At fifteen years, this is still a very substantial wine. Brawny, yet classy. Decanted initially and enjoyed over three days with grilled red meat; it didn’t miss a beat and was somewhat better integrated on day three than on day 1. Displays a classic “old school” style with a melange of concentrated black and red fruits with still grainy tannin and solid acidity. Big finish. This has not reached peak maturity, and I suspect, it’s got more time to run. Drink through 2026+
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I started dabbling in Wine Access in order to procure some decent California cabernets as the vast range on offer at the store presented a numbing excess of choice. So far I have been satisfied in my acquisitions and I have had no complaint with the pricing; quite the opposite in fact on most occasions.
This is what you would be looking for in an above-average selection: densely extracted, almost opaque, perfumed aroma, floral scents, mint , eucalyptus; palate-coating, espresso, mint, dark berry fruits, approachable tannins at this point.
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Opened this b/c I cracked the bottle slightly on the bottom when re-arranging the cellar. Seemed to take it well but I wasn't taking any chances. Decanted and started drinking right away, but really started singing after about 90 mins. Complex, savory nose. Fruit starting to fade a little. Anise, pepper. Thinning a bit on the mid. Tannins still present. Drinking well at the moment.
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Still a bit tight out of the bottle but a 1 hour decant really allowed the wine to open up. Some nice leather and a bit of funk on the nose and then a mouth full of dark fruit with some acidity and tannins to balance it out. This wine probably could go another 5 years to hit its peak but it is quite good now.
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Just a beautiful, concentrated, near over-the-top but while near the edge, it rewards with a dark, pleasurable result. tar, granite, graphite, black currant and mature blackberry with a light cocoa dusting. When mountain fruit hits like this, it is special. Wish I had more as it is unique in it's dark concentration. The darkness element reminded me of elements of a 05 Pavie. For the price, loved this wine. As an aside, with this this vineyard near Dana Hersey?
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After finishing off 4 bottles within the past 2 to 3 years I can say that it has continued constant with little improvements while cellaring, which is not a bad thing, for making allowance in longer cellaring and its eventuality.
With that being said; it definitely has potential growth in lue of continuing smoothness,reaching its final destination of "Velvety" on the palate.
I thoroughly enjoyed this wine, and as I agree with most of its critics; Black Raspberries and graphite, perfumed nose, lush and fruit driven, etc. etc., I was very impressed with its smoothness upon immediate opening. As for me, decanting an hour or two, did not seem to have made any significant changes to take notice.
As for now I am holding on to the last couple bottle and will test again in the next year or two holding with excitement of its potentialities as mentioned.. I will try and update soon there after, God willing.
If you have any enjoy or cellar, either or, its all good. If you have none, well I'm sorry because it is very hard to find, and/if and/when you do, it will cost you a little, for the price is rising as they lay, but worth it...Salute!
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Decanted for close to two hours. This Cab is big, concentrated, and juicy. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, blueberries, cherries, plum, vanilla, coffee, and some faint earth tones. Dusty, well integrated tannins. Velvety mouthfeel that leads to a long, very flavorful finish. Very enjoyable and impressive consistent with notes from a year ago.
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Nice wine. Well-balanced, with lots of tannin and acidity. Bright fruits. Oak is there too, but it mellows nicely with some decanting. Notes of earth add complexity. Developed well over the night - definitely not a P&P! Still not sure about the QPR - we'll see how it develops. 90-93pts.
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this might be better than the 90 that i'm scoring ... last night we had a Roy Estate wine and it was just top notch (hence, anything after is just not good ... ) ... there's nothing wrong with this wine at all ... it's delightful, but it's not a Roy ...
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Solid napa valley cab, very good structure but the fruit was not as intense as I would have thought, it did improve throughout the night, maybe it needs more time in the bottle to develop, low 90s for now. -S
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50ml bottle. Very dark American Beauty red. Blueberry, burnt oak, and baking spice nose. Full bodied, scads of blackberries, cassis, tar, solid tannins, sweet milk chocolate, and a long lingering finish. A classic.
