9/11/2021 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Wow. Just wow. I remember really liking this when I bought it at release after tasting it at my local wine shop ... enough to get a three pack. Had a night alone tonight for the first time in years and decided to celebrate by popping one. Just a fantastic journey. As noted, still very young - requires LOTS of air. Decanted well over two hours before I had a glass, and then enjoyed several more over the course of about 7 hours. Every hour had something different, but they all shared incredibly balance, power and complexity. I wouldn't necessarily call this wine "big", but it's fabulous structure masks some serious muscle. This is the kind of California cab that excites jaded old wine drinkers like me, and reminds you of why you got serious about wine in the first place. Contrary to other notes, I do believe this wine can be enjoyed now, though you could clearly cellar this another 25 years with no problem.

11/21/2018 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Wow. Just wow. Haven't had this wine in about 4 years and while it showed promise then, it is full on glorious now. Powerful, deep fruit, superb balance and structure. This wine has a lot of room to grow, but after an hour decant, it was just wonderful now.

6/29/2017 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Consistently one of the absolute best values in wine. This is a perennial cellar defender for me, always available as a second through 8th bottle, depending on the night. I find the 2014 a bit more wild at this early stage than earlier vintages (especially the fantastically approachable 2013), but as it airs out, it smooths out to a wonderfully deep cherry with a smooth vanilla finish. I gave the 2013 at 92 at this stage ... this seems like a 90 with the potential to grow a point or two with age. For the price, you can't go wrong.

9/25/2014 - jcvalenti Does not like this wine:

2011 was a horrible year for everyone and I wanted - no, prayed - that Larkmead would somehow make a decent wine. Unfortunately, they didn't (or more fairly, they couldn't). This wine was like most other 2011 California Cabs - thin, lacking any substantial fruit, a displeasing vegetal aftertaste, and an overall unpleasant, weak experience. I absolutely love Larkmead, but this is the first time I ever opened a bottle of Larkmead with friends and none of us would finish the glass. I'm pretty sure I've never given a Larkmead wine a rating below 92 before. When I think about what I was charged for the 2011 shipment .... grrrr. It makes me angry. I understand the need to keep revenue going, but charging $75 or more a bottle for something of this quality is offensive. I'm really looking forward to 2012 to help me forget the 2011 and in the meantime, I guess I'll let this wine sit several years in hope that some magical wine fairy sneaks into my cellar and somehow makes it come together into something tolerable.

5/31/2014 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Tried two bottles of this in the last week and notes were consistent. 2011 was unquestionably a terrible year for Napa Cab, with wines that were thin, vegetal and off-putting. Well, our not-so-long national nightmare is over, as this 2012 Caymus lives up to everything we've heard about how different 2012 was. Caymus is traditionally a HUGE wine, and true to form, this wine is a massive fruit bomb. If you like that style, as I often do, you will like this wine. If you do not like big wines - please .... don't even bother to score this wine. You won't like it.

Tremendous dark fruit on the nose, tons of berries and a hint of cedar. Wine is thick and viscous, and I found it dominated by blueberry. Huge finish. Tannins were fine and long lasting, and fairly well integrated. As is traditional with Caymus, this wine is drinking well right now, but sitting it for a year or two certainly wouldn't hurt. I'll be looking for some more of this while it's on the shelves.

10/25/2013 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Simply beautiful wine. I was wavering somewhere in the 92 to 94 pt range, but this wine just continued to bloom in the glass, and I found myself savoring every last drop in the decanter. This wine is certainly approachable, but please, for the love of God, give it a couple hours to air to show you what it can do. Just a classic old world feel for a "Super Tuscan".

2/8/2013 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Bought four bottles of these for a good price upon release. Opened the first one way too early back in 2009. It showed much promise, but was still too funky and not well integrated. What a difference 4 years make - this time it was ready for action. Very rich, dark fruit with integrated fine tannins and excellent structure. Positively delightful with a Beef Bourguignon. Wish I could go back in time and tell myself to go for the whole case on this one. Glad I have a couple more though.

12/9/2012 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Brooding, racy merlot with a nose of cassis and lush strawberry and a lengthy, full finish full of cranberry and spice. Excellent balance,good acid. Clearly high mountain fruit, and very reminiscent of Pride's style. Given the youth of these vines and the telative inexperience of this winery, I'm very excited about what the future holds. These wines are an excellent value now.

