood up nicely with many different foods!
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Judgement reserved. While nicely coloured and ripe in smell, there was a tinge of something off in the taste. Maybe a little metallic? Just not as fresh or balanced as expected.
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Decanted 3 hrs. This started a bit rambunctious, the dark cherry component was a bit of out balance leading to the impression of cough syrup and dare I say a touch of heat. Fortunately, things settled down, as the cherry fruit layered out into other nice complexities of dark chocolate, espresso, and sage notes. Even better, it gained in focus and precision on a ever so slightly bitter finish nicely offset the richness of the wine. Started slow, finished strong, years to go but certainly at maturity.
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Very dark color in the glass. Nose of kirsch, cedar, and macerated black cherry. Ripe fruit in the mouth dominated by black cherry. The finish is long and complex, with black fruit, more cherry, and a spiciness from the tannins going on and on. Think this is still in its primary stage. Bel Canto has become my favorite of Ben's wines.
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Translucent dark garnet. Nose of dust, plum, mint, green pepper, and tobacco. Ripe palate of blackberry, plum, stewed cherries, spice, vanilla, and espresso. Very good length. Lively acidity. Supple tannins, especially for Red Mountain fruit. Integrated oak. A tiny hint of green pepper. 62% Cab Franc, 31% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot.
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Opened and decanted 30-min before a pork chop dinner. Dark garnet color. Floral nose of purple violets, black currant, blackberry jam, and cherry pie. The palate is medium-full, round, silky, and nicely concentrated, delivering black cherries, blueberries, raspberries, wild herbs, soy sauce, milk chocolate, coffee bean, and vanilla baking spices. The finish is near perfect with firm yet refined tannins and a lovely supple acidity of crushed cherries and cinnamon toast. Definitely appears to be in a peak window. Graceful wine but well built, so drink now - 2020.
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Very nice blend that picked up a velvety quality while being supple. The Cab Franc was very nice and provided beautiful blue fruit and lavender notes. Nice acidity, fragrant and medium length finish. Enjoyed
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I opened this for our 9/19/14 prime rib dinner. It had a rich, ripe and fragrant bouquet of violet, black cherry, black currant, cinnamon, cocoa and spice aromas. The palate was rich and powerful, but a tiny bit rough with flavors of black cherry, black currant, black tea, cinnamon, spice and minerals. 91+
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Dented for one hour. I know this was an early consumption. I was curious. I have a few more bottles. The fruit was not strong. Nose was just OK. I will hope for better results next time, but I am concerned.
Held up pretty well against the first wine of the night which is saying a lot. Decanted and poured. The first wine was an 02 Schrader so there really is no comparison except that while the Schrader was perfectly balanced, silky smooth and loaded with amazing fruit; the Cadence was more like a exciting conclusion to the night. A little tart and rough compared to the first wine but fun to drink just the same, as the two wines were such a contrast.
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Pop and pour, drank half the bottle one night and half the bottle the next night (under argon overnight). This seems fresh and balanced, with decent red fruits, good acidity level, smooth tannins, minerals and violets. The alcohol was more pronounced on day 2 and it became a bit puckery. My second Cadence, I've enjoyed them both but I don't think they earn their pay grade.
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62% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot. Small sample taste at PnP yielded little, then PnV for 30-60 minutes during dinner, then decanted for 4.5+ hours., which opened this up very icely. Found this more in the finessed/elegant style with good balance and structure. Rich red & black fruit, notably black currant and black cherry after some time to air and breathe. Picked up notes of tobacco, graphite, cedar, and hints of earth and bell pepper. Medium:full bodied with grainy tannins that are still integrating with mouth-watering acidity and a lingering finish. Can drink now, but best to decant for at least 2 hours beforehand, yet should have many good years ahead.
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A lil VA when 1st opened but blew off. Showing the classic Cadence finesse and in a mature phase now. Nice graphite, peppers, red fruits & tobacco. In a great place and very enjoyable right now.
