February 20, 2016 - Inviting nose with cherry and cassis over oak. The wine was tight and I decanted it for 20 minutes which opened it up nicely. Smooth fruit on the palate with some heat on the finish. I have a few left an report further when consumed.
August 2, 2014 - Still drinking quite well. Paired with some grass fed ribeye on the grill. Wonderful.
March 2, 2013 - Decanted 2-2.5 hours. Paired with filet mignon with mushrooms and a red wine/balsamic sauce. Opened up nicely. Smooth with integrated tannins. Some nice dark fruit notes that are more in the background. This has aged nicely.
August 21, 2011 - This wine has really smoothed out nicely. Much improved from the first bottle that I drank a year and a half ago. Or maybe just inconsistent bottles? That one was much astringent, whereas this had beautiful fruit. Classic Napa cab profile with rich dark fruit, with a little green pepper thrown in.
July 30, 2011 - You want Napa Cab? You got Napa Cab! A classic profile in all respects and drinking beautifully now. This has developed nicely since my original tasting two years earlier. Enjoy this now and raise your glass to Ms. Zahtila!
April 18, 2011 - Decanted for an hour. Nose was not that aromatic, mainly got oak. Palate was full-bodied and somewhat tannic, but improved with the second glass. Finish came back to oak/cedar. Not one of my favorites especially for $33. 5,12,14,5=86
February 7, 2011 - Much better than last bottle! Lots of cherry, a bit of tannin. Quite pleasant pizza wine, still poor qpr.
July 13, 2010 - Deep ruby color leads to a nose of cassis and black cherry. Medium body has nice dark fruit wrapped in a wierd cherry NyQuil vibe. Tannins are smooth lasting 20 seconds. Some alcohol lingers on back of tongue. A very acceptible weekday wine that kind of bores the palate. Nothing wrong with wine and its well made just uninspired. 2003 was a superior vintage from this producer.
February 6, 2010 - Meh. Not awful, but not impressive either, and poor qpr. Disjointed. Blackberry upfront, medium mouthfeel and very hot, then a little dust and wood, then nothing. I don't see time helping this one. Actually reminds me more of new world syrah than cab Sauv. I think because of the lack of tannins.
December 9, 2009 - Was just as unimpressed with this bottle, as a previous one I've had. This is my second of three. Not amazing at all and cost is too high for what it is when poured. The nose is hot and bland at the same time. The taste is is the same thing. Leaving some overnight to taste the next day didn't help it. Really wanted this one to be better after letting it lie 15 months.