11/16/2012 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

I really liked the 09, but I think I love this year's even more. It's definitely more approachable at this early stage than the 09. Deep nose of plum, cassis and a bit of fir tree bark. Color is deep garnet. Initial fruit is explosive, and carries for over a minute in a very smooth transition. The alcohol is noticeable, but not overpowering or disjointed. This wine is delicious and fun, and I would think anyone who likes a big red wine is going to love it. This stuff is why I love drinking wine.

9/14/2012 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

I'm kind of amazed I've sat on my 09 Larkmeads this long before trying. After having a few 09 Cali Cabs this week and finding them young but exciting, I decided to try one. This might be my favorite Larkmead since 06. Bold, structured, and filled with cassis, mint, and kirsche goodness. I'm always open about my love for Larkmead, but this really is a beautiful wine.

9/14/2012 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Very solid bottle of wine for the price. Nose of black cherry, licorice and cassis. Strong dark plum, a hint of tobacco, and black cherry on the initial sip. Long, fine tannins - noticeable, but not distracting. Smooth transition and finish, and overall a very solid bottle of wine. I think it's drinking well right now - no need to wait. Honig has always been one of my "third bottle of the night" wines at the local steakhouses, and the 2009 version reminds me why - great example of a big "California" wine at a reasonable price that hits just enough of the big notes that it isn't out of place next to that big old 2008 O'Shaughnessy you drank with the main course.

9/7/2012 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Very solid Rosso, drinking perfectly right now. Nose a bit muted, but very earthy notes coming through among a solid base of plum and dark fruit. Tannins are sharp and fine, and race through a long finish. Excellent pairing with the eggplant pizza I made tonight.

6/2/2012 - jcvalenti wrote:

Deep garnet with little seperation in the glass. After 45 minute decant, Lavender, cedar and cherry on the nose with a great initial hit and just the right amount of funk to let you know you're in France. Surprising length and balance, with solid structure. Ive been disappointed by a lot of recent "old" Bordeaux, but I'm very much enjoying this one. Drink now - can't imagine it'll improve from here.

4/7/2012 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

As a general rule, I don't seem to rank Paso Robles wines highly. This one is an exception, and I seem to like it somewhat more than the other reviewers to date. Serious and expressive nose immediately after uncorking, with hints of graphite, plum and coffee. Color could be the densest, darkest I've ever seen - practically looks like oil. I was expecting an absolute monster, but the taste was surprisingly restrained and balanced. Initial burst was black cherry and coffee, but it continued to develop and grow and lasted for minutes. This wine is just a beautiful example of quality winemaking, in a year that I have found to be very uneven.

4/6/2012 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

This wine has come together very nicely. Luscious blueberries, a hint of tobacco and a long, smooth finish. Tannins are very soft ; for once in my life I wish they were slightly more noticeable. I feel this is meant to be a big wine, and it is now ... but I wouldn't hold for too terribly long. If you've got one, I'd open it now.

3/22/2012 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Very pleasant Fronsac, and much improved from the last time I tasted 3 years ago. Excellent body, nose is earthy with hints of vanilla and cassis. Fills the mouth and the long, fine tannins give it good weight. If you don't mind a hint of barnyard with your Bourdeaux, this is a pretty solid bottle at the $US 15-17 price point. Glad I have another down in the cellar.

2/3/2012 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

I generally like Frank Family, but year to year, I find a lot of variation in their wine. I like the 2008 quite a bit. The nose is a tad muted, with alcohol overtaking the fruit. Cedar, a tad of graphite, and some heavy blackberries come through. Initial hit is strong - no doubt it's Cabernet, and no doubt it's Napa Valley. Viscous and heavy with a strong berry and chocolate finish. Long lasting, and frankly, delicious. I think 3 - 5 years will bring out a lot in this wine, but if you don't mind a California bomb, an hour decant now will bring about a pretty damn good wine. Very nice effort.

12/21/2011 - jcvalenti wrote:

Whoever Costco's head wine buyer is should get a Congressional Medal of Honor or something. This is a delicious, engaging Margaux at a fraction of the price I normally expect to see charged for quality Bordeaux ($19.99). Perhaps a part of that is the quality of the vintage, but this is definitely a case buy. Nose is dark and brooding with cassis and a hint of tobacco. The initial sip is extremely mellow and even, but the wine just keeps building with soft but firm tannins throughout. This wine is going to mature nicely over the next 10 to 15, but with suitable decant is capable of being enjoyed now. A bit more modern in style than typical Margaux. Overall, a great effort and a fair price.

