March 16, 2024 - Gift to Karin & Thomas.
August 2, 2023 - Decanted for an hour and drank half bottle over an evening and second half on day 2.
Stylistically this is a big extracted wine with a boat load of alcohol (~15.5%). There is quite a bit of new oak, around 70%, which at this stage needs more time to integrate. The oak mellowed on day 2 and gave a better indication of what some additional bottle age might do. The wine was also a bit harsh on day 1 and the alcohol was present, which improved on day 2.
Ill hold these for a few years and let things integrate more.
March 10, 2023 - 30 minute decant yields classically sweet, dark Lewelling fruit and hot chocolate on the nose. While the wine still shows some rough edges on the palate it shows all the right stuff; fine, young tanins are hiding dark fruit and charcoal in a medium weighted package.
Thanks to Franken Berry for the decant advice which made a difference. Drinking solo, I'll hope to update as the night progresses but this has plenty of upside. This is a solid 92+ now with several points upside over its long runway.
January 26, 2023 - One of the best undervalued wines in Napa Valley.
December 16, 2022 - This opened up nicely with a short decant. My palate was overwhelmed by intense cassis which lingered on the palate. This 100% Cabernet made me realize that I prefer my Napa cabs softened with a touch of blenders like cab franc or merlot. A dark dense wine with great purity of black and blue fruits. It reminded me of a Lewis Mason cab.
My secret shame is that I added a splash of petit Verdot to the last glass to add a bit of tannins and acidity.
April 21, 2022 - Opened another bottle of the 18 today, great as always.
February 22, 2022 - Ready to go now, always consistent.
February 2, 2022 - Sweet dark fruit, softer in mouthfeel and ready to go immediately.
November 19, 2021 - Opened another for company
November 18, 2021 - Had to have another bottle, consistent notes. Great stuff right now.