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Popped and poured. Have been going through the cellar and bringing more Washington 2007 reds to the forefront, so that they can be consumed in the near term. Finding in general that the 2007's just aren't designed for long term. However, I need to make sure and tuck one of these Bel Canto's in the back so I can re-visit it in a decade. Gorgeous nose of charred beef, tomato, earth and asphalt. The palate is dominated by a bright black raspberry flavor. The texture was sublime, with perfect balance between weighty and fat. The finish lasted a good 30 seconds. Would definitely purchase again.
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PnP. Simply gorgeous. Deep magenta in color with good legs. Nice nose of roasted red bell peppers and sweet red fruits. Really soft on the entry, without being flabby. Great extraction, yet very elegant at the same time. My WOTN in a flight of 4 reds from the PNW.
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Mint, Oreo, bing cherry, perfume and salty rock. Long and established middle palate; she really is coming out. Soothes and refines, then bewilders with poetic qualities. Beautiful fruit. Drink 2015 - 2029.
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Decanted 1 hr. 62% Cab franc, 31% Merlot, 7% Petite Verdot. Decanted 2 hrs. It seemed to me that this 2007 shares a lot in common with the pre ‘Cara Mia Vineyard’ Bel Canto’s (From Red Mountain Ciel du Cheval and Taptiel etc), that is an polished and very well put together package of unsweetened baking chocolate, dark cherry, rose petal and very defined aromas and flavors of violets (from the Petit Verdot?). It did differ slightly in that its palate weight seemed lighter, perhaps even a tad fresher. No doubt on the finish, a long one that was both grippy and full of mineral themed sensibilities. A few CT notes call this a bit thin and short, and perhaps if this was served along side a slew of other louder candidtes, I too may have scribed those thoughts. But going one on one last light with this BC, I saw an excellent WA Cab Franc blend that was both confident, packed a very good punch, just in a soft and quiet delivery. Never underestimate out how long Ben’s wines can age, I’ve made that mistake too many times. Hold last 2 bottles for 3 to 8 more years.
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Not as good as I expected from the reviews - found it to be tart/acidic, red fruits - medium weight - not picking up what others did at all, will wait a few months and try another bottle - decent but not compelling by any stretch
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This was quite simple for Cadence despite its focus and clarity of fruit. There just wasn't enough flavor intensity or terroir to make it memorable. Having said all that, the wine will pair well with food and various cheeses. The wine features bright red fruit and truffles with a light-medium finish. Cheers.
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Friends and I tasted this at the winery on 4/14/12. It had a deep, rich and ripe bouquet of black cherry, black currant, spice, mocha and mineral aromas. The palate was rich, ripe, dense and dusty dry with flavors of black cherry, black currant, spice and mocha. 92+
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Very floral on the nose, with wonderful dark fruit coming through as well. Palate is smooth and exceptionally balanced. Tasty cassis and blackberry notes, accompanied by touches of grilled herbs, tobacco and mocha. Would recommend.
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Solid from start to finish. A bordeaux like blend that brings the terroir with the fruit to a very pleaant finish. Strawberry pop tart on the nose, decanted for less than an hour and reacted well with time.
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A friend and I tasted this at the winery on 6/11/11. It had a terrific, ripe and elegant bouquet of black cherry, black currant, sage, cinnamon, spice, cedar, toast and tobacco (just a hint) aromas. The palate was full bodied, elegant, balanced and beautifully structured with flavors of black cherry, black currant, sage, spice, mocha and toast. 92+
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decanted for over a hour there is no nose what so ever and has very little flavor. wine is shut down for now. will wait another year to open next bottle
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Truly a fantastic wine. I tend to not like cab francs all that much but this is a fantastic blend. Drank from 375 ml with minimal air so expect it will keep getting better.
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Red currant, meaty bacon immediately after opening, no decant. Evolved with more structure and finish quickly. Saved most of bottle for next day enjoyment. A finely made Cab Franc blend.
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I love the intensity of flavor here that seems to flutter on such a transparent, delicate, nearly weightless frame. Great perfume, beautiful finish that's gentle but persistent.
