April 19, 2024 - From my late father’s cellar, this had been carefully stored since release, and was still vibrant and full bodied. What hit me was a clear aroma/taste of bittersweet chocolate covered cherry. It was unmistakable. The oak added a touch of vanilla, but the chocolate and cherry was always front and center. Tannins were downright gentle, so no reason to think this is going to get better, but it was sure good tonight. Another instance where the Alexander Valley bottling overperforms.
February 10, 2024 - The last of the bottle stored overnight in the refrigerator.
Nose of black berry, plum, and mocha, nose good but not fabulous old-style tonight, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, mouth filling fruit, wine to sip and savor, brings back memories of Release Day Partys and Justin, long, flavorful finish and lovely aftertaste.
Tasting note suggests you should drink up and enjoy now.
February 9, 2024 - Super Bowl Party of One.
Nose of black berry, plum, and mocha, nose grew better and better over the first 30 minutes to fabulous old-style Cabernet Sauvignon Napa fruit, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, elegant, complex, mouth filling fruit, wine to sip and savor, brings back memories of Release Day Partys and Justin, long, long, long, flavorful finish and lovely aftertaste.
January 14, 2024 - With NY Strips…..
Beautiful herbal potpourri, darker berries but hints of red fruits, licorice and earthy, chocolate not too dark. Very savory and warm. Tannins resolved but still a tad in background. Good acidity for food. Alcohol peaks through as it warms up. Peaked and on it’s way down probably but Impressive!
December 31, 2023 - On New Years Eve with beef tenderloin, paired very nicely. Seems like its on last legs although still very good, fully mature cab.
June 27, 2023 - Deep garnet. Nose of stereotypical aged Cali cab, hints of licorice, black fruits. Taste similar, medium length. Not bad.
November 18, 2022 - Friday Group Brown Bag Tasting (J&J's): Double blind. Light meniscus- shows a bit of age. Abundant red berry fruit with herb and a nice bit of bretty funk. On the lighter side of full-bodied, with red fruit, spice and a hint of earth. Has some tannin under the fruit but all is in balance. Finishes with good length. I was thinking Bordeaux from the start, and guessed 1995 Sociando Mallet. A terrific showing from this bottle. (J&J)
November 18, 2022 - Double decanted two hours before service. This wine is phenomenal! Dark red in color with some browning. The tannins are there but under control. Lots of red fruit. Well stored wines have years of life left based on this bottle.
March 19, 2022 - Not over the hill or past its prime by a longshot. Nose jumped out upon uncorking this 27-year old cabernet. Velvet, fully resolved tannins, blackberry, noticeable oak, barely any sediment, cork in great condition, and no alcohol level noted on the label (it's that old). Purchased on release, stored in temperature controlled storage for twenty years, cork in impeccable shape, like new fill. Enjoyed with broiled lamb chops.
March 13, 2021 - Consistent with earlier tasting note - While still holding up, this is past its prime and starting to diminish from aging and should be consumed in the next year or so, longer only for the more adventurous.
Showing its age as the color had taken on a slight browning on the rim and the fruits were starting to give way to some funkiness and earthy notes.'
"Dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, has a garnet hue with some slight browning at the rim, the black fruits were giving way to aromas of cigar box, leather and herb flavors with hints of cherries and dark chocolate and anise."
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