2017 Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
Community Tasting Note
Cristal2000 Likes this wine:
Saturday, February 27, 2021 - This is a world beating 2017. It is right there with the 17 MacDonald as the best wine I've had from the vintage. First Kinsman, and it's just an utterly unique wine. There is a personalized stamp on it. The nose is off the hook amazing, with huge floral notes complimented by flirty dark fruit and lots of amazing deep earthy elements. Impossible to fully describe. I've had plenty of 17's where the aromas were great and the palate fell flat, but thankfully this was not one of them. It is magically seamless and rich at the same time, with sweet fully integrated tannins, a ridiculous interplay of earth, fruit and mineral driven flavors that allows it to dance around and truly envelope you in the experience. There is so much dang flavor involved with this wine. Unbelievable given the challenges of 2017. The key word here is personality, because this wine has it in spades. She ain't just gorgeous, but fun, captivating and makes you feel better about yourself. Enjoy it if you can get it.
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Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
2/27/2021 10:46:00 PM - Yep you are the prettiest at the dance! Damn each night you open all of my advent calendar wines when I only get to open one. I have these bad boys tucked away in the cellar thinking they needed time to evolve just based on ‘17 behavior to date. The ‘16s (one of each) I had earlier this year was absolutely killer (I am sure you can imagine how good ‘16s are coming off the ‘17 you just had).
I had one of the few ‘17s I really enjoyed tonight as well. Really well made and delivered again with consistent quality. Good to see you enjoyed the ‘17 since I trust your palate with mine.
I am headed up to Napa in a month and will see if I can get my hands on some Kinsman ‘18s.
Comment posted by msuwine:
2/27/2021 11:05:00 PM - Great note, Cristal! There's no question in my mind that Nigel and Shae are building something really special. I've actually started seeking out Kinsman's other projects (e.g., Accendo, pre-Pinault Eisele), since he combines Napa fruit and Old World sensibility in a compelling way.
Similar to Lite, I had stored my 2017s away thinking they needed time, but I am now reconsidering. So, two (kind of obvious) questions: (a) any magical decanting regimen? (b) do you think opening a bottle right now is a good idea? The latter question is kind of loaded, since I have three bottles and will probably open one anyway, but I'm curious as to your thoughts on the wine's trajectory. Thanks again!
Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
2/27/2021 11:14:00 PM - MSU- I am curious as well to the answers to your questions. The Accendo 2016 was killer when I had it. I am trying to taste one of their other unique projects Impensata - that’s the one I am super curious about and of course there is no information anywhere. Cristal probably already had the entire lineup by now...
Comment posted by msuwine:
2/27/2021 11:25:00 PM - Hey Lite - Completely agree on the 2016 Accendo. I will be crazy curious / jealous if you get to taste Impensata! Wine geek that I am, I was thrilled when I read that Nigel would make a Merlot from the old Thorevilos vineyard (now Ecotone) as part of this label. That vineyard is something else, whatever its name.
The other new project that I’ve been curious about is Bella Oaks, an old vineyard tied to Heitz where Nigel is involved in the winemaking (and Abreu doing viticulture). I think they don’t release until fall, but it’s good to know that there’s always new and exciting ways to spend money...
Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
2/28/2021 7:37:00 AM - MSU- I dropped a few wineries this year with expectations that these two new ones (Bella and Impensata) plus a couple adds I don’t even know about are coming our way... plus I am starting to buy more of the same wines than my typical quantity. Such madness- I Love It!!!
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:
2/28/2021 7:58:00 AM - Love these notes Cristal. I could geek out all day on this thread. I'm proud to say on a trip back in 2018 I was able to discover this project before a Kinsman label was ever placed on a bottle. Interestingly enough, I've been told we were the first official tasting of Kinsman at Wheeler Farms. Client #1 & 2 to place an order. I've been hooked ever since that day. Couldn't be happier for Nige & Shae.
Comment posted by Cristal2000:
2/28/2021 8:38:00 AM - Well, well, seems there's a lot of interest in these wines! I actually knew nothing about Kinsman until Patrice from VV mentioned them when I asked what some of his favorite Napa Cabs were right now (other than VV) early last year. I naturally then noticed the ridiculous auction pricing on the 16's and figured I was a bit late to the party. But hey, I can be the fashionably late one once in a while!
I must also say I was hesitant to have my first vintage of theirs be 17. And when I was going to buy and saw LPB put an 89? on the 17 Rhadamanthus, I just couldn't buy it because that is her indication of smoke taint. So I just went with the Anjea and glad I did!
So on to MSU's questions: 1) I opened the bottle, decanted and put back in the bottle about 5 hours before I had it at dinner. Took a sip at that point and it was already good. I kind of expected the wine to be really tannic based on what I had heard, but it wasn't. 2) Hell yes open a bottle now! You won't regret it. Most 17's I've had have been so forgettable but this was just outrageous. The aromas were spectacular and it was such an energetic and fun wine. I doubt it'll be quite as good as the 2016, but it's showing fantastic. I tend to think drinking 17 earlier rather than later is a good idea anyway.
