Soul-searching in Napa. Beta-Jasud, Roy Piper, Detert, Elyse, Diamond Creek, Favia, Opus, Gargiulo, among others!

I'm not sure how or why, but some of these wineries and winemakers treated me like I was a VIP or someone of importance. Please note that I am not. A huge thanks to everyone who made this trip happen.

• 2013 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at Montelena as part of their Estate Tasting experience. Brief notes.
  
  "Wonderful nose. Leaps out of the glass with tropical fruit but a good touch of chalky acidity. Incredibly smooth on the palate with nice acidity, flowers, wonderful fruit. Finish is long, slightly oaky, touch of acid. Tons of life left. 91."

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• 2017 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at Montelena as part of their Estate Tasting experience. Brief notes.
  
  "PnP. Very smooth nose. Oak, dark fruit, fresh raspberries that are slightly candied. Palate is quite smooth. Very well integrated fruit, acid, smooth tannins. Finish is long and lasting. So young, needs to crack open. Don’t touch this. 92."

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• 2013 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at Montelena as part of their Estate Tasting experience. Brief notes.
  
  "Good amount of lightening of color. Incredible nose. Such depth of fruit. Cassis, black plums, touch of drying secondary character. Cigar box, leather. Nice acid, red fruit, touch of tannin. Finish is similar to palate with crushed raspberry, tinge of acid, drying tannins that are integrated but holding structure. Tons of life left. Not a big brambly Napa Cabernet. Elegant, restrained, serious. 93, lots of life left."

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• 2011 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at Montelena as part of their Estate Tasting experience. Brief notes.
  
  "Nose is somewhat fleeting but can pick out some cassis, dark fruit, and oak. With time it becomes also Beaujolais like. Lots of floral freshness. Not much age showing on the nose. Palate is quite fresh, good acid, light toned fruit. Finish is showing drying red fruit (cherry, raspberry, red currant), good acid, some tannic structure left. Drinking very well now and will hold for awhile longer. 91-92."

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• 2006 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at Montelena as part of their Estate Tasting experience. Brief notes.
  
  "Nose shows drying red fruit, turning secondary. Dried cherry, cigar, tobacco, fallen leaves. Seems oaky sometimes but still shows lots of freshness. Palate is lovely. Lots of true red fruit, somewhat young and tangy in character but quite stunning. Good acid, fully integrated and gentle tannins. Finish is quite long, acid carrying and elevating the fruit. 92 with tons of life left."

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• 2000 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at Montelena as part of their Estate Tasting experience. Brief notes.
  
  "Little bit of bricking at the rim. Nose is all age. Secondary and tertiary. Cedar, cigar box, dried leaves, pipe tobacco. Dried currants. Palate retains loud of young red and dark red fruit. Good acid, smooth tannins. Finish is shows a touch of aged character that quickly gets replaced by red fruit and acid. Slightly drying tannins but beautifully integrated, very fresh. Drinking excellent now with good life left. Feels quite young other than the nose. 93"

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• 2019 Venge Vineyards Scout's Honor 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/18/2022)

  As part of a tasting at Venge, brief notes.
  
  "named after the dog, Zinfandel based blend. Dark, juicy, layered fruit. Will benefit with another year or so in bottle."

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• 2019 Venge Vineyards Merlot Kenefick Ranch 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

  (1/18/2022)

  As part of a tasting at Venge, brief notes.
  
  "Thought this was a cab. Dark fruit profile without being overly oaky, rich, or too extracted. Swap this out with a Cabernet and it would be hard to tell the difference."
  
  Having tried the Cabs after writing this, becomes clear that this is a Merlot based on body and structure. Nonetheless still a good Napa Merlot.

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• 2019 Venge Vineyards Syrah Block I-4 Stagecoach Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/18/2022)

  As part of a tasting at Venge, brief notes.
  
  "Host said this block is famous among farmers for the quality of the Syrah. Who am I to argue? Super dark, rich, deep, but still maintained good acid. Very smooth tannins. Finish is where some of that meaty/gamey character shows. This has a couple years to crack open but drinking really well now."

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• 2019 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Silencieux 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/17/2022)

  As part of a tasting at Venge, brief notes.
  
