4/18/2024 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

One of the best Wines in this price range I have had in some time. My Favorite Varietal & this disappoint. Big & concentrated up front indicating it can 100% handle more time in the bottle. Opening slowly with intense pepper & cherry, followed on the next glass ripe with big strawberries. Tannins were firm. Finish was still too much pepper but that will mellow with age. Outstanding wine. Going to grab some more!

3/8/2024 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Not a big blend guy but the Wagner Family knows how to get it done. Great deep garnet color with a fairly big nose. Lots of dark berries & a bit of toast in there. Very smooth drinkable wine with lots of flavor. Solid choice in this price ranger.

3/3/2024 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

I believe whoever rated this 87 points drank a different bottle as the photo shown is not the same wine. Had this with friends at a private tasting the other evening and it was by far the best wine we had that night. Big Bold & upfront in your face fruity, while the structure itself had a nice full finish that will bet better with age.

2/29/2024 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Purchased at the vineyard 10 plus years ago after tasting it there and no I don't remember my initial reactions. Needed an hour to decant to really reach its potential. Certainly, feels like the drink time is now or perhaps a bit past its prime as 2011 was a challenging year for cabernets. Deep garnet in color a very well-rounded wine with tannins that are smooth at this point. Great nose with dark cherry and blackberry. Smooth finish. Very enjoyable but not better than 90 points.

2/22/2024 - gamlingman wrote:

Josh pushing this as a reserve wine from "Paso Robles" is simply marketing at its best. Palatable is the only words to describe it as I certainly did not find any of the characters they described. Straight forward & Drinkable. Their regular 11.00 wine is better at 30% less price.

2/15/2024 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Straight forward medium bodied cabernet. Not very fruit forward, but the gritty almost chalky tannins actually gave this some finish. Not a big fan but certainly enjoyable.

2/15/2024 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

It was good but nothing to get you running to the store to buy again at close to $50.00 Decanted which it really didn't need as the flavors were pretty constant from open to finish. Small Nose with big bright cherry notes, with a non-memorable finish. I've had many better wines at more attractive price points.

2/14/2024 - gamlingman wrote:

Another wine pushed in the store that failed to deliver. Drinkable, straight forward with no real substance of any kind that made it memorable. I'll take a pass.

2/14/2024 - gamlingman wrote:

A bit disappointed at this price point. Highly recommended at Total wine that failed to deliver. Really had no characteristics of any kind that made this memorable. Simply straight forward drinkable wine. many better options at this price.

2/14/2024 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Standard Josh product quite palatable with some dark cherry & a bit of spice. Great wine for this price point as alway.

2/6/2024 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Not a big Italian wine guy always found them lacking in substance. This is in that category. Easy drinking, low acidity, but not much nose, fruit rush or finish. Simple & Straight forward.

2/6/2024 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Truly still one of the best $13.00 bottles of wine out there . Solid fruit bomb with a nice finish. Nothing fancy, nothing over the top just really good big wine for a little price!

1/23/2024 - gamlingman wrote:

Kind of an ok drinking wine without any real memorable characteristics. Nose is nonexistent, while it is palatable, with lots of strawberry in the middle, but little to no finish. Certainly nothing to go purchase again.

1/14/2024 - gamlingman Does not like this wine:

What an utter disappointment this cabernet was. Enjoying previous vintages, I was looking forward to the newest release after "WE" gave this a top rating. Let me tell you something Wine Enthusiast, who is paying you? This was absolutely awful. It was not flawed just a bitter non-descript excuse for a cabernet. Tasted like burnt leaves with a side of acid. UGH! Major downturn for this normally reliable producer.

1/7/2024 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

A step up from 2020 with that famous Wagner Syrupy type production in this inexpensive bottle. Very fruit forward with really a heavy texture as you can tell, this is a Wagner production. Lots of Cherry and big red fruits here, lend you to a big finish. Solid wine in this price point.

12/9/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Simply Outstanding!. Deep garnet color, great balance with massive dark fruits with strong tannins really made this a treat. Finish was long and gritty just like I like it.

12/9/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Surprisingly good cabernet in mid-range price range. Subtle beginning with not much on the nose up front but a big fruit kick in the middle with tons of dark berries with a solid finish of strong tannins.

12/9/2023 - gamlingman wrote:

Kind of a bland easy drinking wine with no great structure or memorable characteristics Expected much more from this producer.

11/7/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

As a NON FAN of my home county wines of Italy this was actually a pleasant surprise. Dark in color and not much on the nose this really surprised me upon tasting. Very nice dark berries with notable currant up front with a nice spicy tannic finish on the back end. Drinks way better than its price. A nice surprise!