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Tasted this wine today with Ben Smith and Roy Hersh. Truthfully, I was quite smitten with it. The mouthfeel is extraordinary. This wine is predominantly Cabernet Franc. Honestly, I've had more sub-par Cab Franc over the years than I would bore anyone by recounting. This wine - to my delight - featured an absolutely wonderful expression of fully-ripened Cabernet Franc. Ben was kind enough to show us as well how certain plots of his estate vineyard are comprised of soil types quite similar to the vineyards of Cheval Blanc. This wine has an intense and perfumed nose, powerful entry and delicious dark fruit on the palate, spherical and silky mouthfeel and a long finish. Ben also detailed for us his French oak barrel producers and how he had identified one particular one (Darnajou) that complimented his Cabernet Franc extremely well, adding spices to the profile. This is an extraordinary wine, and highly recommended! It provided much pleasure on this day, but I am sure it will have no problem continuing to develop and improve for another 10 years.
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12/8/2022 - Lmdaniel wrote:
Alicia’s parent’s 50th Anniversary dinner
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11/21/2021 - galewskj wrote: 93 Points
My last Cadence and I'm sorry to see it go. Leather, red fruit and earth. These are fantastic with 10+ years of age. I should really buy some more.
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8/7/2021 - dakotalovins16 wrote: 95 Points
Brilliance.
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6/20/2021 - galewskj wrote: 92 Points
This wine remains ripe and full-bodied. The cabernet franc gives it a berry quality as well as a more steely or green aspect. These drink beautifully with 10+ years age, not so much when they're young.
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10/12/2020 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Regrettably our last bottle. We have thoroughly enjoyed this over the years.
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9/5/2020 - Dale M wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 1 hr. In a wonderful spot now, a great union of dark plummy fruit, roses, and unsweetened chocolate while still having a solid backbone and spine. Might go another 5 if well stored. Always a big fan of the Bel Canto.
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3/19/2020 - ken Likes this wine: 91 Points
In 2010 I loved this wine. Tonight I had the last bottle and still love it. Could still go for another 5 years if well cellared.
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1/9/2020 - J o e wrote: 92 Points
14.4% ABV. Brilliant ruby red. Aromas of pine needles, campfire smoke, mocha and violets are readily apparent after some swirling in the glass, increasing in intensity with both time and air exposure. In the mouth, there is medium body, with stong notes of bittersweet chocolate, licorice, dark plum and earth. There is good length and ample tannin on the finish. This is approachable now with some aeration, yet still a bit on the young side. Very good today, but my guess is that this will drink better in a few years’ time. 92.
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5/28/2019 - Dfortin9 wrote: 93 Points
Deep ruby, large tears. Aromas of cherry, plum and vanilla. Full bodied, low acidity, medium tannins. Chewy cherries, dark chocolate and vanilla in this savory and lenghty finish cab. Seemless balanced. Full bodied. I loved it. Soft and sweet!! NI: 4, FI:22, FC:9, B:4, L:4
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4/13/2019 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark Cherries with a long finish. Wonderful
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12/25/2018 - geomack Likes this wine:
Complex, black cherry with dark chocolate notes. Very nice.
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12/14/2018 - vinole Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted, but only needed to warm up as the tannins were resolved and the fruit quite open. Surprisingly lush at this stage, with dark red fruit, but would have liked a little more acidity. Really enjoyed both alone and with food (ribeyes in this case). Will probably last a number of years longer, but i would drink fairly soon given the lower levels of tannin and acidity right now.
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6/23/2018 - markcic Likes this wine: 92 Points
The first of three 2007 reds our group consumed at dinner. We pnp'd, the nose was all fruit, the palate was dark cherry, plum, rhubarb with a touch of earth tones coming out on the finish which was moderate to long. A really nice bottle of wine.
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6/17/2018 - ppandian wrote: 89 Points
Nice balance and structure. Medium weight with fruit and balance.
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4/6/2018 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 92 Points
Another great performance. We have really enjoyed this wine.
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8/24/2017 - iamandyc wrote: 90 Points
Really good QPR. Drank over 3 days and improved throughout. This bottle was not as good as my last one. Dry, dark, spicy (a bit woody) with good structure and medium length finish. Integrated better over the days.
