January 5, 2020 - Killed this one off a couple weeks ago; opened 12/15. No notes, but no regrets pulling the cork. Three more to go; I'll not rush. Cathy makes them to age well, no exception here.
March 9, 2014 - Right from PnP this was great. Truffle, cassis, earth, intensity, plum, etc. Perfectly balanced and delicious.
Continued to get better over the next couple horus in the dencanter. Just a delicious and balanced wine. In a great window right now, imo.
June 25, 2012 - At Bar Boulud this evening, just a great bottle of old school, well aged, restrained and elegant Cali Cab. Still ruby in color, lovely medium intense nose of blackberry and blueberry with some pine/eucalyptus notes, terrifically harmonious mouthfeel with well integrated tannins, a wonderfully balanced ABV at 12.8%, plush black fruits, and a generous finish. This is drinking perfectly now, its a lesson in restraint and shows how well this traditional style of Cali cab can age.
January 21, 2012 - Drinking beautifully now, gorgeous nose; find a reason to open one asap!
September 20, 2011 - The anise has taken over, this almost tastes port-like. Not enjoyable, will try again in a few hours.
October 17, 2010 - This was delightful. Whereas the 2000 we had was almost as young as the 2004, this 1992 was obviously quite aged and evolved, but not yet over the hill There were no hard edges left at all, and the wine had become light, fragrant and delicious. Although I have had many aged wines that tasted older than this, I did not enjoy them as much as this. I.e. to me this is at the peak point of aging and I would not wait any longer to drink this. It was not yet orange, but a light purplish red, and the taste had a hint of beginning to "turn" but not offensively so, and it dissipated in a few minutes. Of the two bottles the first had a cork that broke upon opening but we pushed it in and then strained the wine into a decanter and it was fine. The one that came out clean tasted a little better, but not a big difference. Purchased from UVA, in Brooklyn, NY. Thanks to cellar tracker members for notes on this wine, causing us to choose it over the 1997.
September 20, 2010 - Deep ruby color. Somewhat funky, earthy nose with elements of fruit, smoke, dry leaves and black fruit, with a touch of floral. Medium bodied on the palate with some fine tannin on the finish.
August 27, 2010 - Fight Night Wines VI; 8/27/2010-8/28/2010 (my place): nose: well balanced and classic nose of dill, mint, dark red cherries, cassis, vanilla, herb tones, and some bits of american oak
taste: full bodied with tones of dark red cherries, cassis, vanilla, bits of herbs, dill, anise, red currants. Very well balanced with good tannins still showing themselves, but good layering as well
overall: All California Cabernet should strive to be like this. Beautifully balanced with nice and warm fruit that really screams from the get go.
April 8, 2010 - Excellent Calif Cab. Even at 18 years still tasted fresh and fruit forward. A great example of the Cali style.
February 4, 2010 - surprising wine of the night for me as I wasn't sure what to expect. very nice cab, direct flavors.