  "Host said this is an amalgamation of Cabs purchased from families that own between 1-4 acres of CS but still produce high quality fruit. This is evident in the glass. This cab means business. Serious structure holding and elevating the fruit. More in the red spectrum with plenty of acid and tannin. Drinks well right now but give this a few years to crack open."

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• 2019 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Bone Ash Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

  (1/17/2022)

  As part of a tasting at Venge, brief notes.
  
  "estate vineyard where the winery and tasting room is based. Vines look to be 30-40 years old, spaced with mustard flowers. Host stated the juice in contact with the skin for 18-33 days, lending some serious structure. Similar fruit profile to the Silencieux Napa cab, but much more tannic backbone and acid. Very balanced, good depth of fruit. Only been in bottle a few months, but tuck this away for 5 years. Will be fantastic."

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• 2016 Brasswood Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/17/2022)

  Tasted at Brasswood, note copied below.
  
  "Lovely nose. Slightly herbal, dark fruits. Palate is fantastic with so much freshness. Blue fruit, good acid, high-toned tannins but everything in balance. Finish is long, drying, with good acid and a darker tone to the fruit that carries everything forward. Would do well with a few years but drink now with a few hours decant. Coombsville appellation and shows it well. 91"

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• 2017 Dana Estates Sauvignon Blanc Vaso 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, notes from then. Served chilled in Sophienwald glass.
  
  "WOW!! So elegant, incredible mouthfeel with some glycerin richness, pure fruit with the right amount of acid. So balanced and pure. Honestly I just started laughing. So good. 94"
  
  At the time, I thought this was the best white wine I've ever had, and among the best wines I've had period.

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• 2018 Dana Estates Sauvignon Blanc Hershey Vineyard 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery. Served chilled in Sophienwald glass.
  
  "I thought the 17 Vaso SB was good. This blew it out of the water. So intense, pure mouthfeel, clear step up from the Vaso 17SB, which itself was fantastic. Tropical fruit but not overbearing. Less glycerin feel but so weightless. 95"
  
  My host told me that this wine beat out the Screaming Eagle SB in a tasting of ultra-premium SBs. Haven't tried the "white eagle" but the Dana SB was absolutely incredible.

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• 2017 Dana Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Vaso 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, served in Sophienwald glass.
  
  "Incredible nose. Candied dark raspberry, cherry, layers of fruit. Easy going palate. Gentle fruit that isn’t very overwhelming, very approachable. Medium body, gentle acid, not a ton of tannin. Finish is long and mimics the palate. With time the wine gains some strength and power. Pretty good! 91, supposedly mostly from Hershey Vineyard"

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• 2016 Dana Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Onda 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, served in Sophienwald glass. My host said the Onda wine comes from Crystal Vineyard, just below Lotus Vineyard. Note copied below.
  
  "Clearly a step up from the Vaso. Incredible fruit on the nose—dark fruit, beautifully integrated and layered. Beautiful oak presence that shows very supple manner. Palate is rich but not heavy, effortless mouthfeel. Lot of structure with very soft and fine grained tannins. Think of subtle cherries, plums, maybe hints of cassis. Palate is long, drying tannins, similar fruit profile. 93"
  
  In hindsight, it was very unfair to serve the Vaso next to this, as it was an obvious step up.

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• 2018 Dana Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Onda 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, served in Sophienwald glass. My host said the Onda wine comes from Crystal Vineyard, just below Lotus Vineyard. Note from then copied below.
  
  "Very similar to 16, nose is slightly floral and fresh. Palate has a lot to structure but is quite drinkable. Beautiful tannin that does leave the palate a little dry. Can’t find a ton of acid. 91-92."
  
  For my palate, I preferred the 16, though it had the benefit of extra age.

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• 2018 Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon NVD 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery. Note copied below.
  
  "Deep red. Palate is LOVELY. So much energy, tension, red fruits, well integrated tannin and acid. Rocky minerality. Finish is long, touch medicinal but lovely red fruit and earthy iron character. Supposedly all mountain fruit HM and Pritchard hill, 1100-1800 feet. 92-93."