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6/24/2017 - Chapel Likes this wine: 94 Points
Such a nature smooth wine. First of the night for a food/wine party. Alone, with cheese, salami etc; it could dance with anything
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3/20/2017 - thebonnydooner wrote: 92 Points
Nicely complex. This was mature, very well balanced and showing lots of nuanced character. Nice ripe dark cherry fruit, shows currant cab franc, some nice earthy notes and a hint of coffee or tar. Overall this was a really tasty wine with a very smooth finish. Not absolutely "wow" but a great companion for dinner.
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12/27/2016 - forcumba wrote: 92 Points
At a very good point right now. Tertiary notes yet still some good fruit and very balanced. Pairs well with a variety of foods! Took to dinner at a steak house and the complexity stood up nicely with many different foods!
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10/29/2016 - thebonnydooner wrote:
Judgement reserved. While nicely coloured and ripe in smell, there was a tinge of something off in the taste. Maybe a little metallic? Just not as fresh or balanced as expected.
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10/21/2016 - WAWINEFAN wrote: 90 Points
A very nice wine - a little different blend. Spicy nose, long finish.
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7/30/2016 - Dale M wrote: 91 Points
Decanted 3 hrs. This started a bit rambunctious, the dark cherry component was a bit of out balance leading to the impression of cough syrup and dare I say a touch of heat. Fortunately, things settled down, as the cherry fruit layered out into other nice complexities of dark chocolate, espresso, and sage notes. Even better, it gained in focus and precision on a ever so slightly bitter finish nicely offset the richness of the wine. Started slow, finished strong, years to go but certainly at maturity.
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3/5/2016 - skifree wrote: 92 Points
Very dark color in the glass. Nose of kirsch, cedar, and macerated black cherry. Ripe fruit in the mouth dominated by black cherry. The finish is long and complex, with black fruit, more cherry, and a spiciness from the tannins going on and on. Think this is still in its primary stage. Bel Canto has become my favorite of Ben's wines.
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12/12/2015 - Wink Likes this wine: 90 Points
Translucent dark garnet. Nose of dust, plum, mint, green pepper, and tobacco. Ripe palate of blackberry, plum, stewed cherries, spice, vanilla, and espresso. Very good length. Lively acidity. Supple tannins, especially for Red Mountain fruit. Integrated oak. A tiny hint of green pepper. 62% Cab Franc, 31% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot.
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11/23/2015 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 93 Points
Opened and decanted 30-min before a pork chop dinner. Dark garnet color. Floral nose of purple violets, black currant, blackberry jam, and cherry pie. The palate is medium-full, round, silky, and nicely concentrated, delivering black cherries, blueberries, raspberries, wild herbs, soy sauce, milk chocolate, coffee bean, and vanilla baking spices. The finish is near perfect with firm yet refined tannins and a lovely supple acidity of crushed cherries and cinnamon toast. Definitely appears to be in a peak window. Graceful wine but well built, so drink now - 2020.
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8/28/2015 - Endeavorslc wrote: 91 Points
Needs to be decanted to open up and fully appreciate.
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4/23/2015 - iamandyc wrote: 92 Points
Very nice blend that picked up a velvety quality while being supple. The Cab Franc was very nice and provided beautiful blue fruit and lavender notes. Nice acidity, fragrant and medium length finish. Enjoyed
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2/10/2015 - NavyVet6874 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Beautiful wine, I wish I had more of this vintage.
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12/19/2014 - Chkkelley wrote: 90 Points
Big cherry with good structure. Will drink well into 2017.
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9/19/2014 - garambler Likes this wine: 92 Points
I opened this for our 9/19/14 prime rib dinner. It had a rich, ripe and fragrant bouquet of violet, black cherry, black currant, cinnamon, cocoa and spice aromas. The palate was rich and powerful, but a tiny bit rough with flavors of black cherry, black currant, black tea, cinnamon, spice and minerals. 91+
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8/4/2014 - Brownvino wrote: 90 Points
Dented for one hour. I know this was an early consumption. I was curious. I have a few more bottles. The fruit was not strong. Nose was just OK. I will hope for better results next time, but I am concerned.
