EMH Black Cat Vineyard Visit

Calistoga, CA
Tasted Sunday, April 5, 2015 by odds with 374 views

Introduction

There was one request put front to this tour: Ensure a visit at Black Cat Vineyard. Request fulfilled, and it was well worth the trip. The road to EMH converts into a small 'residential' area, and you may actually think you've gone de-tour. But no, that's the way through the small vineyards to the 15 rows of EMH black cat. Four minutes delay, but we've made it.
To our surprise, Sparkles was in good mood and she greeted us upon entry, and so did Merrill :-)
Greater surprise, '09 SS was available for tasting that day (!). So, we were sitting near the table, and let the wine talk

Flight 1 (4 Notes)

  • 2007 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    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

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  • 2009 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat 10th Anniversary Special Selection 96 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    A notch or two above, from the nose (notably more integrated and special, yet maintaining the 'black cat' signature line). On the taste, black fruits, and even more- a good balance of the peppers, vanilla (slightly), and cassis. Great floral on the nose, and wonderful balance of the earthy minerals.

    Second taste of the special (first time in 2014), a refill on the taste requested (and received, thank you Merrill :-) ). It was also great to understand better the concept and the development of the special selection line.

    I hold my 96 from last time. Legitimate candidate for a wine that will last, and last, and last... No rush to drink this one, but have I had a case, I would open it twice a year

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  • 2011 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat Special Selection 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    It made progress since the last time I tasted it, and became somewhat more integrated, but I would say 'drink the '07 (or '09 SS) now' and leave this one aside.

    The fruits on the nose and palate are beautiful, but it is not as structured/integrated compared with the '07 or '09SS. The development process of the '11SS was interesting, as Merrill presented (and it was a hard vintage, indeed). It does bring to the front more of the special elements of black cat. But, it requires more time to bring to the front the earthy notes and minerals that other 'black cat' special selection emphasize. It can also be the contest with the '09SS and '07 that out perform themselves again. Color wise, this one seem to be darker than other SS (did not put it near the '12 though, so at least compared with the '07 and '09SS)

    Vote of the status of the glass- I think I finished most of my tasting. Wonder how it worked for the others that day- I think the late afternoon tasters enjoyed a better '11SS

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  • 2012 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Had it along with the '07, '09SS, and '11SS. Build to last very long.

    It does need alot of decanting (I believe we tasted it after it being decanted about 2.5 hours, and it may need more). On the floral, currant and berries (blueberries?), with earthy notes (minerals in the background, toasty on the palate. The peppery taste is more secondary). Very smooth. I would agree with previous notes that at this time it is somewhat more bitter compare to other black cats, but it does come together very well. Having this one as #4 in the set was also interesting as one can see the growth potential of this 'baby black cat'. Impressive as always, and I think it is one EMH vineyards will be proud of for years to come. (92 with positive prospect).

    If you drink now, enjoy the fruity floral, but give it more than 2-3 hours decant (imho, I believe Merrill may give more feedback here)

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