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As one might expect for an "upper-echelon" Napa CS, there is no lacking of extract in this densely, but prettily deep ruby wine. By no means monumental on the nose, but nuanced with perfumed oak, tobacco leaf, a hint of clove, dark berries. Approachable on the palate, although tannins evident suggesting a few years until maturity, pronounced dark berries, dark chocolate, still a little tightly wound, not a heavyweight.
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Dark, deep opaque purple, almost a black color, full bodied and rich. Decanted for about an hour to ensure the tannins had subsided. Classic cassis, cedar, and black fruit aromas with underpinnings of tobacco and sweet dark chocolate. Flavors of blackberries, black cherry, and black currant explode on the palate with dusty, well balanced tannins that provide provide a wonderful structure that serve as a great accompaniment to a chargrilled NY strip. Super long, dry finish. Outstanding and very approachable for a mountain Cab, shows a lot of elegance and class.
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Big nose, but lighter in body than anticipated. Deep, rich cassis and oak nose. Dry body and finish with very firm and dry tannins. Little plum shows up midpalate, but BIG woody note there through finish. Still not sure about this one. 89
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Sourced from the North Fork Vineyard at the base of Howell Mountain the '06 is dense, layered and full-bodied with such beautiful cabernet fruit. So complex showing sweet currant, floral, herbs, espresso, graphite and mineral. This combines power with finesse. The tannins are dusty, round and juicy but they also provide an excellent structure for the wine. Everything is so balanced and finishes long.
The 2006 North Fork Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is composed entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from a very unique site in the northern Napa Valley. The vineyard rests at an elevation of 1,200 feet on a severely sloping rocky site at the western base of Howell Mountain. The west facing orientation embraces the afternoon sun. 2006 was a moderate growing year which benefited the grapes with an extended hang time prior to harvest. This vineyard was picked on October 18th (by contrast the vineyard was picked on September 1st in 2004.)
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Much like the other Luna Cabernets, the nose is very dark, very sensual and seductive with cocoa notes along with dark blackberry, cherry, leather and a touch of cedar. Subdued oak. Great mouthfeel, dusty dry tannins, well integrated, great streak of acidity giving this wine solid agability. On the finish the minerality comes out and the leathery tobacco components linger for a nice long time. Delicious and clearly superior to the basic Luna Cabernet, but maybe not twice as good which is what the price tag shows.
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10/18/2021 - wmccone54 wrote: 94 Points
At fifteen years, this is still a very substantial wine. Brawny, yet classy. Decanted initially and enjoyed over three days with grilled red meat; it didn’t miss a beat and was somewhat better integrated on day three than on day 1. Displays a classic “old school” style with a melange of concentrated black and red fruits with still grainy tannin and solid acidity. Big finish. This has not reached peak maturity, and I suspect, it’s got more time to run. Drink through 2026+
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12/16/2019 - bugdoced Likes this wine: 90 Points
has hit a lovely peak with integrated tannins and delicious fruit
not gonna get much better by my view
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10/19/2019 - BobMangino wrote:
Really a wonderful, grown-up wine. 93
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5/29/2017 - bugdoced Likes this wine: 91 Points
classic cabernet new world deliciousness with integration backbone dark rich fruit
has some years of life left
a treat
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1/11/2016 - Dulcie and Aylwin wrote:
I started dabbling in Wine Access in order to procure some decent California cabernets as the vast range on offer at the store presented a numbing excess of choice. So far I have been satisfied in my acquisitions and I have had no complaint with the pricing; quite the opposite in fact on most occasions.
This is what you would be looking for in an above-average selection: densely extracted, almost opaque, perfumed aroma, floral scents, mint , eucalyptus; palate-coating, espresso, mint, dark berry fruits, approachable tannins at this point.