11/5/2011 - jcvalenti wrote:

Received this wine as a gift 2 years ago, and never have tried it before. Absolutely enchanting. Tobacco, cedar and a pinch of mint on the nose. Good structure and firm tannins; pairs nicely with any traditional Italian dinner (we're doing sausage stuffed manicotti). Some dusty notes on the finish, but it lasts forever. A 30 - 45 minute decant is well rewarded, and this bottle has several years to go. Very enjoyable. I like it a bit more than most recent reviews, which makes me wonder if we have a particularly good bottle, or whether it has emerged from a bit of a muted dumb phase.

8/25/2011 - jcvalenti wrote:

Down to just five from my original case. I wish I had the self control to lay off, but this seriously one of th most enjoyable wines I have ever had. It is balancing out perfectly in the bottle, trading some of the edge for A little fnesse on the finish. This maybe the single best "second label" I have ever had.

8/21/2011 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

This is my kind of pinot ... which is to say, this is a California pinot for people who tend to prefer weightier wines. Bright cherry and kirsch on the nose, with a hint of alcohol. Positively aggressive attack, but not at all unbalanced. The cherry carries the day, though muted with some woody notes. Lengthy finish. Reminds me of Hirsch Vineyards in style. If you like a delicate reserved pinot noir, this will not be for you, but if you enjoy a more in your face approach, I recommend.

7/2/2011 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Procured several bottles of impeccable provenance through a private cellar sale, and popped one on a whim last night. Was shocked at how fresh and full of fruit it was immediately after uncorking. Cedar, graphite and a little funk on the nose, but it just screamed Margaux to me (caveat - my allergies were so bad when I opened, it was hard for me to appreciate). Lots of life left in the wine; fine, soft tannins lingering afterward. Was shocked at total lack of sediment in the bottle. Overall, was delighted with the wine - it's clearly as mature as it's going to get, but there is life left in this old bird and I'm in no rush to immediately open the other two I bought. Terrific old Bordeaux.

5/24/2011 - jcvalenti wrote:

Fine "weekday" wine and a pretty good QPR. Normally I don't bother with notes on wines like these, but the "60" below was way out of line, so I figured I'd post one. I wonder if perhaps that bottle was tainted somehow. Anyway, deep fruit with a dusty tannic finish and a luscious spiciness. This is not a wine meant to drink alone, but accompanying a good burger or a spice rubbed chicken kebob, this is a fine accompaniment.

5/14/2011 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

One of the most impressive California wines I've had in ages. I was shocked to see this wine was 15.3%, as it was wonderfully balanced. Ordered two bottles on my past experience with Anderson, but after tasting the 07 and 08 side by side at my local wine shop today, I immediately picked up 2 more bottles. This is right up there with the best Cali wines I've had in the past 15 years - Shafer Hillside, Scarecrow, Merus, etc. It's hard to call any wine a bargain at $80+ dollars, but this wine delivers in spades, even at that price point. Hope I can hold a couple bottles at least 10 years, as this wine may be magical by then.

4/8/2011 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Wow. Shocked at how much I like this very young wine, especially considering I've never been a fan of the highly rated "The Prisoner". Nose was a little muted but evidenced some black fruit, tobacco and a little graphite. Wine exploded on taste - bursting with strong dark fruit. Some plum, cedar, blackberry and a little black cherry. Very lengthy, but does leave a bit of heat on the finish. I would expect this to mellow given a couple years in cellar, or after an hour decant. If you like B-I-G big Napa cabs, you'll enjoy this quite a bit at the sub-$30 price point. Reminds me a bit of Caymus for how drinkable it is this young.

2/11/2011 - jcvalenti wrote:

Delicious traditional Pauillac. Medium-full bodied, dark garnet coloring, and a mellow nose of equal parts pencil lead, mushroom and dark fruit. Taste is much more intense than the nose suggests, full and rich cassis with a hint of vanilla and wood shavings. Lengthy finish. Very enjoyable wine, with a decade plus left to go. Would buy again, even at $40 - 45 price point.