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• 2018 Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Owned by turnbull family, in Calistoga. Nose is rich, intense, deep red fruit. Elegant oak that elevates the fruit but not obtrusive at all. Palate is rich, dense, slightly candied, very smooth. Definitely valley floor now that I think of it. Long finish with drying tannin and acid. Really nice but could use a few years to settle in and crack open. 91 "

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• 2018 Arkenstone Estate 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Nose is pretty tight, can’t tease out a ton. With air can pick out some raspberry, candied cherry, floral. Palate is another story. Full body, so smooth. Lots of energy shows with time. Deep red fruit, some oaky structure, really nice tannins that are firm but integrated, supporting acid. Finish is very long, similar red fruit (cherry) tone with big tannic structure. Has a long life in the cellar. 92-93. "

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• 2019 Arkenstone Sauvignon Blanc 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Nose is very tropical fruit, floral, little bit of oak as well but not obtrusive. Palate is similar to nose. Tropical fruits that are smoothed out with oak. Not as much acid as I would have liked for a SB but very friendly and approachable. On the finish you get more of the acid, bringing back the fruit character. 90. 33% each new oak, used oak, and concrete egg."

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• 2018 Arkenstone Syrah 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Nose is incredible. Rich, thick, blueberry pie, cooked bacon. With time in the glass the bacon fat becomes more prominent. So aromatic. Palate is dense and rich again, layers of fruit, lively acid. Finish is *long*, blackberries, crushed rocks, an absolute hint of meat. 92. "

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• 2018 Cimarossa Cabernet Sauvignon Rive di Cimarossa 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Nose is a little floral and fleeting but elegant. Palate is incredible—so much red fruit, floral, lovely acid, vibrant tannins with big structure. Finish is so long and leaves you begging for a fatty piece of meat. 90"

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• 2018 Cimarossa Cabernet Sauvignon Rian Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Such power with the nose. Raspberry, cherry, crushed strawberries. Slightly herbal. Palate is very smooth, pure red fruit, lot of rocky earth, refined tannins but lots of structure. Finish is lovely with tons of floral fruit, slight candy character, really well balanced. 91-92"

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• 2018 Cimarossa Cabernet Sauvignon Riva di Ponente Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Interestingly picking up some orange peel, citrus, still has the red fruit character. Palate is dark dark fruit, lots of red currants, maybe even some black fruit. Riper in fruit. Full body, very smooth, glides effortlessly. 91-92"

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• 2018 Cimarossa Cabernet Sauvignon Buriana Vineyard 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Complex nose. Layers of fruit that is darker in tone, floral as well. Lot to crack open here. Palate is beautiful dark fruit, baking spice, strong tannin presence with acid to elevate things. 93-94"

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• 2018 Roy Piper Cabernet Sauvignon 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/18/2022)

  Tasted with Roy at Press in St. Helena. Was incredibly kind of him to pop by and share a glass with me. Note copied below.
  
  "Blend of Moulds and Houyi. Absolutely incredible nose. Beautiful dark fruit, think pure cherry and crushed blackberry surrounded by shaved lead pencil and elegant oak. Palate is medium-full but so weightless. Layers upon layers of fruit with supporting acid. Blackberry, even some blueberry, elegant oaky chocolate that shows in a subtle fashion. Finish is long and pure, showcasing the tannic structure that is firm and present but so supple. Some black fruit present with time. I can’t believe that a 2018 Napa Cabernet is drinking this well. 96, and probably the best wine I’ve had thus far."

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• 2018 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain

  (1/19/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Nose is beautiful dark fruit with lots of deep earth, maybe some tobacco. Palate was beautiful dark fruit, balanced, elegant, weightless, iron fist velvet glove, beautiful minerality. Finish is long, red fruit driven, good acid and tannic structure but it’s not very overwhelming. Really refined. 94. With a few hours of air, this has improved significantly."

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• 2018 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain

  (1/19/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Red fruit but also some iron aromas, dried blood, still some good secondary notes. Hints of cigar and tobacco. Palate is incredible. Pretty flowers, red raspberry, cherries, lots of red fruit. Carries through with the finish with acid and tannins. Not a flimsy wine at all, but so gentle and refined. 94 "

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• 2018 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain

  (1/19/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Nose is much more dark fruited for me, less secondary notes. Definitely rich and dense. Brooding nose. Palate is medium and actually has some lighter tones due to the acid, but still predominantly dark fruit driven. Finish carries that same dark fruit forward with acid and tannin. Such a baby. This is drinking so well with even just a half hour of air, but could go long in the cellar. 93-94. "

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• 2013 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Three Vineyard Blend 97 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain

  (1/19/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "A blend of the 3 vineyards made only in certain vintages. Coravin’d.
  