10/22/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Lots of Hype but someone unremarkable. Expecting more for this wine as everyday 35$ wines is not my thing but a big fan of the vineyard and well lots of Hype as I previously said. Dark in color with an upfront fruit explosion of rich bright berries & jam. Then NOTHING... No big finish 2-year-old wine with already smooth tannins? I don't know, maybe it's just me. Loved the punch of front, but really disappointed in the finish.

9/28/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Typical Zin with big bold notes of spice and bright berries. Didn't need much decanting, but it paired well with lamb last evening. Always a solid producer.

9/28/2023 - gamlingman wrote:

My home country letting me down again as this Borolo is middle of the road at best. Pricey for Costco wine and yet wine spectator gives it 92 points. Certainly NOT! bright fruits orange and fairly acidic. No tannins to speak of and the finish was not memorable.

9/28/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Continue to be underwhelmed by Stags leaps productions lately. It is a solid wine nice color aromatic nose but then it just seems flabby and without structure at these price points. Bright berries and a bit acidic. Quaffable but without any need to revist this anytime soon.

9/27/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

A great wine big bold with hints of cassis and violet. Monster finish that me thinks I drink to early LOL.... Definitely has more time in the bottle for those who want to hold.

9/27/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Wine night so we had some great wines to sample, and this one was one of the top ones tasted last night. Dark and aromatic with dark berries. Tannins were still there with some nice grit and finish. Great from the 1st sip, though even after 15 years in the bottle it did not get better but remained constant as we went through the Magnum.

9/19/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Talk about Bang for your buck, maybe one of the most impressive under $10.00 bottles I've ever consumed. Deep in color and a big bursting fruit on the nose. Lots of chocolate and even some moderate tannins with this young inexpensive find.

9/16/2023 - gamlingman wrote:

Middle of the road drinkable wine with no real appealing characteristics. A bit murky and dirty to start with some Rasbery and bright fruits to finish. truly nothing memorable.

9/10/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Not usually a Jordan fan but this was better than previous bottles I have had. A bit thin in color but a very spicy nose followed by rich spice and bright fruits. Some strawberry for sure. Though the tannins were mild, it certainly was an upgrade to other vintages.

9/9/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

WOW... What can I say. I purchased 1/2 a case back in 2018 when we were barrel tasting in Napa, and it was great aging in the oak barrels. Now 4 years after bottling this just explodes on your palate. Nose is big bold and fruity with lots of dark currant and berries. Middle is spicy strawberry, and the subtle tannins are just enough to make this special. I bit more chunk at the end would have been great but exceptional all around very polished.

8/26/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

A very solid middle ground priced wine that honestly surprised me a bit. Subtle on the nose to start but deep garnet color in the glass. Nice Currant & darker berries with a beautiful round mouth full of balanced tannins at the end. Just a little more chunk takes it to 90 points or better, but as it quite enjoyable.

8/17/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

It was good but at these #'s man do they have to produce better. Very thin and flabby from a color and nose perspective to start. Opened very nicely at first taste with bright fruits of strawberries and Jam. The problem was that was all there was to it, very little tannins and a non-existent finish left me wondering what they are doing out there. I know 2018 was a bad year for cabernets in northern California but this was not as good as it should be at this price point and previous vintages.

8/17/2023 - gamlingman wrote:

Disappointing especially at this price point. Opened ok with bold notes and deep color on the nose. As it progressed over the hour it became very tannic and acidic, and nothing like its previous vintages. I almost wondered if it was stored improperly but I was told no by our host.

8/2/2023 - gamlingman wrote:

Good Palatable wine with nothing really outstanding or memorable. Ruby in color with some nice spice on opening notes but pretty much flattens out to a simply drinkable wine.

7/29/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Normally a Knights Valley guy from this Vineyard but we were able to try their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon last night. BIG DEEP rich in color and at 1st taste it is an absolute FRUIT BOMB. All types of concentrated dark berries and spice upon 1st taste. Opened rather quickly and the reason this did not get the 90 point mark for me is for this price point you should have the "BIG FINISH" ... This did not as Tannins were quite mellow and no big linger which I like at the end. Solid but better options in this price point out there.

7/24/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Not a Big Pinot Noir Fan - but this one was pretty good. Sharp nose of raspberry and spice which was complimented by a nice bright opening and smooth but satisfying finish. Nothing spectacular here but a solid wine that paired well with our pork.

7/13/2023 - gamlingman wrote:

Not much to this Italian Blend with a very light in color beginning. Nose is spicy with hints of peppermint and some light fruits. Finish is not notable and it lacks any depth.

7/9/2023 - gamlingman wrote:

So confusing. At 1st glance I the Deep Ruby Color made it look like the biggest boldest wine I was ever going to taste. Then Nothing. A bit of spice but no big body or structure or finish. I'm so confused. Drank 1/2 the bottle will try the rest tonight but Either it is way too young or they missed.