1/8/2011 - jcvalenti wrote:

Had this wine about 5 times since its release, and it has been impressive every single time. Very tart and austere up front, and needs at least an hour decant to begin to bloom ... but when it does, it's astounding. Black cherries, peppery finish, and a whole lot of weight. Went fantastic alongside a spicy Moroccan tagine. I have nothing bad to say about it, other than I'm disappointed I didn't buy more than a case.

10/22/2010 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Just beautiful. After 45 minute decant, nose blossomed to a moving boquet of black cherry, chocolate, currant and vanilla latte. Taste was explosive, with black cherries, currant, tobacco and a lengthy finish winding down to some rustic leather notes. Clearly a masculine wine, but so elegantly executed, the alcohol was hardly noticed. If you see this on the shelf as the 07s roll in, don't hesitate to purchase, as this is one fine, fine Cali Cab. You can enjoy now, but I can't wait to see how this wine sings in another 5 years.

7/28/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Absolutely beautiful. Great floral nose, medium body and very pleasing notes of spice and charred meat on the finish. Just a very smooth, very well made wine.

7/24/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Bought this bottle a year ago from a collector who kept it immaculately stored. Still quite a bit a life left, and a very enjoyable drink. Dusty brick color with little separation. Firm nose of bing cherries, tar and a hint of mint. Very even and balanced. Enjoyable, and wish I had a few more.

6/18/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Probably the fifth time I've had this zinfandel and I really enjoy it. Bright nose of plum, peppercorn and blueberry jam. Spicy initial hit that grows in your mouth, but never seems disjointed or uneven. Alcohol noticeable on the finish, but it's not out of place on this wine, which is anything but shy. Great summer BBQ wine, and a real crowd pleaser. I should note that I haven't cared for Starry Night's other zins in the past (particularly the Lodi bottling), but this Tom Feeney Ranch is seriously good juice.

6/11/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Very, very enjoyable "old style" Napa cabernet. Much more sedate than the offerings from 2003 (though I love those too). Nose is slightly muted, but over time opens with aromas of currant, cocoa, and tobacco. Solid plum and black currant fruit, with little alcohol on finish. Very balanced wine. This is drinking beautifully now, though I'm not sure it's going to improve over where it's at now.

5/8/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Another beautiful effort from Larkmead. Drank right out of the bottle with no decant and it was impressive. Nose was more floral than the cabernet, with a pleasant hazelnut and rich dark cherry mix. Slight alcohol burn on first sip, but mellowed quickly revealing lush dark fruit, with a very slightly minty finish. Full bodied with a ton of fruit. I expect this wine to smooth out and be absolutely beautiful in 2 years, and the LMV Salon (the "upscale" version of the Firebelle blend) should be stunning in 5 - 10.

4/17/2010 - jcvalenti Does not like this wine:

This stuff just ain't right. None of the traditional Cali pinot characteristics, yet it fails to execute like a Burgundian pinot either. Smelled like barnyard, dull fruit, and mud - and yet I don't believe it was corked or cooked. I'd say this wine is well past it's prime, but I'm not sure it ever had one.

4/17/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Decent cabernet. Found it a bit bitter and a little too acidic. Not sure cellaring would mellow or integrate. Bright cherry predominates on nose, and follows through on the palette. Tannins extremely smooth and while they add structure, they are barely noticeable. At the $35 - 40 price point, there are far more interesting options out there. I would much rather be drinking Girard Artistry, Cliff Lede cab or Larkmead at this price. All of those have a much greater potential to develop in cellar as well.

4/3/2010 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Heavy dark fruit (mostly plum) on the nose. Striking tannins, though smooth and well integrated. Phenomenally balanced with from start to finish, with a rather lengthy ending (where the Sangiovese is really strutting). This is a wine that grows as you drink it, and provokes a good deal of thought. Definitely will be seeking more of this out. Without hesitation I give this bottle a solid 92, and it could easily gain a point or two with a little cellar aging. For my money, a phenomenal deal for a quality Super Tuscan. It is wines like this that make me love Italy.

3/27/2010 - jcvalenti Likes this wine:

Ducale Oro is a sentimental favorite, being the wine my well meaning Italian father stored away for all of our birth year wines. I generally find it a little thin and unexciting, and was not expecting great things from this bottle, thinking it was somewhat past its prime. I was rather surprised. Muted nose, but very balanced with good fruit, dark cherry and some tobacco on the nose. Wine opened up over 1 1/2 hours (with hour decant prior). Very nice accompaniment to the antipasti tray at dinner, with smoked meats, cheeses and rosemary Fontina flatbread with crushed tomatoes. I'm probably overvaluing it by a point, but I was really happy with and am glad I've got one more in the celalr.