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10/3/2015 - lifeattable Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened this b/c I cracked the bottle slightly on the bottom when re-arranging the cellar. Seemed to take it well but I wasn't taking any chances. Decanted and started drinking right away, but really started singing after about 90 mins. Complex, savory nose. Fruit starting to fade a little. Anise, pepper. Thinning a bit on the mid. Tannins still present. Drinking well at the moment.
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8/7/2015 - Xfactor wrote: 92 Points
Stellar bottling, rich and complex, hits all the typical Napa notes.
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11/24/2014 - lopaka wrote: 92 Points
Still a bit tight out of the bottle but a 1 hour decant really allowed the wine to open up. Some nice leather and a bit of funk on the nose and then a mouth full of dark fruit with some acidity and tannins to balance it out. This wine probably could go another 5 years to hit its peak but it is quite good now.
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1/30/2014 - mdfuller wrote: 89 Points
there was just something off ... there was just a wobble somewhere. structure was good, complexity good, but ... maybe it is just in an ugly state
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3/9/2013 - ledwards wrote: 94 Points
Just a beautiful, concentrated, near over-the-top but while near the edge, it rewards with a dark, pleasurable result. tar, granite, graphite, black currant and mature blackberry with a light cocoa dusting. When mountain fruit hits like this, it is special. Wish I had more as it is unique in it's dark concentration. The darkness element reminded me of elements of a 05 Pavie. For the price, loved this wine. As an aside, with this this vineyard near Dana Hersey?
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12/22/2012 - 80'smusician Likes this wine: 92 Points
After finishing off 4 bottles within the past 2 to 3 years I can say that it has continued constant with little improvements while cellaring, which is not a bad thing, for making allowance in longer cellaring and its eventuality.
With that being said; it definitely has potential growth in lue of continuing smoothness,reaching its final destination of "Velvety" on the palate.
I thoroughly enjoyed this wine, and as I agree with most of its critics; Black Raspberries and graphite, perfumed nose, lush and fruit driven, etc. etc., I was very impressed with its smoothness upon immediate opening. As for me, decanting an hour or two, did not seem to have made any significant changes to take notice.
As for now I am holding on to the last couple bottle and will test again in the next year or two holding with excitement of its potentialities as mentioned.. I will try and update soon there after, God willing.
If you have any enjoy or cellar, either or, its all good. If you have none, well I'm sorry because it is very hard to find, and/if and/when you do, it will cost you a little, for the price is rising as they lay, but worth it...Salute!
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11/3/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 94 Points
Decanted for close to two hours. This Cab is big, concentrated, and juicy. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, blueberries, cherries, plum, vanilla, coffee, and some faint earth tones. Dusty, well integrated tannins. Velvety mouthfeel that leads to a long, very flavorful finish. Very enjoyable and impressive consistent with notes from a year ago.
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10/13/2012 - lifeattable Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice wine. Well-balanced, with lots of tannin and acidity. Bright fruits. Oak is there too, but it mellows nicely with some decanting. Notes of earth add complexity. Developed well over the night - definitely not a P&P! Still not sure about the QPR - we'll see how it develops. 90-93pts.
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8/17/2012 - sasvino wrote: 91 Points
No major changes to last posting in terms of flavors but continue to sense this is a good window to take this one down,. -S
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5/13/2012 - Xfactor wrote: 92 Points
Just a stunning CS. Rich and velvety fruit with bold tannins and firm length.
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3/22/2012 - Jmartin wrote:
Wish I had taken better notes. This was good though.
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2/19/2012 - mdfuller Likes this wine: 90 Points
this might be better than the 90 that i'm scoring ... last night we had a Roy Estate wine and it was just top notch (hence, anything after is just not good ... ) ... there's nothing wrong with this wine at all ... it's delightful, but it's not a Roy ...
