Community Tasting Note

• csimm wrote: 97 points

  January 29, 2020 - Much less of the rocket propulsion drive when compared to last year. Instead, this LPV impresses for its chewy black core and namesake minerality that make for a go-go gothic profile that can’t help but collide hedonism with just enough sophistication that it keeps its focus on track. It’s a big wine, but especially after three hours in the decanter, it wasn’t about just power and yum. It began to show an enveloping characteristic that slathered the palate in a sexy, inviting way...with intent. Still a little unresolved; so, a wine worth holding a couple more years minimum.
  
  In that 95-97+ point range for me right now as it continues on its journey.

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12 Comments

• Mark1npt commented:

  1/29/20, 11:24 AM - Sounds great but I only have one of these, so think I will hold a while longer! Mark

• csimm commented:

  1/29/20, 11:51 AM - Ya I’d definitely recommend another couple of years if possible.

• Decanting Queen commented:

  1/30/20, 3:19 AM - Same here, I only have two so I will try to hold. But it is encouraging to know it is developing in the right direction. Thanks for the review.

• csimm commented:

  1/30/20, 6:17 AM - Thanks Jen. I suppose it depends on how folks like their wines... as many of Mike Smith’s wines are uber-tasty in their early stages, what with the baby fat lavish oak and ripe fruit flavors beaming early on. But for those looking for a little more nuance and discovering what might be behind that curtain, then I’d definitely hold for a few years as it continues to morph.
  
  Generally speaking, it’s always a risk and a bit of a catch-22 with some of these ripe and opulent ‘cult’ cabs; no real guarantees they'll ultimately land in-line with certain consumers’ expectations. Some lose steam pretty fast once the frosting fades.

• Jazz Nut commented:

  1/30/20, 5:20 PM - Thanks for the note, I only have one left as well. I opened one quite early last year, and it wasn't really ready--except for hedonism--and it was finished very quickly from what I can remember. I'll hold off for a bit for the next one. Great tasting notes as always.

• Decanting Queen commented:

  1/31/20, 3:39 AM - Thanks CSimm it really is a tough call on some of these opulent cabs. Especially the 2016 vintage which is so fruit forward and drinks well now. I assume there is enough structure under that fruit, but there is also so much alcohol which not seem right without the bright fruit.... I might just have to open one soon and save the final bottle for the long term aging experiment.

• Mark1npt commented:

  1/31/20, 5:19 AM - Oh Jen.......you and your experiments! A true scientist at heart!

• csimm commented:

  1/31/20, 8:06 AM - Can’t fault anyone for wanting to open one now. It just seems to have a white Rhône personality to some extent: Super expressive in its early stage, dipping slightly as it transitions, and then back in business after a tick of time has passed. Always fuzzy math with this sort of thing.

• Mark1npt commented:

  1/31/20, 8:19 AM - csimm, that's a very good way of explaining what goes on with some of these big, expressive, hedonistic fruit bombs.

• Decanting Queen commented:

  2/1/20, 7:46 AM - Indeed Mark, experiments are half the fun. And if I think of it that way, I am less likely to be disappointed!!

• Mark1npt commented:

  2/1/20, 5:12 PM - Jen, I like the way you think!

• sfwinelover1 commented:

  8/29/20, 8:53 AM - Just seeing this thread after picking one of these up yesterday at a good price. Will plan on holding 3-5, which is actually a pretty typical window for me with my cabs.

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