9/13/2023 - JohnMontague wrote:

Quite different than the 2018, and I think it’s better. Dark, mysterious, and herbaceous. Notes of licorice, cigar, and peppermint. Seems pretty mature at just 4 years, so not sure how long it will hold up. No need to wait. It’s really good now.

5/27/2023 - JohnMontague wrote:

This was outstanding in 2020. Could be a dumb phase, but it was very one dimensional and uninteresting last night. I fear it’s past its prime.

3/3/2023 - JohnMontague Does not like this wine:

This is literally the worst bottle of wine I’ve ever had. Tastes like foie gras, which sounds much better than it is. Undrinkable, and it wasn’t flawed. Tried multiple bottles, all with similar results.

5/18/2022 - JohnMontague Does not like this wine:

I find the Turnbull Napa Cab to be a consitently excellent wine; usually voluptous, viscous, rich, and fruity. It’s typically an elegant wine, but this 2018 vintage is kind of a dud. It’s overly acidic and seriously flirting with notes of grape juice and otter pops. Maybe it’s too young, but this wine typically hits its drink window within 4 years. I had the 2019 several nights ago, and it was stellar.

6/15/2021 - JohnMontague wrote:

Through the roof good! Paprika, cedar, and freshly caught rainbow trout on the nose. Notes of caramel, aluminum, and maraschino cherry. Elegant and bright. Started to fade after about 5 hours, so I’m guessing it’s late in its prime, but it was out of this world good while it was good.

5/26/2021 - JohnMontague Likes this wine:

Dark and rich. Some mineral on the nose, notes of raspberry, copper, and radicchio. It’s good now, but probably on the younger side of its prime. Thinking it will be even better in 2 years.

5/26/2021 - JohnMontague Likes this wine:

This is a big merlot. Black cherry, black pepper, cinnamon. Chocolate muffin on the nose. A staple in our household, and every bottle we’ve had has been great. Not overly complex, dark and rich, goes down easy.

5/7/2021 - JohnMontague Likes this wine:

Beautiful nose of cinnamon, chocolate, tobacco, and leather.

Highly tannic. Notes of chocolate and cinnamon. The nose matches the palate. This is going to be good someday, but it’s too young right now. Even after a few hours, it’s still pretty tight. Waiting about 6 years until I open the next one.

4/18/2021 - JohnMontague Likes this wine:

Tobacco and lipstick on the nose. Starts out a little mild and slowly builds spice until it’s one of the spiciest wines I’ve ever had. Then, it backs off and reveals the lipstick on the palate. I ended my second glass on a strong metallic note. Truly great evolution so far. All of this progression in 90 minutes. Wish I could drink the whole bottle, but I’ll save the second half for tomorrow. This is a big deal wine. I cannot believe how much I paid for it.

4/12/2021 - JohnMontague Likes this wine:

Safeway comes through! A good price at $20. Cherry candy and rose petals on the nose. The palate is less sweet, with notes of blackberry and leather. PnP is the best course. It fades after a few hours.

4/10/2021 - JohnMontague Likes this wine:

Peculiar nose of cat urine initially, but don’t be mistaken, this was wonderful. Nice legs. Burdock root, mustard greens, and granite. Caramel and mushroom finish. Very drinkable right now, but should be even better in a few years.

3/17/2021 - JohnMontague Does not like this wine:

This wine is still too young. I’ve had a few bottles this year, and it’s been inconsistent. 2 bottles were overly sweet with not much dimension. A 3rd opened up after a decant plus several hours. It eventually evolved into something a little more interesting. Needs more time, but underwhelming for the price.

3/14/2021 - JohnMontague Likes this wine:

This wine is in its wheelhouse right now and better than other vintages I’ve had. Dark, mysterious, and spicy with notes of clove and black pepper. There’s a grassy, almost bitter finish. It’s more unusual than the 2015. Highly recommend drinking a bottle this year. It might get better with more time, but this could be the mountain top.

1/26/2021 - JohnMontague Likes this wine:

Decanted for a brief spell. Plenty of life left in this. 12 years in, and no signs that it has turned the corner. Notes of bran muffin, rosewater, duck, black pepper, dark cherry, and briny cedar. I say drink now, while it’s in its prime.