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1/31/2012 - sasvino wrote: 91 Points
Solid napa valley cab, very good structure but the fruit was not as intense as I would have thought, it did improve throughout the night, maybe it needs more time in the bottle to develop, low 90s for now. -S
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1/8/2012 - merryberry wrote: 91 Points
50ml bottle. Very dark American Beauty red. Blueberry, burnt oak, and baking spice nose. Full bodied, scads of blackberries, cassis, tar, solid tannins, sweet milk chocolate, and a long lingering finish. A classic.
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12/16/2011 - Dulcie and Aylwin wrote:
As one might expect for an "upper-echelon" Napa CS, there is no lacking of extract in this densely, but prettily deep ruby wine. By no means monumental on the nose, but nuanced with perfumed oak, tobacco leaf, a hint of clove, dark berries. Approachable on the palate, although tannins evident suggesting a few years until maturity, pronounced dark berries, dark chocolate, still a little tightly wound, not a heavyweight.
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12/13/2011 - Xfactor wrote: 89 Points
Days 2 had great holding power; day 3 had good attack, but started to taper off to a bit berrish portfolio by end of bottle. Impressive strength.
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12/10/2011 - Xfactor wrote: 90 Points
Richer this time around, but some firmer tannins and drier fruit. Good development.
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11/25/2011 - wmccone54 wrote: 94 Points
Dark, deep opaque purple, almost a black color, full bodied and rich. Decanted for about an hour to ensure the tannins had subsided. Classic cassis, cedar, and black fruit aromas with underpinnings of tobacco and sweet dark chocolate. Flavors of blackberries, black cherry, and black currant explode on the palate with dusty, well balanced tannins that provide provide a wonderful structure that serve as a great accompaniment to a chargrilled NY strip. Super long, dry finish. Outstanding and very approachable for a mountain Cab, shows a lot of elegance and class.
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11/11/2011 - Jmartin wrote:
Paired beautifully with filet and mashed potatoess. Great cab with plenty of time to grow.
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11/7/2011 - Xfactor wrote: 89 Points
Big nose, but lighter in body than anticipated. Deep, rich cassis and oak nose. Dry body and finish with very firm and dry tannins. Little plum shows up midpalate, but BIG woody note there through finish. Still not sure about this one. 89
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9/28/2011 - bugdoced wrote: 90 Points
agree with other notes in that this is balanced and has some years to go
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9/24/2011 - apspr wrote: 92 Points
BIG wine, but not overbearing at all -- lovely mellow fruit and cedar on the nose and palate -- great mouthfeel and texture, mild finish --
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8/13/2011 - InternationalWineReport wrote: 95 Points
Sourced from the North Fork Vineyard at the base of Howell Mountain the '06 is dense, layered and full-bodied with such beautiful cabernet fruit. So complex showing sweet currant, floral, herbs, espresso, graphite and mineral. This combines power with finesse. The tannins are dusty, round and juicy but they also provide an excellent structure for the wine. Everything is so balanced and finishes long.
The 2006 North Fork Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is composed entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from a very unique site in the northern Napa Valley. The vineyard rests at an elevation of 1,200 feet on a severely sloping rocky site at the western base of Howell Mountain. The west facing orientation embraces the afternoon sun. 2006 was a moderate growing year which benefited the grapes with an extended hang time prior to harvest. This vineyard was picked on October 18th (by contrast the vineyard was picked on September 1st in 2004.)
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2/3/2011 - Jack Cranley wrote: 92 Points
Much like the other Luna Cabernets, the nose is very dark, very sensual and seductive with cocoa notes along with dark blackberry, cherry, leather and a touch of cedar. Subdued oak. Great mouthfeel, dusty dry tannins, well integrated, great streak of acidity giving this wine solid agability. On the finish the minerality comes out and the leathery tobacco components linger for a nice long time. Delicious and clearly superior to the basic Luna Cabernet, but maybe not twice as good which is what the price tag shows.
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11/21/2010 - Napa wine guy wrote:
fantastic with roast leg of lamb! 89 points. Got a lot of plum and got even better the next day
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