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5/12/2014 - Wayne Richmon wrote: 91 Points
Held up pretty well against the first wine of the night which is saying a lot. Decanted and poured. The first wine was an 02 Schrader so there really is no comparison except that while the Schrader was perfectly balanced, silky smooth and loaded with amazing fruit; the Cadence was more like a exciting conclusion to the night. A little tart and rough compared to the first wine but fun to drink just the same, as the two wines were such a contrast.
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4/23/2014 - galewskj wrote: 90 Points
Pop and pour, drank half the bottle one night and half the bottle the next night (under argon overnight). This seems fresh and balanced, with decent red fruits, good acidity level, smooth tannins, minerals and violets. The alcohol was more pronounced on day 2 and it became a bit puckery. My second Cadence, I've enjoyed them both but I don't think they earn their pay grade.
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3/8/2014 - DRS-Inc wrote: 92 Points
62% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot. Small sample taste at PnP yielded little, then PnV for 30-60 minutes during dinner, then decanted for 4.5+ hours., which opened this up very icely. Found this more in the finessed/elegant style with good balance and structure. Rich red & black fruit, notably black currant and black cherry after some time to air and breathe. Picked up notes of tobacco, graphite, cedar, and hints of earth and bell pepper. Medium:full bodied with grainy tannins that are still integrating with mouth-watering acidity and a lingering finish. Can drink now, but best to decant for at least 2 hours beforehand, yet should have many good years ahead.
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2/20/2014 - bajayngo wrote:
A lil VA when 1st opened but blew off. Showing the classic Cadence finesse and in a mature phase now. Nice graphite, peppers, red fruits & tobacco. In a great place and very enjoyable right now.
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2/11/2014 - MagnumGourmet Likes this wine:
Popped and poured. Have been going through the cellar and bringing more Washington 2007 reds to the forefront, so that they can be consumed in the near term. Finding in general that the 2007's just aren't designed for long term. However, I need to make sure and tuck one of these Bel Canto's in the back so I can re-visit it in a decade. Gorgeous nose of charred beef, tomato, earth and asphalt. The palate is dominated by a bright black raspberry flavor. The texture was sublime, with perfect balance between weighty and fat. The finish lasted a good 30 seconds. Would definitely purchase again.
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11/16/2013 - hesnctrl Likes this wine: 93 Points
PnP. Simply gorgeous. Deep magenta in color with good legs. Nice nose of roasted red bell peppers and sweet red fruits. Really soft on the entry, without being flabby. Great extraction, yet very elegant at the same time. My WOTN in a flight of 4 reds from the PNW.
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9/12/2013 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 94 Points
Mint, Oreo, bing cherry, perfume and salty rock. Long and established middle palate; she really is coming out. Soothes and refines, then bewilders with poetic qualities. Beautiful fruit. Drink 2015 - 2029.
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5/19/2013 - Dale M wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 1 hr. 62% Cab franc, 31% Merlot, 7% Petite Verdot. Decanted 2 hrs. It seemed to me that this 2007 shares a lot in common with the pre ‘Cara Mia Vineyard’ Bel Canto’s (From Red Mountain Ciel du Cheval and Taptiel etc), that is an polished and very well put together package of unsweetened baking chocolate, dark cherry, rose petal and very defined aromas and flavors of violets (from the Petit Verdot?). It did differ slightly in that its palate weight seemed lighter, perhaps even a tad fresher. No doubt on the finish, a long one that was both grippy and full of mineral themed sensibilities. A few CT notes call this a bit thin and short, and perhaps if this was served along side a slew of other louder candidtes, I too may have scribed those thoughts. But going one on one last light with this BC, I saw an excellent WA Cab Franc blend that was both confident, packed a very good punch, just in a soft and quiet delivery. Never underestimate out how long Ben’s wines can age, I’ve made that mistake too many times. Hold last 2 bottles for 3 to 8 more years.
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5/7/2013 - AngryPrez wrote: 89 Points
Not as good as I expected from the reviews - found it to be tart/acidic, red fruits - medium weight - not picking up what others did at all, will wait a few months and try another bottle - decent but not compelling by any stretch
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3/3/2013 - bwilfond Likes this wine:
improved over 4 hourss
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1/11/2013 - What I'm Drinking Now Likes this wine: 89 Points
This was quite simple for Cadence despite its focus and clarity of fruit. There just wasn't enough flavor intensity or terroir to make it memorable. Having said all that, the wine will pair well with food and various cheeses. The wine features bright red fruit and truffles with a light-medium finish. Cheers.