2/27/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

What a beautiful expression of California cabernet. Cedar and Mint predominate the nose. Fruit is blackberry and currant, with a lasting finish. Very nice drinker right now, but this bottle showing less fruit than the one I drank in November. Might be peaking.

1/31/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Delightful and still very integrated despite age. Garnet hue with little edge seperation. Nose is a bit pinched, showing a bit of spice and plum. Very well structured on first taste, with noticeable yet pleasant acidity, and a bit of tannins for back end structure. Overall, very enjoyable and bright, and an excellent complement to any traditional Italian dish.

1/17/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Bright cherry with a hint of plum on first taste. Nose is rather muted. Good acid and medium fine tannins. Overall, rather enjoyable.

1/13/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Really quite impressed with this wine, which I find very erratic from year to year. This year, it's a winner. Dark fruit, plum, cassis and a little tobacco with a nice tannic backbone and very even first sip to finish ride. Needed very little decant (poured and drank through a Vinturi), and is drinking very nicely right now. As a poster below mentioned, at $16.99 at Costco, this is the kind of crowd pleasing Cabernet you could serve proudly at a big event, and still keep your "wine friends" happy. Haven't had a Mondavi Cab I've liked since the '04 Reserve, so this was a surprise.

1/8/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Terrific Tempranillo. Plum, cedar and riotous dark fruit. Strong tannins and an extremely long finish. This wine has years to go, and I can easily see myself giving it up to a 96 in a few years if it integrates a little.

1/2/2010 - jcvalenti wrote:

Now THIS is what I am talking about. A wonderfully complex, very exciting nebbiolo that can be drank young, and is readily available for under $20. Bright cherry fruit, a hint of leather and tobacco leaf on the mid to late palate, and a vibrant acidity that makes this wine a pleasure to drink with a dry, flavourful cheese (Parmesean-Reggiano works great). Excellent structure, lengthy finish. I really enjoy what this wine does at this price point. For those who just can't wait 10 years for their Barolo to age, this is a nice take on nebbiolo that you can drink now without fear (though I'd decant for at least 1 hour ... it really blew up with a little air).

12/31/2009 - jcvalenti wrote:

Similar to first bottle drank several months ago. Bright fruit with slightly burnt texture. Good acidity for style. Got the structure to last another 10 years.

12/27/2009 - jcvalenti wrote:

Exellent retrained Brunello. Plush, tar and earth notes with a smooth tobacco finish. Lengthy drink with mild and appropriate acidity. A delight, but overall, found this bottle to be somewhat less explosive than one I had 6 months ago. Not sure if it's already losing steam. Would disagree with notes suggesting this wine needs time - I think it is as far as it's going to go, and perfectly enjoyable with an hour decant.

12/27/2009 - jcvalenti wrote:

Wasn't sure where this would be in the tasting window, but I found it a delight. Medium bodied with pronounced citrus notes and an earthy underpinning. Excellent consistency and a plush finish after an hour decant. Perfect dinner wine.

11/28/2009 - jcvalenti wrote:

Surprisingly nice Merlot. Strong, dark fruit (plum some cherry) on the nosel, with a bit of a dusty underpinning that give the wine an interesting character. Solid fruit on initial taste, which build to an explosive finish. Moderate tannins throughout give the wine nice weight. I have had Schweiger cabs and merlots in the past, and this is by far my favorite.

11/27/2009 - jcvalenti wrote:

Nose is dusty with spice notes. Little fruit. Initial taste is a bit harsh and very acidic. Smooths to black cherry and a hint of orange and currant. Lengthy. Tannins are moderate and well integrated. Finish is the nicest part. Overall, a good wine - better than the nose suggested.

11/26/2009 - jcvalenti wrote:

Very muted nose. Bright and acidic, with strong strawberry fruit on taste. Lengthy finish, but wraps up with a somewhat strange menthol note. Overall, a decent drink, but not nearly worth the money it cost.

11/15/2009 - jcvalenti wrote:

Poweful, well structured Amarone. Good spice, cherry and noticeable alcohol content. Got quite a few years to develop, but drinking well now with a little air to let it round out. This is a full bodied wine that can hold it's own to a variety of standard Italian dishes. Need to find some more.