November 12, 2023 - Deep red color, darker than you would expect a pinot noir to be. Decanted for an hour before pouring. Essence of dried figs, cherries, raspberries and toast. Deep ripe rich cherries, golden raisins, blackberries and toast wash over the palate. Nice long finish. Wonderful wine from the Kaplan’s.
August 23, 2023 - Stunning wine…incredibly plush
September 22, 2022 - strawberry cherry and almond. good pinot
June 4, 2022 - Pinot's Lover's Cab Period. It needs time I would say 2024 minimum for the bold complexity of dense dark flavors to settle in elegance and structure complimenting the subtle fruit nuances to show in years down the line.
January 4, 2022 - Coravined (30 min in glass before drinking). Deep hazy purple color. Concorde grape jelly (think Welch’s), raspberry, and caramel corn on the nose. Smooth, dry palate. Firm, full tannins on the longish finish.
This is effectively a baby Cabernet, which is a bit of a turn off. It’s certainly an easy drinker, but I’d prefer just having a true CS.
November 26, 2021 - Dare I say it - Sam Kaplan has captured the essence of Bob Cabrel in his early days at W-S, or what Michael Browne did at KB before it went high volume. Quintessential Sonoma Coast, with layers upon layers of black cherry, mushroom, asian spice and caramel flavors that become stronger, sweeter and more sensual as the first glass gives way to the second. Cool and spicy on the palate, with a silky, caramel and spice finish. Bottle was (unfortunately) consumed quickly as it was just that good, but expect that this wine has more to tell. Best in class.
November 25, 2021 - First experience with a Maxem wine. Heard a ton about this from CT and Wine Beserkers and it lives up to the accolades.
Tight on opening this benefits from 30-60 minutes of air along with a slight chill. Best in the New World Pinot Glass.
As others mentioned this is a Pinot with heft and, being a Cab lover, really appealed to me. The first sip was a bit startling but once I got used to it the wine really grew on me.
Just be advised that this is not a Pinot with tart rhubarb or raspberry notes. It has layers of dark muddled black cherries and is very concentrated. It is plush and oily (but not syrupy) with an enticing viscosity.
Drinking surprisingly great now given its' age and it will develop for years. So if you have more than one, and even if that's all you have, open one now as it is terrific. Just remember that Cab Lovers Pinot thing.
This qualifies for the technical designation, dee-lish!
October 19, 2021 - As an earlier taster noted, this is a cab lover's Pinot Noir. The nose is rich with red berry fruit, loam and raspberries. The mouthfeel is wonderful with long lasting layers of bing cherries, raspberries, fruit compote and mint. Wonderful wine that will keep improving over the next 3-5 years.
September 22, 2021 - Great bottle.
Needs a little to open up - 30 minutes
Dark cherry, long finish, amazing.
May 11, 2021 - Napa 2021 Trip; 5/10/2021-5/13/2021 (Napa Valley, CA): Um yeah this is GOOD. More full bodied than a typical California pinot, this is a textbook "cab drinker's pinot". Black cherry all over. The nose was killer, just tons of berries racing around in my head.