February 10, 2024 - Solid wine, but never quite lived up to my expectations . A touch hot, but quality fruit. Not the best QPR.
January 13, 2024 - This bottle suggests this vintage Needs more time to come together.
December 27, 2023 - Concentrated and tannic but highly satisfying.
November 23, 2023 - Nine years ago, Robert Parker did a complete vertical on HSS (1978-2013). He noted the 2013 "will be more approachable in its youth than most Hillside Selects. This is a layered wine, built like a skyscraper, a prodigious Cabernet of full-throttle intensity and purity."
Now in 2023, I sadly don't come to the same conclusion as Mr. Parker. This wine has, surprisingly, not developed over the years. Compared to other HSS's (such as the outstanding 2004), this vintage (at least this particular bottle) seems to be thin (versus layered), with weak (versus warm/full) texture and just faint hints of fruit. On the positive side, the tannins are well integrated, but nonetheless this was somewhat disappointing compared to other HSS's. Allowing it to decant over several hours did not improve nor diminish the initial pour. Not sure further aging will help, but will wait 2-5 years before trying again.
September 23, 2023 - The nose is predominantly grape fruit-reserved and not expected. Has a purple popsicles smell, with herbs (thyme ) and violet flowers. The palate is minuscule fruit, acid with soft tannins. Decanted for three hours. This wine is in a dumb phase, and does not live up to it’s 98+ points Wine advocate rating. Hold off drinking my other ‘13 for another 5 years.
September 20, 2023 - Decanted for 45 minutes. Extremely aromatic. You can smell it from three feet away as it is being poured into the decanter. Very Stag’s Leap and very much a classic Hillside. While not my typical style, this paired great with a ribeye and truffle cheeseburger.
September 6, 2023 - Decanted and opened for nearly 2 hours but was still fairly tight. Needs more time in the bottle or a longer decant.
April 14, 2023 - The 2013 HSS at the 10 year mark is beginning to hit on all cylinders. The alcohol and fruit is starting to settle down a bit where the wine is taking on some earth notes to go along with a massive finish. Though the wine is drinking well now it is not at its peak, which I suspect will not be for several more years.
February 10, 2023 - PNP. Inky black. Smokey nose of cassis, spice and fresh sawn cedar. A bit of herbal/green notes as well. Deep palate, very young and unevolved, caressing yet tart with crunchy blackberry fruit and very fine grained tannins. Big wine, shows the 15.5% alcohol a bit on the finish.
January 10, 2023 - Decanted for 3 hours. Very good wine.