May 10, 2023 - Medium bodied, traditional styling, high quality but weakening natural cork.
Third bottle in 6 years. With my mind's eye I can pick on this wine in little ways: linear nose, slightly bitter mid-palate, medium finish... but my hedonistic flesh wants two more cases. Now. Every sip has me holding up the glass up to light mouthing "wow".
This style is a rarity: truly racy acidity paired with full ripeness in a CS. That combination brings out a pure, bright, translucent red currant quality that has been wholesale lost to bigger, fatter Cabernets for many decades. Especially since around 2000 when fruit-forward Napa Cabs took over the hearts and minds of consumers worldwide.
If any Intel founders are reading this, please keep releasing vintages. This is a potential cult wine; an off-beat treasure.
August 8, 2022 - 12.7% ruby red core dark pink rim. Refreshing tartness. Tannins: silky and integrated. 20 Sec finish. On the nose lifted complex fruit scents; in the mouth, tastes and retronasal scents of strawberry, cranberry, blueberry, black cherry, dried rose petals; plums and dark chocolate on the finish. Hint of sweetness on entry. This is really good.
April 24, 2021 - Just digging around didn't know I had this, random pull.
What a surprise. Quite nice, classic, 12.7AbV, not overblown, CA CS with years, imo, to go. Improved over days in the fridge. Will be sorry when the others are gone. DB '25+ for now
April 12, 2020 - Fantastic aged Santa Cruz Mt Cabernet. Perfectly balanced, cedar box, black currant, dirt, mushrooms. Only 2 left and probably has only a few years left.
October 22, 2018 - 2nd bottle. Still going strong, the acidity here is so zippy - gives it characteristics of age and youth. Lighter for a California cab with delicious bright red fruit and uplifting finish. Fair length and complexity as well. Less lactic qualities than last time.
August 31, 2018 - Sadly my last one. Seductive and lovely.
August 5, 2018 - Fantastic.
July 14, 2017 - Despite a leaky cork this was in great shape. Classic middle aged Cab - leaves, cassis, red fruit, medium body, long finish.
May 28, 2017 - It was a little more acidic upon opening, but it mellowed out after a bit.
February 13, 2017 - This is delicious. Swiftly opens up in a decanter and then starts evolving wonderfully. Tobacco, aged hard cheese, forest floor, baking spices, red and black fruit. Drinking very well right now and has years left. Excellent balance and lift. The nose and palate are plentiful, length is good, and it even holds some depth. Glad to gave a few more bottles.
I believe about 1000 bottles are produced per year in Portola Valley, CA. If you can get your hands on some for under $30 USD, it's well worth it.
Very good.