April 1, 2024 - Deep red color, pulled the cork and instantly smelled saddle leather and potpourri. Rich and concentrated, with still gritty tannins, this feels like it’s not yet at peak. A bit short on the finish, the rest of it works quite well.
December 31, 2023 - Decanted for about 45 minutes. This bottle might have been slightly corked? Had a slightly musty aroma. Full bodied with great tannin structure. Drinkable, but would have been so much better without the musty nose. Hoping for better luck with the remaining two bottles. I think it’s otherwise ready to go and probably won’t wait long on the others.
March 11, 2023 - Drank a couple of bottle with dinner
Nice nose subtle fruit
Dark inky color
Nice fruit and smooth finish
March 25, 2022 - I've generally veered away from Sonoma cabs over the last few years as they can be a bit too savory to my liking, but this was quite a different style. Very bright acidity brings a racy component and enticing sweet red fruit - so lively and energetic. Showing well at this age too, though no signs of fading either. A bit pricey at about $46 after tax/shipping when I got it a few years ago, but definitely one of the best cabs I've had from Sonoma at this price-point. I've generally not liked the '13 Napa/Sonoma vintage as it's been very congested, but it's definitely coming around now.
January 6, 2022 - A really solid cab from Sonoma, this always impresses me and doesn't have much if any of the congestion I normally associate with the '13 vintage. This is powerful, but with attractive, inviting dark fruit. Not as savory as some Sonoma cab styles, which is a good thing. Glad I've a couple more. Showing well now, but no hurry to drink. 92+pts.
July 23, 2021 - Tannins are overbearing this time. Decanted four hours. Wouldn't open another bottle for at least three years.
April 18, 2021 - Quite serious and brooding for a Sonoma cab, the alcohol is a little pronounced. I like the deep and powerful profile to this wine. Drinking well now but may improve with more time. Might be worth decanting. 92+
October 31, 2020 - Really good after three hour decant. Dark berry, plum and some smoke flavors. Nicely integrated tannins. Plenty of time remaining.
August 8, 2020 - Actually drinking quite well right now, notwithstanding comments stating tannins are too present. Very nice nose with cassis, smokey oak, bit of cocoa and some earthiness. Not a fruit bomb, rather quite elegant. Would purhcase again but not sure of availability at the price previously purchased. Fortunately, have a couple more bottles in the cellar.
May 25, 2020 - Very perfumed nose evident while pouring. This wine was much more than I expected. I expected a nice everyday Cal Cab to drink with dinner. Had a lot more going for it. The cedar notes were predominant in this wine. Deep dark aubergine colored wine. The fruit was intense and worked well with the equally powerful tannins. I obviously opened this one up too young. Another 5 years would have been best.