Great commentary on the rest of their projects. I signed up for Bella Oaks earlier this year and look forward to their first release. Just amazing terrior for a new project. I had gone back and forth over Accendo, but this experience will probably lead me there when I head up to Napa towards the end of April. And now Impensata...well...guess I am slipping. Going to have to get that lineup on here just to make LIOF jealous.:)
Cheers!
Comment posted by Cristal2000:
2/28/2021 8:41:00 AM - Oh and MJP, good on you being one of their first clients! Of the seemingly hundreds of new projects popping up in Napa, it's not easy to find the diamond in the rough!
Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
2/28/2021 9:10:00 AM - MJP- you may have just taken the crown from Cristal. He will be so jealous!
Cristal- I think Impensata is the most intriguing one by far. If you get that lineup before me I will totally block you from Instagram, Facebook, Tic Toc and snap chat. I totally super duper mean it. In all seriousness change your trip to first week in April and join us.
Comment posted by Cristal2000:
2/28/2021 9:20:00 AM - You're right LIOF - I am now blocking MJP from all social media and I will hit the "unhelpful" button on all his tasting notes!
I'd love to change my trip, but we've got these three kids that make scheduling nearly impossible! Nevertheless, I will try to fly up there for a day, taste Impensata and post notes before you go just to get your reaction. It'll be fun. :)
Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
2/28/2021 9:45:00 AM - LIOF has left the conversation
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:
2/28/2021 1:22:00 PM - If this is my claim to fame on CT I'll take it!
In all seriousness the Kinsman's are amazing humans and their story is one that should be heard. They're husband and wife entrepreneurs and it's one I personally can relate to. Both are dedicate and amazingly important to the success of this project. Plus, with all that said they still make time to be dedicated parents of three young children with the nearest relatives in Australia. Not sure how they do it.
Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
2/28/2021 4:35:00 PM - MJP- did you taste the 2017 Rhad? Cristal’s note (not how he is going to winesplain me yet again on his super cool experiences, first to taste and how he has amazing hair) rather re: LPB saying there is something wrong (smoke taint) is concerning. Will be curious on their perspective to her rating and underlying rationale. First I heard of it -of course has to be from Cristal!!!
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:
2/28/2021 4:54:00 PM - LPB notes on 2017
The 2017 Rhadamanthus is a single-vineyard wine coming from the old Revery vineyard on Diamond Mountain. It is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, all co-fermented. Deep garnet-purple, it offers up notions of baked plums, warm black cherries, crème de cassis and forest floor with hints of charcoal, wild mushrooms and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, firm and chewy, it has just a bit of chargrill character on the long, savory finish. 89+
This is a single-vineyard wine from Sleeping Lady vineyard, made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (all clone 22). Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Anjea comes charging out of the glass with expressive blackberry pie, warm cassis and wild blueberry notes plus subtle suggestions of grilled meats, yeast extract, truffles and fragrant earth with a waft of cedar chest. Medium-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid foundation of firm, chewy tannins and lovely freshness supporting the muscular, earth-laced fruits, finishing long. 94
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:
2/28/2021 4:56:00 PM - AG Notes on both 2017 bottlings.
Cabernet Sauvignon Rhadamanthus Diamond Mountain District
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rhadamanthus Diamond Mountain District is a powerfully tannic, explosive wine that captures all the energy of this Diamond Mountain site. Graphite, savory herbs, menthol, licorice and black cherry sweep across the palate. Dense and tightly coiled, the 2017 appears to have a bright future once it settles down a bit.
94+ Antonio Galloni 2024 - 2037
2017 Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard is a rich, voluptuous wine, not to mention one of the sexiest 2017s I have tasted so far. Nigel and Shea Kinsman coax a slightly darker than usual expression of this Yountville site with their 2017, a wine that impresses with its voluptuous fruit, silky tannins and inviting personality. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, spice and new leather all build as this gregarious Cabernet shows off its personality. Best of all, the 2017 will be ready to drink with minimal cellaring. The bottled 2017 is just as impressive as it was from barrel.
-- Antonio Galloni 94
Comment posted by Cristal2000:
2/28/2021 5:01:00 PM - MJP - you see the ? after the 89? In her Napa commentary she basically said she uses that if she thinks there could be smoke taint.
Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
2/28/2021 5:01:00 PM - Hmm charcoal was the nice way she framed it apparently. Well there is one way I know to find out!
Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
2/28/2021 5:02:00 PM - MJP- did you taste the wine?
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:
2/28/2021 5:06:00 PM - Cristal-
I did not know what the question mark meant. I would be shocked if Shae and Nige would produce a wine with smoke taint.
Lite-
I have not tried either 17 but both are in my cellar. 3 packs and mags. One of the only Napa 17's I purchased outside of VHR.
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:
2/28/2021 5:21:00 PM - Wombats notes and I'm sure he'd know if there was taint.
11/25/2020 - WINEBURROWINGWOMBAT favorite LIKES THIS WINE:97 Points
Nose: [56°] Big aromas of ripe dark red fruits, tons of clean garden flowers, fresh forest floor - as you get closer you get a damp earthiness, underbrush, bark skin and almost like a bit of smoked meatiness or maybe it is leather. [60°-64°] You get a better sense of a thriving forest with time like shrubs, trees, green brambly shrubs, dark fruits and dark pencil lead.