  The NOSE!!! Oh my god. Blackberry bramble, layers of fruit, some cherry pie notes but not overdone at all. Some serious rocks and minerals underneath. Just wow. Palate is so elegant and light. Lots of lighter red fruit with some dark fruit intermingled. Lots of beautiful crushed rocks, think river rocks. Finish comes with beautiful purple fruit, flowers, rocky, and then with time the finish turns more secondary/tertiary. Think dried tobacco, cigar box. 97. So much life left, easily 10 years. Fruit is still quite primary but is so delicious right now. "

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• 2012 Beta Cabernet Sauvignon Montecillo Vineyard 96 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Moon Mountain District

  (1/19/2022)

  Tasted during my Napa trip.
  
  "SO aromatic. Pure red fruit (raspberry, bright cherry) that is somewhat candied, purple flowers like lilac and lavender. Palate is so elegant and light, lively acid that Carries the same fruit at a higher tone. Finish is long, light red, with fantastic rocky tones. Tannins are still present to give the wine structure and backbone. So much tension. Easily 10 years left on this. The fruit has cracked open in layers but still so young. 96.
  
  After being open for more than 24h, there is finally some secondary notes of tobacco and cedar showing. Fruit has turned a touch darker and is just barely drying. Incredible. "

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• 2017 Beta Cabernet Sauvignon Vare Vineyard 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District

  (1/19/2022)

  Tasted during my Napa trip.
  
  "Beautiful dark fruit on the nose with rocky tension. Subtle flowers. Palate is dense, dark fruit that is still pretty tight, lively acid and supple tannin, an absolute HINT of tobacco. Finish is quite mineral with fine grained tannins enveloping things. Maybe think hibiscus that has been dried and crushed. Really good but needs time to crack open. Lay this away for 5 years. 94 with huge upside. "

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• 2018 Elyse Cabernet Sauvignon Elyse Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville

  (1/19/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note from memory.
  
  PnP and was pretty good! Elegant dark fruit nose, eucalyptus tinge. Beautiful dark fruit and structure, plenty of stuffing to go the distance in the cellar. Definitely could benefit from air, and will absolutely benefit from cellar time.

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• 2018 Caldwell Cabernet Sauvignon Gold Caldwell Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Coombsville

  (1/20/2022)

  Good wine with a lovely cabernet nose. Dark fruit, slightly floral, Coombsville earth. Lot of tannin and structure, don't be afraid to age this wine for awhile.

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• 2018 Black Cat Vineyard Family Cuvee

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/21/2022)

  Tasted at the vineyard. So delicious, serious Cabernet character, good body and structure, but overall just so drinkable. Lovely depth of fruit but everything in balance. Such an elegant wine. Pull a cork with confidence.

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• 2019 Black Cat Vineyard Syrah

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/21/2022)

  Absolutely fantastic, and this is coming from someone that typically doesn’t like Syrah and almost never buys it.
  
  Incredible purity to the fruit, acid and tannins providing tension, really good structure, powerful but elegant.
  
  The key to this wine, and really the rest of Tracey’s wines, is balance. So elegant and effortless.

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• 2018 Favia Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Coombsville

  (1/20/2022)

  Tasted at the estate, both wines were opened at 830am and I tasted probably around 330pm or so.
  
  "Beautiful dark fruit on the nose with rocky tension. Subtle flowers. Palate is dense, dark fruit that is still pretty tight, lively acid and supple tannin, an absolute HINT of tobacco. Finish is quite mineral with fine grained tannins enveloping things. Maybe think hibiscus that has been dried and crushed. Really good but needs time to crack open. Lay this away for 5 years. 94 with huge upside."

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• 2018 Favia Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  (1/20/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, both wines were opened at 830am and I tasted probably around 330pm or so.
  
  "Forgetting the vineyard name but this is supposed to be at 800 feet. Nose is tight but shows some beautiful dark red fruit and earth. Palate is more true to iron earth but still with deep red fruit. Again, huge structure of tannin and acid creating a powerful wine. Finish is very drying over time. 5-10 years of cellar time needed to even think about opening this."
  
