July 7, 2023 - Needs more time in the bottle, still pretty rough. 91 points for now, will be more when it’s more well rounded out.
May 24, 2023 - Relic wines are not for the timid. I enjoy the style, frequently pairing the Petite Sirah with curry dishes.
For this cab, there's muscle and brute force in this bottle. It smells great with blackberries and a hint of chocolate. Dark fruits and spice (think Syrah) blend on the palate perfectly. The tannins are surprisingly smooth in a wine that likes to start by slapping you to make you pay attention.
It borders on being syrupy; for my wife and me it doesn't go over, but I can understand if it does for some. We thoroughly enjoyed this and I admire what Hirby does with the various wines at Relic.
September 13, 2022 - This was a joyful expression of fruit and sun, absolutely no heat and incredibly silky tannins. While delicious and happiness-inducing now, it has a long life ahead of it!
For more please watch below at YT channel Pandewine
https://youtu.be/tncb5V7LVDw
April 5, 2022 - Two hour decant. Deep dark magenta color. Black Forest cake, strawberry jelly, cinnamon, bay leaf, and subtle burnt ends on the nose. Dry, satiny, full bodied palate, with tongue drying acidity. Firm, full, lower intensity tannins on the longish finish.
This is a deep, dark, muscular Cab, which I think is terrific. Might be a touch too savory for some (like my wife). You may think there’s a bit of Syrah blended in there.
April 1, 2022 - Decanted then poured a glass. Explosive nose of smoky black currant, vanilla oak, dark cherry, and toasted almonds. Incredible texture. Creamy yet structured, with a velvety, plush body and this chocolate covered cherry into a rich and grippy finish. Excellent wine. Mike Hirby is amazing.
February 15, 2022 - One hour double decant. Deep dark magenta color. Fudgesicle, mango, blackberry, date, Asian jasmine, and rose petal on the deep, dark, complex nose. Smooth, very dry, full bodied palate. Firm, full tannins on the longish finish.
January 30, 2022 - Three hour decant. Deep dark magenta color. Dark raspberry jam, graham cracker pie crust, cola, apricot, and wildflowers on the nose. Smooth, tongue drying palate, with fine acidity. Firm, full tannins on the longish finish.
December 15, 2021 - Three hour decant. Very deep dark ruby color. Pecan pie, flint, blackberry, along with subtle mulberry and spent coffee grounds, on the rich, somewhat brooding nose. Dry, satiny, full bodied palate, with a nice fennel note that sneaks in and meshes well with the notes above. Firm, full tannins on the longish finish.
The only reason this doesn’t have an even bigger score is that it’s almost too much. It fatigues you with its brooding richness. The palate is especially impressive. Relic is one of my new favorite wineries.
November 15, 2021 - Drank this bottle over two days. Day one, decanted for two hours and drank over another hour. Improved a little with time but never fully came around - it came across somewhat closed/not overly expressive. Improvement on day two. Dark ruby fruit - dark cherry, currants, blackberry, and plum. Smooth mid-palate with solid depth/concentration. Nice rich flavors of dark berries, some spice, and a little cocoa. Decent finish but not overly long nor deep. In my opinion, more or less in line with the 94+ rating from WA on day two. 100% cab.
October 21, 2021 - Wow, what a blockbuster. Deep garnet color. Nose starts with a black cherry that jumps from the glass, followed by blackcurrant and earth. A touch of menthol. Supreme velvety texture. Very plush and creamy, but structured. Bittersweet cocoa finish that lingers.