Palate: [57°] Dark and cool blue fruits and dark red fruits, a good dose of deep intense earth with bitter minerals and graphite. [60°-64°] The fruits stay buoyant here, no floaties, while the earth and pencil lead grow deep and dark in flavor. A bit of dark chocolate is there in the background near the end of the mid palate onto the finish. The acidity here helps keep the flavors well taut.
Attributes: Clear dark medium ruby. Dry with medium to medium-plus amounts of chewy tannin. Medium body with medium acidity (difficult call, seems well integrated). Great finish of at least 18-20 seconds.
Thoughts: This was a treat.. whatever you heard about the 2017 vintage, doesn't seem to apply here. This has great a sense of energy. The nose was so inticing - brought me to the middle of an open plain with baskets of fruit, where I then eventually wandered off into a lush forest somewhere nearby. As for the flavors - if you know how cranberries are grown, imagine instead of cranberries, you have tons of floating red and blue fruits, and instead of clear lake, it's the aftermath of a flood with tons of earth and mulch. No good analogies but hoping my imagination can help a bit.
Other notes: Bordeaux glass. Slow-ox'ed in bottle for the duration of consumption over 5 hours, recommend decanting for at least 1 - 1.5 hours.
Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
2/28/2021 5:25:00 PM - MJP- same here. Bought 3 pack of each Kinsman and one Mag. Other 2017s I spent real money on was La Pelle. Had the 2017 reserve and it was excellent to the point it would beat out most similar priced wines from other vintages.
That’s right forgot about WBW’s tasting! He has a very good palate and he didn’t notice anything.
Comment posted by Cristal2000:
2/28/2021 5:26:00 PM - MJP - I’d certainly give them the benefit of the doubt. But for your first bottles ever from a producer, you certainly don’t want to see that little ? indicating even the potential of taint. Not to mention the 89+ for the price. But again, that’s with no other knowledge of the producer.
Smoke taint is a hard thing. It’s evidence can come and go. I’ll never forget Patrice giving me a taste of the 17 Houyi he had to throw out for taint, and it was really just the bitterness that stood out. Other times, it’s ash tray etc. 17 was a hard one.
At any rate, I get the desire to defend Kinsman and the good folks there. AG didn’t pick up taint, so who knows?!? I imagine it’s great.
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:
2/28/2021 7:52:00 PM - Cristal, I can’t blame you for not taking a flyer in a 89+? I’m just happy to read your notes on Anjea. Remind me, have you had the 16’s?
Comment posted by sean7711:
3/1/2021 6:23:00 AM - All,
Love the conversation and I can add my two cents. I had the 17 Rhadamanthus at Christmas and it was a solid 94, 95+ maybe with a few more years. I never scored it on CT (a cardinal sin, I know). The wine itself wasn't on pace with the 2016 which was one of my favorite wines ever tasted. However, definitely no smoke taint so wondering what LPB was tasting that day!
I haven't tried a 17 Anjea yet but will likely open one soon. I had the 16 twice (June 2019 w/ Shae and Christmas 2019) and it was so so massive. I am not touching my next one for at least 5-10 years.
Thank you all also for the tip on Impensata and Bella Oaks! I am hoping to visit Napa in May/June and the Kinsmans are top of the list right now to visit and taste the 18 lineup, so hopefully I can get some more dirt on those two labels as well. Cheers all
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:
3/1/2021 6:46:00 AM - Good morning Sean. Thanks for joining in on the thread.
I was able to get some insight into Reverie fruit which when young, can give off an ashy character. Especially when tasting the Cab Franc in unblended form. LPB was looking for smoke in general with the 17 vintage and just doing her job as we trust her to do. I'm glad this forum provides us an opportunity to share in our experiences to make informed decisions with our time & money.
Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
3/1/2021 7:14:00 AM - Sean- thank you for the feedback from your tasting. Seems to be a consistent thread. If this is really even close to ‘16, everyone will be a happy camper.
MJP- good info, not familiar with the vineyard. Of course Kinsman have the benefit of the doubt.
Comment posted by Cristal2000:
3/1/2021 7:55:00 AM - MJP - Sadly I haven't had the 16's. Hoping 18 is similarly well regarded. There's obviously a lot of enthusiasm on CT for Kinsman. Can't wait to get better acquainted with their wines!
Comment posted by MJP Hou TX:
3/1/2021 9:45:00 AM - I've had both 16's from barrel samples in Nov 18 & July 19. Based on the reviews it sounds like the bottle aging process has been kind to both so far. As much press as Rhad has gotten I think the long term prospects of Anjea are definitely in play.
Comment posted by LiteItOnFire:
3/1/2021 9:59:00 AM - I had both of the ‘16s in bottle with little expectations besides price (not so inexpensive at restaurants so there was a threshold I expected it to meet) - all four of us were blown away by the Rhad, top wine for me last year exceeding all expectations. The Anjea was very good but at the time of the tasting did not cause the whiplash it’s Diamond Mountain counterpart caused but was thoroughly enjoyed and well worth the release price.