6/29/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Solid wine huge nose but definitely past its prime. Some spice and plum but expected more from this vintage and price point. Tannins smooth to non existing.

6/20/2023 - gamlingman wrote:

At first tasting I was like WOW this is special as it just exploded into an array of bright strawberries and spice with a solid finish. Unfortunately, 10 mins later that fruit bomb was gone? How is it possible to go so flabby that quickly. Medium in body and color after that 1st taste I expected so much more, I think I'm more confused than anything but at this price points it lacked the depth that I like and the finish.

5/25/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

No idea what to expect here but it definitely exceeded my expectations. Beautiful nose up bright fruits upon initial opening. First taste lends itself to a tightly wound wine with huge spice and subtle sweetness. About an hour after decanting, it rounded out to rich strawberry while finishing with mild tannins. It was perfect with my grilled veal chop last night. Very solid California Cabernet that is drinking perfectly right now.

5/6/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Caymus used to be my favorite wine & the vintages prior to 2017 were far better than the ones today. I looked forward to having this wine last night with the boys at a local steakhouse, so we carted in our magnum and had it decanted.

Very well constructed wine, good balance lots of spice with big bold black fruits. It didn't dazzle me like I expected and did not have the long sweet finish Caymus is noted for. Tannins are mellowed already so I don't see much value in holding on much longer.

Very enjoyable but again these were premium priced wines years ago and I'm not getting that wow factor. Maybe I should be a wine critic as I certainly don't agree with the "EXPERTS" who rank these 95 Plus.

5/6/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

One of my favorites though I think we let this one hang in the cellar a little too long as personally I found it slightly past its prime but what the hell do I Know?

Lots of berries & currant with a hint of spice. Up front it is very nice really greats you with a nice fruit explosion, but found as it wound down it fizzled just a bit and didn't have the long finish I was looking for. Solid all around wine just expected a bit more.

5/5/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Another big boy last night to culminate a birthday celebration. Retract previous review in lieu yes I can tell the difference in a $300.00 wine LOL. Decanted for a bit 1st thing I notice is the heavy musk that all these wines have as characteristics. Its deep & dark and it has some pop and I can't wait to get into it.

1st taste was SPICE wow didn't expect that from this varietal . Lots of dark currants, dark berries in your typical deep dirt Bordeaux. A few minutes later it mellows incredibly into this smooth song of a river of flavors that finish with bright notes with no hint of the musk that is prevalent in the beginning.

As time wore on it changed even more to an almost sweet spicy finish again. Talk about wines evolving in a short time? A fabulous wine drinking well now but certainly has more time to grow.

5/5/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

I often say as I have a decent Palat but once I get above a certain price point I find it difficult to differentiate between a good $75 - $100 bottle of wine to the upper echelon. Wines such as this one. Breaking out the big guns tonight we decant and get to it waiting for those 98 and 100 score tastes from all the experts to explode in my mouth.

Ok I get it, its complex it has subtle nuisance's of flavors that I can never understand, but I can't see spending $300 plus for this. It is a fantastic wine with hints of various dark berries very smooth to mild tannins with most its grit already mellowed. As it opened more brightness came out with some strawberry, but it never quite finished like I wanted it to. As I stated I'm no expert but 92 is all gets from me.

4/2/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Big fan of several of their previous vintages with the 2020 now available it was gifted to me last evening so of course we broke it out with our Porterhouse for two. Certainly not up to the 2017 standards which I loved but a well rounded wine typical napa style. Big fruit on the nose of strawberries & currant, while I was disappointed in the finish which was already smooth without much longevity. A good wine not great but now we get into those price points again and at this number it can't be just GOOD!

3/30/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

I like it but expected more. Perhaps it needs some more time. Classic Napa with hints of Vanilla but not the huge fruit bomb expected. Moderate polished finish. I was looking for more but could not find it. Have two more bottles so I'll let it sit for now!

3/30/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Excellent wine at a fair price. Light in color but packed some spice and a slate even finsh that was the best part of the bottle. Perfectly paired with Pork loin last night a nice bottle.

3/30/2023 - gamlingman Likes this wine:

Bought this many years ago and I stored it properly. Even though wine spectator said drink it in 2020 I let it go a bit longer. I'm glad that I did as this really was a treat last evening. Very musty and wound up tight that took some time to open. Once it did the floral bomb was evident with a nice space and big round polished finish. The tannins had mellowed into a really great bottle of wine! I wish I had more!

3/23/2023 - gamlingman wrote:

An OK wine bug brught Strawberries and fruits very spicy but a limited finish and bot well rounded

3/23/2023 - gamlingman wrote:

Terrible wine absolutely no redeeming factors were. A big giant apple pucker sweet bomb that tasted like two dollar candy