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9/23/2012 - thatrick wrote: 92 Points
Improved nicely since my last bottle. Will wait another year on my last bottle.
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6/18/2012 - spretzer wrote: 92 Points
just really really good. so smooth and well integrated.
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4/14/2012 - garambler wrote: 93 Points
Friends and I tasted this at the winery on 4/14/12. It had a deep, rich and ripe bouquet of black cherry, black currant, spice, mocha and mineral aromas. The palate was rich, ripe, dense and dusty dry with flavors of black cherry, black currant, spice and mocha. 92+
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3/3/2012 - BSpdx Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very floral on the nose, with wonderful dark fruit coming through as well. Palate is smooth and exceptionally balanced. Tasty cassis and blackberry notes, accompanied by touches of grilled herbs, tobacco and mocha. Would recommend.
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12/30/2011 - vinodolphin wrote: 93 Points
Shared with Paula and Mike. Everyone loved this. Great fruit, smooth tannins. It would get a higher score if the finish was a bit longer.
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12/29/2011 - MK62 wrote: 92 Points
Solid from start to finish. A bordeaux like blend that brings the terroir with the fruit to a very pleaant finish. Strawberry pop tart on the nose, decanted for less than an hour and reacted well with time.
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12/4/2011 - Gene_Mo wrote: 89 Points
Not very expressive. Not as good as other 2007 Bel Canto's this time.
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11/14/2011 - vinodolphin wrote: 92 Points
Wonderful, dark cherries and chocolate.
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10/16/2011 - jimmythesaint wrote:
Okay bottle of vino but a tad too sweet on the finish.
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6/11/2011 - garambler wrote: 93 Points
A friend and I tasted this at the winery on 6/11/11. It had a terrific, ripe and elegant bouquet of black cherry, black currant, sage, cinnamon, spice, cedar, toast and tobacco (just a hint) aromas. The palate was full bodied, elegant, balanced and beautifully structured with flavors of black cherry, black currant, sage, spice, mocha and toast. 92+
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5/27/2011 - thatrick wrote: 88 Points
decanted for over a hour there is no nose what so ever and has very little flavor. wine is shut down for now. will wait another year to open next bottle
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4/11/2011 - curtispomeroy wrote: 93 Points
Truly a fantastic wine. I tend to not like cab francs all that much but this is a fantastic blend. Drank from 375 ml with minimal air so expect it will keep getting better.
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12/28/2010 - Russ P wrote: 94 Points
Red currant, meaty bacon immediately after opening, no decant. Evolved with more structure and finish quickly. Saved most of bottle for next day enjoyment. A finely made Cab Franc blend.
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8/5/2010 - ken wrote: 93 Points
Superb
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7/6/2010 - AdamWallstein wrote: 94 Points
I love the intensity of flavor here that seems to flutter on such a transparent, delicate, nearly weightless frame. Great perfume, beautiful finish that's gentle but persistent.
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2/22/2010 - Blair Curtis wrote: 94 Points
Tasted this wine today with Ben Smith and Roy Hersh. Truthfully, I was quite smitten with it. The mouthfeel is extraordinary. This wine is predominantly Cabernet Franc. Honestly, I've had more sub-par Cab Franc over the years than I would bore anyone by recounting. This wine - to my delight - featured an absolutely wonderful expression of fully-ripened Cabernet Franc. Ben was kind enough to show us as well how certain plots of his estate vineyard are comprised of soil types quite similar to the vineyards of Cheval Blanc. This wine has an intense and perfumed nose, powerful entry and delicious dark fruit on the palate, spherical and silky mouthfeel and a long finish. Ben also detailed for us his French oak barrel producers and how he had identified one particular one (Darnajou) that complimented his Cabernet Franc extremely well, adding spices to the profile. This is an extraordinary wine, and highly recommended! It provided much pleasure on this day, but I am sure it will have no problem continuing to develop and improve for another 10 years.
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