May 3, 2022 - Enjoyed with brad and Catherine in the new house
February 1, 2020 - Deep to opaque ruby color. Layered nose still has some intensity of youth with tobacco, blackcurrant, cooked purple/black fruit. Nothing too old about the color or nose, nothing too young: age appropriate.
Left bank Bordeaux meets earlier-generation Napa Pahlmeyer? Pierre, the winemaker for this and many other Signorello vintages is French. He retired last year, perhaps to give the next winemaker freedom as Signorello rebuilds the winery after 2017 Napa fires destroyed it.
Primary and secondary flavors are true to the nose, plus hints of espresso, baking spices and muted berries. I’d believe anywhere from 80% to 100% Cabernet. Actual is 93% Cab, 7% Cab Franc. Unobtrusive tannin, unobtrusive acidity, but not dull. Full-bodied, but not overly by contemporary standards (14.4% abv).
I’ve seen bottle variation in these, all stored identically, so be warned. That may account for some rating variations. This one is borderline excellent and probably has another 2-3 prime years.
April 18, 2019 - Pleasant matured Cabernet. Aromas are a mix of cranberry and some illusive dusty/spicy notes. The palate has lots of dry cranberry with a bit of tart blackberry. I think it’s better than the average score suggests.
October 8, 2018 - 90+ Had this with Davis with steaks. Slightly dusty. Muted fruits. Tasted much older than a 2010. The 2001 Cavolotto Barolo we had with it side by side tasted much younger.
Drink remaining bottle soon.
September 22, 2018 - Good but kind of missing something. Either past peak or in a funk.
February 7, 2014 - Dark fruit, tobacco, pepper, silky smooth tannis. Well balanced A-
February 6, 2014 - Just classic Napa nose and palate, black currants, blackberry, mocha, sweet graphite, fresh tobacco. Big wine that hits all the notes.
October 2, 2013 - Napa Valley Wine and Food Excursion 2013; 9/30/2013-10/5/2013 (Napa Valley, California): Still a bit tight, this opaque ruby blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc shows aromas of black currants, blueberries, mocha and cedar, with an additional green bell pepper note. Full-bodied and round on the palate, it shows similar flavors (including the "green" element) in a frame of firm rustic tannins and well integrated alcohol. With good persistence throughout the middle, the wine concludes with a long, albeit dry finish. Time in the cellar will be beneficial with respect to the tannins. Unfortunately, the mild stemmy character of this wine is likely the result of a heavy hand with the Cabernet Franc at the time of blending (and is inherent). Drink 2015-2030.
June 5, 2013 - Cab Sauv (93%) and Cab Franc (7%) has oak, barnyard, woodsmoke and dense blackcurrant aromas with balanced aroma replays on the palate. Smooth, velvety tannins and finishing long. Very nice! Drinking well now, could be cellared another 10 years.
May 8, 2013 - Dark and sounds cliché, but has a typical Stag's Leap District nose. Black currant and other black fruits. Dark berry. Has a dry entry but opens to mouth watering cassis and black plum flavors. Touch of green herb on the finish which detracted me a bit. Fleshy, but nice. Dry finish. Big wine. Decant or lay down.