Napa Valley Wine and Food Excursion 2013; 9/30/2013-10/5/2013 (Napa Valley, California): Dense and rich, this opaque ruby wine shows nice aromas of black and red currants, supported by coriander, vanilla and espresso. Full-bodied and round on the palate, it shows predominantly black fruit flavors. The tannins remain substantial but nicely integrated, as is the alcohol. Solid in the middle and medium-to-long on the finish, this wine is hitting its stride. Drink now-2023.
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This bottle was excellent in its more graceful style. Not as amped up as many Cali cabs. Secondary favors still lacking to be outstanding with this style.
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This reflects my day 1 exoerience but I think it will improve tonight on day 2. PNP. Suffered from being cool from the cellar and not getting enough air as it improved over time in my glass. Dark purple color and typical Napa cab nose of fruit and some vanilla. Palate was lush with plum flavors dominating so far. Fresh taste to the wine and nice balance. Reasonable finish. To be continued.... Day two this did continue to improve and hit 90+. This is a borderline outstanding Cali cab with the strength being in the purity and flavor of the fruit. Well done. I have had very good impression of the 2005 cabs from Napa that I have tasted in the past few months. They are aging well.
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Drank this at Old Homestead at a dinner with Neal Vineyards customers and Mark and his wife. The Neal wines were: 2003 Napa Cab, Howell Mountain, Second Chance and Petite Syrah. The Neal Cabs had a lot more heft and structure, although as the ES spent some time in the glass, it improved quite a bit. Nice bouquet, but a bit thinner overall. It's a lovely wine, but the Neal was much "chewier."
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6/5/2017 - nick&nora wrote:
Last had this almost 12 years ago. It was nice at the time, but the years have been kind. This was delicious.
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10/2/2013 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 90 Points
Napa Valley Wine and Food Excursion 2013; 9/30/2013-10/5/2013 (Napa Valley, California): Dense and rich, this opaque ruby wine shows nice aromas of black and red currants, supported by coriander, vanilla and espresso. Full-bodied and round on the palate, it shows predominantly black fruit flavors. The tannins remain substantial but nicely integrated, as is the alcohol. Solid in the middle and medium-to-long on the finish, this wine is hitting its stride. Drink now-2023.
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5/5/2012 - iamandyc wrote: 89 Points
This bottle was excellent in its more graceful style. Not as amped up as many Cali cabs. Secondary favors still lacking to be outstanding with this style.
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1/11/2012 - iamandyc wrote: 90 Points
This reflects my day 1 exoerience but I think it will improve tonight on day 2. PNP. Suffered from being cool from the cellar and not getting enough air as it improved over time in my glass. Dark purple color and typical Napa cab nose of fruit and some vanilla. Palate was lush with plum flavors dominating so far. Fresh taste to the wine and nice balance. Reasonable finish. To be continued....
Day two this did continue to improve and hit 90+. This is a borderline outstanding Cali cab with the strength being in the purity and flavor of the fruit. Well done. I have had very good impression of the 2005 cabs from Napa that I have tasted in the past few months. They are aging well.
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1/27/2008 - nick&nora wrote:
Drank this at Old Homestead at a dinner with Neal Vineyards customers and Mark and his wife. The Neal wines were: 2003 Napa Cab, Howell Mountain, Second Chance and Petite Syrah. The Neal Cabs had a lot more heft and structure, although as the ES spent some time in the glass, it improved quite a bit. Nice bouquet, but a bit thinner overall. It's a lovely wine, but the Neal was much "chewier."
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