September 11, 2023 - At eighteen years, this is likely at the apex of its drinking window, not likely to improve with further age, but should drink well for several more years to come. The fill level, label, foil, and most importantly, the cork, were pristine.
Dark garnet colored, complex and concentrated blackberry fruits with notes of cassis, licorice, vanilla, bitter chocolate and cedar, turning to full dusty tannins on the long bold finish.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2023/09/ladera-howell-mtn-cabernet-with-beef.html
March 26, 2022 - Rich dark cherry and licorice, still vibrant. Probably could go another 2 years
October 13, 2021 - As my first Ladera wine, this well-preserved bottle exceeded my expectations. Nose was slightly muted but pleasant. Lots of both red and black fruit remaining and significant tannins hanging out in the glass, with plenty of structure. This tasted more like a 2012, and I think this could’ve gone another few years at a minimum. However, I should’ve heeded the prior CT note and decanted for much longer than I did (<30 min).
March 20, 2021 - Improved over a few days in the decanter.
November 28, 2019 - Tony & Joan picked this over the 2008. Other 5 picked 2008.
January 7, 2019 - Still drinking very well here in 2019. Wish I had purchased a lot more than 6 bottles when I got it for a really good price back in early 2012.
October 1, 2017 - Looking at CT notes, I find myself the contrarian on this wine. It has darkness with ayouthful tinge. Nose shows macerated blackberries, pure black cherries and some soft cardamom. Palate shows a wonderfully resolved cornucopia of black fruits, all pure and finesse-fully flamboyant.
A wonderfully structured Cab with doses of cassis, Asian & baking spice and cocoa. Balance seems pretty spot-on and finish stays true, long and precise, this is an interesting and delightful wine that seems to get no love; from a greatly regarded vintage and hallowed ground, I find myself really loving my choice for this beautiful Fall day.
September 24, 2017 - 88, sediment, little if any fruit, some tannins, may have even been corked.
May 15, 2017 - I'm thinking we should have consumed this bottle a couple of years ago. It was quite good but not excellent. Lots of sediment. I filtered, aerated and decanted for about 90 minutes - it needed it.
October 2, 2016 - I'm not sure about some of the hype. It was good, smooth, etc. But not close to amazing. I was thinking 88-89 and decided to go with 89. Certainly not higher. Nice fruit. Medium to medium+ finish.