November 3, 2023 - Really good still but starting to fade. Still has several good years ahead though
September 15, 2023 - Consistent with my last note…funny i didn’t think this could age: It can go long under proper conditions . The cork was crap and I initially thought the bottle was corrupt …but the wet cardboard essence blew off …
April 3, 2023 - Serially sampled over three hours from a pristinely cellared bottle that was decanted off of its sediment, this Cabernet remains deep-to-opaque red/garnet in color and serves up an intense package of black currants, dark bramble fruits, graphite, violets, tobacco and vanilla. Full-bodied, fresh and without alcoholic heat (14.2%), the oak has now fully integrated, as have the tannins. Round, dense, delicious on the mid-palate and lengthy back end, it has fleshed out beautifully. This is a Cabernet that has dramatically defied the pundits' longevity predictions and has even defied my own previous predictions. Comparably cellared bottles still have enough fruit and structure to reach their twenty-fifth birthday with grace. Decantation off of the sediment is necessary at this point, but it will fully strut its stuff within an hour thereafter. Drink now-2026.
January 13, 2022 - Was able to better appreciate the wine last night and was very impressed. Perfect cork. Pours fairly dark with minimal bricking. Very expressive nose. Nice soft fruit. Medium body. Moderate complexities of mature cabernet and silky smooth. Moderately long finish. Should hold here for another year or so but no need to wait. Yummy!
January 12, 2022 - I drank at Christmas and remember being impressed. Will take better notes next bottle.
July 15, 2021 - Holding up amazingly well for a 20+ year old Napa - possibly even better than the Reserve of the same year, or I just got lucky with this bottle. Smooth, rich, lush and sweet, lots of cassis and a bit of old leather. Superb.
March 28, 2021 - Wow...fabulous...hit its stride at age 20! Still dark..very slight bricking on the edge...let sit 30 mins. Integrated, melted blueberry cherry plum....leather....seamless.
January 3, 2021 - very mildly corked , but still nicely balanced w/ripe red fruits and med finish
January 3, 2021 - corked
April 10, 2020 - Very expressive nose on opening. Dark garnet color does not show much age. A fairly simple wine that lacks distinctive tertiary flavors, but showing nice plum and cherry fruit on the palate. Would not have guessed this is a 19 year old wine. Bought on auction for a reasonable price and probably did better than I expected.