In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this (my wine contribution) was group's #1/9 and my #2/9. Rich, dark red fruit, great balance, silky tannins, minerals and herbs. Ready to drink. Had a 4 hour double decant.
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #9/9 and my #9/9. Although I didn't like it, two others really did, rating it 98 and 99. I found it too ripe and sweet. Also lacking in depth and complexity.
USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
(5/16/2025)
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #5/9 and my #1/9. My preference stemmed from the Old World flavor profile that featured tobacco, tar/asphalt, leather, dark fruit. In a nice drinking window with time to spare.
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #3/9 and my #6/9. Not sure why it didn't perform better for me, as I've unfortunately lost my tasting notes.
2018 Bevan Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard 96 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
(5/15/2025)
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this (my wine contribution) was group's #1/9 and my #2/9. Rich, dark red fruit, great balance, silky tannins, minerals and herbs. Ready to drink. Had a 4 hour double decant.
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2019 Wallis Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Denali Estate Vineyard 94 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
(5/15/2025)
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #5/9 and my #5/9. Simple not complex. Red fruit, balanced, pencil lead.
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2010 Blank Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford
(5/15/2025)
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #8/9 and my #T7/9. Currant. Too much red liqueur heat for my tastes.
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2013 Hestan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 96 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(5/15/2025)
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #2/9 and my #2(tie)/9. Nice asphalt/tar, tobacco, dark red fruit.
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2018 Charles Krug Winery (Peter Mondavi Family) Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Selection 95 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(5/15/2025)
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #4/9 and my #4/9. Dark, dense, plum, espresso bean, low tannin.
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2016 The Hess Collection The Lion 88 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder
(5/15/2025)
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #9/9 and my #9/9. Although I didn't like it, two others really did, rating it 98 and 99. I found it too ripe and sweet. Also lacking in depth and complexity.
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2015 The Napa Valley Reserve 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(5/16/2025)
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #7/9 and my #8/9. Lost my notes.
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2011 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 97 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
(5/16/2025)
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #5/9 and my #1/9. My preference stemmed from the Old World flavor profile that featured tobacco, tar/asphalt, leather, dark fruit. In a nice drinking window with time to spare.
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2015 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
(5/16/2025)
In blind tasting of $150+ Napa cabs 2010-2020, this was group's #3/9 and my #6/9. Not sure why it didn't perform better for me, as I've unfortunately lost my tasting notes.
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