February 15, 2024 - 2016 Kongsgaard The Judge Chardonnay - My first time tasting this elixir. The nose was somewhat reticent with a hint of lemon. On the palate, there are layers of rich, honeyed fruits, mouth-watering acidity with nice minerality. It’s a mouthful of wine, early in its evolution that I would love to try in 5 years or longer. There’s no rush. 98 pts with upside.
2007 Futo - Double decanted 2 1/2 hours prior to dinner. Ripe, full-bodied and opulent. Beautiful from the word go featuring blueberries and blackberries. Large CF component. Very smooth and great purity of fruit. Right in its prime for me. 98 pts
2007 Abreu Madrona Ranch - The most complex of the three reds we devoured. Wasn’t sure it was going to come around when I first opened it but 90 minutes after double decanting it certainly did. A nice amount of CF I’m sure. It’s black-fruited with a streak of red berries and a hint of spice. Tannins are ripe but firm. It’s great and will stay there for years to come. 98 pts (Do you sense a theme?)
2007 Outpost True Vineyard - Tight at first. I would recommend a 60 minute decant if consuming now. Surely will have the longest life of the three reds. Deep blue and black fruited with nice minerality. A powerful 100% Cabernet and, yes, 98 pts.
While qualitatively very similar, they took turns as WOTN which I found enhanced the experience. Futo out of the gate was on top, then Abreu and the last sips of the Outpost were it’s best. What was surprising to me was that only two of us are big fans of big, rich and ripe (modern) Cabernets. One was decidedly old world and one right in the middle. And yet, we all agreed on these beauties.
September 15, 2023 - Not quite as good as my last bottle several months ago but still excellent cab. This bottle seemed to be more acidic. Drink or hold
November 18, 2022 - Really a great wine. I had it over 2-3 hrs. It is still pretty big with plenty of life left. I think the last one will be some special occasion over the next 3-5 years and it should be close to its sweet spot. Loved it.
June 27, 2021 - I had the opportunity of drinking this wine twice in the last 3 days. The first bottle was Friday night with my friend Joel, he opened the night before and double decant it for 2 hours in the morning. This version was very settle, soft tannin and excellent finish. The last bottle I brought it to my friend Chris’ open house patty. I opened the night before and placed it in the fridge, then decanted for about 40 min prior leaving to his house and consumed 2-3 hours later. This version had a higher acidity and pronounce tannin. The tasting profile was pretty much the same, a blend between minerals, berries and mocha with brown sugar, vanilla and a magnificent finish.
June 25, 2021 - Double decanted for 2 hours, deep ruby, black cherry with some vanilla & cinnamon, med/firm tannins, long finish; outstanding & has just entered peak drinking, drink or hold (no rush)
March 13, 2021 - Opened for one hour and decanted for another, then placed back in the bottle and consumed during a 2 hours dinner:
Spectacular nose and palate, flowers. intriguing minerality, bright acidity, berries and mocha with brown sugar in the background. Heavenly finish...
December 1, 2020 - Stunning wine.
October 26, 2020 - Opened about two hours before drinking with rib roast dinner. Delicious integrated mature Cab. Concentrated fruit, nice balance, long finish. I would say it is in prime drinking window. Drink or hold.
September 27, 2020 - agree with Nutty08 below
July 25, 2020 - Dusty slightly drying tannins are a bit detracting. Blackberry and raspberry flavors. Good acidity to give it balance and freshness.