February 14, 2022 - Seemed closed and a bit clumsy even with decanting and 30 minutes in glass. Napa nose, earth cassis and other red fruit. short to medium finish but lacking sweet ripe fruit. Enjoyble but seemed less than I expected although it has been a few years since I last drank this wine.
July 26, 2019 - Dark garnet in color. Somewhat closed nose upon opening that softened with time. Cassis and red/purple fruit, dried cherries, but not earth or "Napa nose" that I might have expected. Well-integrated and smooth tannins. Very pleasant but did not seem to develop more in the glass.
March 12, 2017 - Nose: Black currant, wet leather, mint
On the palate:dried cherries and chocolate, tobacco, mint, pencil lead, green pepper, boysenberry, cedar, dusty tanins, long finish
July 5, 2013 - The wine is a deep maroon color. The very appealing nose has cassis, licorice, warm baking spices, eucalyptus, dried herbs, cedar, tobacco, and a touch of smoke. This has a fairly full body, moderate to solid tannins, and very nice acidity. On the palate this has a solid wall of fruit and spice up front with dried herbs, toasty oak, and some eucalyptus coming in on the back end. The finish is fairly long and has a very nice blend of fruit and savory elements. This has superb balance with no out of place or dominant element. This is still on the young side and will show well for at least the next several years.
September 18, 2011 - Big Napa Cab drinking very well now.
August 14, 2011 - big boy and ready to go. can still get better if you have patience but a real joy now
July 4, 2011 - Decanted about 2 hours. Deep, dark maroon color. Cassis, licorice, baking spices, dried herbs, smoke, and a bit of eucalyptis on the nose. Full bodied with solid, ripe tannins and very nice acidity. Big, ripe, and bold on the palate with spicy berries leading the charge. Fairly long finish with just a bit of oak coming through. Now this is a nice Napa Cab at a very reasonable price. No hurry on the rest I have in the cellar.
October 17, 2010 - Needs decanting and at least one hour if not more to open. Lots of herbal notes, oak, and straight forward full bodied fruit. Tannins are strong but sweet. The wine is very well integrated.
July 26, 2010 - Had this after it was opened and sitting on th counter for 18 hours. This wine is well integrated. The tannins have mellowed though the fruit is still quite fresh tasting. Cigar and graphite come through as well. The finish is fairly long. Might still benefit from another year or two, but really nice after a long "decant".
July 9, 2010 - very good, but a bit tight. needs time in bottle or decanter. patience will be rewarded here.