March 5, 2024 - In the enchanting setting of A Festa Restaurant in Corsica, where the air was heavy with the scent of jasmine and sea salt, I found myself enraptured by both the company and the exquisite wine that graced our table. It was there, amidst flickering candlelight and the gentle strains of a distant serenade, that I shared an intimate moment with the one who had captured my heart.
As we uncorked the bottle of 2013 Hundred Acres, the anticipation hung thick in the air, much like the velvety texture of the wine itself. With each sip, I found myself drawn deeper into its embrace, my senses overwhelmed by the symphony of flavors that danced upon my palate.
Upon swirling the glass, the aromas of ripe strawberries immediately waft upwards, accompanied by delicate floral notes of violet and rose. As the wine opens up, subtle hints of warm spices, such as cinnamon and clove, emerge, adding depth and intrigue to the bouquet.
On the palate, the Hundred Acres unfolds like a symphony, with layers of flavors dancing harmoniously across the tongue. The initial burst of ripe strawberries is accompanied by luscious notes of black cherry and plum, providing a delightful contrast of sweet and tart flavors. As the wine progresses, a subtle hint of vanilla from the oak aging process emerges, adding a touch of warmth and complexity to the palate.
The texture of the wine is velvety-smooth, with soft, supple tannins that caress the palate and provide structure without overwhelming the senses. This luxurious mouthfeel enhances the overall drinking experience, inviting you to savor each sip and linger over the complexities of the wine.
The finish of the 2013 Hundred Acres is long and lingering, with a captivating sweetness that lingers on the palate like the memory of a stolen kiss. A tantalizing acidity adds brightness and freshness to the finish, leaving you craving another sip even as the last drops fade away.
The 2013 Hundred Acres is a true masterpiece, showcasing the best of Napa Valley winemaking. From its enticing aromas to its luscious palate and luxurious texture, every sip is a journey of discovery, revealing new layers of complexity with each taste. This is a wine that demands to be savored, celebrated, and shared with those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Each sip reminded me of her taste; strawberries with a drip of lemon…. The initial burst of ripe strawberries gave way to a subtle undertone of warm spices, reminiscent of lazy summer afternoons spent lost in each other's gaze.
But it was the finish that truly stole my breath away—a lingering sweetness, like the memory of a stolen kiss, combined with a tantalizing acidity that left me yearning for more. It was a wine that spoke of passion and longing, of nights spent tangled together beneath the stars, and whispered promises of forever.
As the evening wore on and the wine flowed freely, I found myself falling deeper under its spell, each glass a testament to the undeniable chemistry that existed between us. And when the last drop had been savored and the night had faded into dawn, I knew that I had experienced something truly extraordinary—a love affair in a broken down castle, both with the wine and with the woman who had shared it with me.
In the light of day, as the sun cast its golden glow upon the world, I found myself longing to return to that moment—to the taste of strawberries and spices, to the warmth of her touch, and to the magic of Corsica, 2013. The 2013 Hundred Acres wine had become more than just a drink; it was a memory, a symbol of love and romance, and a reminder of the endless possibilities that awaited us in the world of fine wine.
So here's to the Hundred Acres from Napa—a wine that transcends time and space, and a love that knows no bounds. May its bold flavors and exquisite taste continue to inspire passion and romance in all who have the pleasure of experiencing it. Cheers to love, to music, and to the eternal pursuit of life's finer things.
NOTE TO SELF: HOUR DECANT THEN GLASS BY GLASS.
December 24, 2023 - Simply one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons I have ever drunk. A spectacular bouquet and a balanced mix of black fruit and minerality. Silky tannins a a very long finish. See previous notes.
December 20, 2023 - Decanted for more than 3 hours, and I have to say that it was one of my favorite cabs of all time. Dark fruit (plum, black cherries, black raspberries) on the nose with notes of violets and graphite. The palate is laced with plum, blackberry and black cherry flavors with fine grained tannins and a 30-second finish!
October 14, 2023 - Absolute rockstar in all regards. Tannin and alcohol as mellow as they'll ever be for a Hundred Acre, and fruit forward but not cloying. Has to be in its prime.
June 30, 2022 - There was a slight sweet note which I liked but it still kept it from becoming PERFECT!
January 14, 2022 - Not sure if this is the bottle Steve F shared with us, but this was a BIG round pleasure....
December 26, 2020 - Gorgeous nose on open. First sip at 2.5 hrs. Christmas cake, Asian spice, drank fruited, cigar tobacco. An interesting raisin cake note without being pruny. Somewhat short finish. Tannins receded, not a lot of acid, but on overly distracting sweetness note (artificial sweetener) seemingly from the oak that is holding back everything else. 92 pts and yes we found this disappointing too. Bottle variation maybe?
September 5, 2020 - Love this wine. Will look to buy more. See previous tasting notes.
August 12, 2020 - Decanted for 3 hours. Dark garnet colored with floral aromas with plum, black cherry, blueberry and crushed rocks. Balanced and layered with mocha and licorice. Silky mouthfeel with grippy tannins that took it through a 30-second finish.
October 20, 2019 - Simply outstanding. Three hour decant. Great depth of flavor, rich mouthfeel, long finish. Very drinkable now.