  In hindsight, this is the best of the wines I tasted for my palate. This is going to be absolutely fantastic, and I recommend holding this for at least 15 years.
  
  Vineyard is Oakville Ranch

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• 2008 Detert Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc Oakville 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  (1/21/2022)

  Tasted with Tom at Dakota Shy.
  
  Wasn't able to take detailed notes, but this wine was still so youthful and vibrant. Tons of earthy character, dark fruit, and structure left. The color had lightened just a touch compared to the 2016 next to it, but you could have easily told me this was a 3-5 years old.
  
  Based on my experience with this bottle, there's easily 10 years left in the tank, but this wine is drinking so well right now.

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• 2016 Detert Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc Oakville 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  (1/21/2022)

  Tasted with Tom at Dakota Shy.
  
  Wasn't able to take detailed notes, going from memory, but this was an absolutely fantastic wine. Dark fruit, earthy, has some character that is discernibly Franc. So much structure and tannin here that makes this easily a 20 year wine.
  
  Definitely good with some air time but no need to rush and pull a cork.

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• 2017 Detert Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc East Block Oakville 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  (1/21/2022)

  Tasted with Tom at Dakota Shy. Wasn't able to take detailed notes.
  
  Doing my best from memory, but I remember taking a sip and immediately laughing. I couldn't believe how good this wine was. Compared with the 16 and 08 regular Francs next to it, this was clearly more nuanced. Lots of earthy structure but still had so much dark fruit. I was somewhat reminded of a beautifully grilled bell pepper that had turned savory and sweet. Serious wine and structure here (as is the case with all of Detert's wines).
  
  Surprisingly good now with air, but easily can last 15+ years in the cellar.

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• 2016 Opus One

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/21/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Nose is somewhat tight for me. Red fruit, dark cassis, some secondary notes of cedar and tobacco. So elegant and smooth, but plenty of tannic structure and acid. Palate stays more in the red spectrum, teetering on dark red. Fall leaves, dry currants, tilled earth. Palate doesn’t feel dense or heavy but there is clearly structure. Better than the 18 for my palate."

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• 2008 Opus One

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/21/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Nose is still quite young but the secondary notes are starting to show more. Drying red fruits, leaves, dry tobacco, but still lots of freshness. Maybe some red rocks, if that makes sense. Palate is absolutely weightless. Plenty of acid and structure, but still carrying that red currants that have dried, rocky minerals, a little bit of cedar, maybe some vanilla, smooth chocolate. Finish still shows tannin, drying red fruit, gentle acid, fresh tobacco, subtle cherry. Plenty of life left. Finish lasts forever. Honestly really good for drinking now. "

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• 2018 Opus One

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (1/21/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, note copied below.
  
  "Pretty tight nose. Red fruits, slight floral, beautiful and elegant. Some young oak notes but elegant and integrated. Palate is higher toned, young, lovely acid, little bit of crushed white rocks. Finish is long and mostly earthy rocks with a little bit of cherry stem, lighter raspberry, light red flowers. So weightless. 20+ years left. "

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• 2018 Gargiulo Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 575 OVX 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  (1/21/2022)

  Tasted at the winery, notes from memory.
  
  This is a serious wine. Having the jar of the soil next to me when smelling the wine, the dirt really does come through. Incredible job by their winemaker just in that respect. Really serious fruit, structure, and tannin. Compared to the G7 Major, there is no doubt this an abundant step up.
  
  This is something to hold for 10-15 years at minimum.

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• 2018 Detert Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  (1/22/2022)

  PnP, splash decant, followed for an hour. At a relative's house without glassware, so used plastic cups.
  
  Pours a beautiful dark purple-beet-red color, as described in prior notes. Nose is either tight or difficult to tell with sub-par glassware. Can tease out some earthy notes, purple flowers, black fruit. Palate is really nice. Think black and purple fruits, violets, tilled earth, lively acid, beautiful tannic structure. Medium full body. Finish is elegant and smooth, mimics the palate but there is more predominance of drying tannins and earth/rocky notes.
  
  Stunning wine even in the suboptimal glassware. Such a baby and needs a good 3-5 years to settle in.
  
  Drink now with a couple hours decant, or probably until 2030.

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