July 23, 2023 - A very different wine than I expected. Reminded me less of a classic Napa Valley CS like most Schrader and more like an SQN (dark, inky, etc). Expected to like this much more than I did considering how much I like Schrader generally. Still, an excellent wine.
March 23, 2023 - Absolutely superb Cabernet. Served at my Daughter's wedding. I decanted for approx. 3 1/2 hours. Rich dark fruit dominated nose. Super layered palate with a long finish. I can't imagine a better wine. Plenty mature but still years ahead.
October 27, 2022 - An unforgettable, very special wine. Enjoyed with friends at SW Steakhouse in Las Vegas. Decanted almost three hours and needed every minute of it.
September 4, 2022 - Best of the evening up against Hundred Acre & Napa Premier Cabs.
December 27, 2021 - Classic ripe new world style, massive black and blue fruits, spice box, vanilla, great balance and texture. I’ll be honest, it’s lacking a bit in complexity and I was expecting more given the scores. It’s very very good however, so don’t get me wrong… I just expected more.
November 11, 2021 - Schrader multi-vintage tasting: Oh this is a shag-a-licious mojo-kickin' beast that's all about velour robes, cigars, and a crackling fireplace at midnight. Plush, silky, velvety, and a textural kitten purr of a wine, the 2012 Sparky is all about smooth talkin' bear huggin' and good lovin'. Round and rich, the signature ripe blackberry, muddled raspberry, roasted spices, and chocolate-covered-cherry flavors gush and ooze and flow and undulate with groovy panache and depth. Fleetingly fruity, but overall a wonderfully chewy and lustrous showing.
I don't know how long these will last necessarily, but who cares. I mean really, if you get a case of the big deals and want something to compliment your swagger and sassy come-hither vibe, just grab yourself a trusty Mag of Old Sparky and let the lava lamp interplay commence. 96-97+ points.
December 28, 2019 - Stunning. Ever evolving nose of dark fruit, current, oak with hints of leather, herb and spice. Wonderfully integrated palate with long long finish. Drink now but will drink for another 5-7 years with ease
November 10, 2018 - Wine Advocate: Grand Walkabout Tasting (NYC): What a wine. The nose has layers and layers. Tremendous mouthfeel with a tingling sensation that lingers. Long finish!! Put this away for another decade as it is going to be something special.
January 6, 2018 - Opaque. Dark fruits and oak on the nose. Cassis, flower stems, pencil shavings and baking spices on the palate. Perceptible tannins. No sense of alcohol. Both aromas and flavors appear muted. In a dumb state right now? That said, I have no doubt it will evolve into an epic wine. Pop after 2025. Served blind to friends who all liked it.
September 5, 2016 - Tasted against '12 Tusk, '12 Pott Turf War and '12 Vineyard 29 Estate. Came in #2. Decanted and drank over the course of 10 hours. Sweet raspberries, blackberries and cassis on the nose. Really expressive, like smelling a freshly baked blackberry pie. Color is a little redder than expected. Still very tannic on the pallet (even after 10 hours), but incredibly pure, high quality fruit. Lots of complexity with some mineral earth driven notes to go with the fruit. Strong and full mid pallet, but not plush and round, a little more biting at the moment. Good aging potential. Finish is long and gorgeous, if still resolving. I think this needs another 5 years, but still very impressive. 96+