January 31, 2024 - Boys night out with the CYCLIST at a local BYOB. I splash decanted this two hours ahead then back into the bottle.
Not much I can add to Bad Monkey's review from almost a year ago. this has finally settled down into a more balanced wine, far less fruit forward, Black and blue fruited, hints of chocolate and anise, and a bit more site specific minerality and finesse. still wish there was a bit more acidity. I do not see this getting much better, so drink up
May 29, 2023 - Opened, poured into a decanter, and enjoyed with food and then on its own. Grassl Cru stem.
Dark purple color.
Wonderful nose of ripe plum, some cherry and hint of leather.
Nice round intro with the plum notes being prominent and adding some black cherry. Slight hint of mint mixing in as well.
A beautiful expression of Napa Cabernet. Just did not have the 'wow' factor.
This is a well made wine - enjoyable and delicious. Just lacking in that extra dimension.
April 26, 2023 - Smooth, deep, dark, layered expression of St Helena Cabernet. Black fruit, vanilla, earth, pencil lead, red bell pepper, tannins completely folded in after 2 hour decant. This is a crystallized snapshot why I love wine.
March 21, 2023 - Primarily black and blue fruit - currants, blackberry, dark cherry, and some blueberry. Smooth mid-palate with a nice purity and solid depth/concentration. Nice flavors of cassis, some spice/licorice, cocoa, and a mineral/graphite component. Fairly long finish but just a touch of tartness - a little bing cherry. Decanted for two hours and drank over a couple more. Not much improvement with time but appears to be at a nice drinking point. I personally preferred this wine younger as it showed more depth/concentration and character; however, still a nice showing this time around with some age on it. 100% cab.
January 15, 2023 - Decanted for one hour. Nose of violets, blackberry, currant, milk chocolate and spice. Black and blue fruit, milk chocolate, spice and vanilla cream on the palate. Very long finish with good depth. Full bodied. Served with wood smoked, reverse seared porterhouse steaks and black truffle compound butter.
February 27, 2022 - My second of three bought on release. Likely within its peak drinking window. This was decanted for 30 minutes and contemplated alongside some acoustic bass jazz. Blueberry pie and violets on the approach, rich blue and black fruit,cassis and plums, with chocolate notes. Not enough acidity to carry it through the end. Tasty, but lacks a sense of place. It’s a Mike Smith wine for sure, but lacks the usual distinction of Dr Crane
November 14, 2021 - Opened, poured into a decanter, and enjoyed about 1 hour later. Followed for about 3 hours over dinner and after.
Deep purple color.
Nose offers a wisp of alcohol at first and then as the wine opened up a bit more showed dark chocolate and cherry.
Good richness to the wine with sufficient acidity to carry the ripe fruit.
Has some good weight in the mouth with the tannins nicely integrated.
An enjoyable wine.
On this evening, it just did not have the "wow" factor.
[Edited to correct spelling.]
September 17, 2021 - Decanted briefly. This is singing, one of the best recent showings I've had from a Napa 2014. Redcurrant, licorice pastille, full body, light earth. Great vineyard, well done, ready to drink.
August 4, 2021 - No formal notes. Decanted for an hour. Sweet dark fruit, licorice and chocolate. Dense, but not ponderous. Nice with porterhouse.
April 3, 2021 - Wine has mellowed a bit...nose is blue fruit pie..
Some cherry, just a hint of oak...
Blackberry cassis cherry finishes with well integrated tannins... tannins noticeable but nicely balanced with the fruit..
Overall a very nice package that is well balanced
And has ample fruit and tannins in nice harmony..
A deft touch of acidity keeps it all together
Well done !!