Really tasty spot right now; lots of lovely dark fruit, hints of earth and tobacco, some spice and a whiff of vanilla. The palate has lovely energy and good depth. Based on how good this is, my expectations for the estate Cab are high.
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A very enjoyable Cabernet. The nose has cassis, plum, blueberry, vanilla and spice from oak (although well integrated), bell pepper and herbs, and just a hint of earthiness. The palate is nicely balanced, with good acidity that keeps it fresh, plenty of richness and good depth. While this may be a "2nd" wine it is still quite good and I enjoy that it actually has some herb and pepper notes which are sometimes frowned upon.
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This is a nice wine, but currently showing a little too much oak. Seems to be in a touch of an awkward phase that I think will resolve with another few years.
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(A-) Started a bit distant and muted, but exploded after 4-5 hours of air. Big brambleberry, blackberry, and cherries. Mostly dark fruit. Lovely St. Helena characteristic floral component. Just a big wine with a touch of subtlety to make it memorable.
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I had tried the Spottswoode which was an excellent wine and decided to try their second label. Lots of red berries and cherries in a slightly sweet wine but well balanced. It needs a few more years but if well decanted it is a very drinkable wine now. This second label is a very good wine.
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Honeymoon Wine Tasting; 6/25/2012-7/3/2012 (California - Napa & Sonoma Counties): Tasted at Winery. 97% Cab Sauv and 3% Cab Franc. Light purple in color, with a moderately intense nose of strawberries, red berries, and oak. This wine tasted slightly sweet with oak and cherry flavors and gritty tannins. The finish was still smooth and of moderate length. Needs a couple years of cellaring, but I'm not sure much complexity will evolve. Overall a simple wine at this point in its development.
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Maybe I opened this too early, but after an hour in the decanter very sweet overly oaked and lacking the complexity I would expect at this price point. Will try again tomorrow and update if there is much change.
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11/15/2017 - jnewman77 Likes this wine:
Really tasty spot right now; lots of lovely dark fruit, hints of earth and tobacco, some spice and a whiff of vanilla. The palate has lovely energy and good depth. Based on how good this is, my expectations for the estate Cab are high.
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8/12/2016 - Wineson Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very enjoyable
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6/7/2016 - jnewman77 wrote:
A very enjoyable Cabernet. The nose has cassis, plum, blueberry, vanilla and spice from oak (although well integrated), bell pepper and herbs, and just a hint of earthiness. The palate is nicely balanced, with good acidity that keeps it fresh, plenty of richness and good depth. While this may be a "2nd" wine it is still quite good and I enjoy that it actually has some herb and pepper notes which are sometimes frowned upon.
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1/25/2015 - emf Likes this wine:
Wonderful!
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6/14/2014 - jnewman77 wrote:
This is a nice wine, but currently showing a little too much oak. Seems to be in a touch of an awkward phase that I think will resolve with another few years.
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3/25/2013 - bdgale Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent wine. Full bodied, chocolate and dark cherry flavors.
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3/6/2013 - pos1235 wrote: 91 Points
Great over the palate, smooth but rich
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2/26/2013 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 89 Points
big friendly wine tasted at the WFFT auction meeting. Liked the cherry and boysenberry, and the very fine tannis that gave it some length.
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11/12/2012 - prettydeceextrap wrote: 90 Points
(A-) Started a bit distant and muted, but exploded after 4-5 hours of air. Big brambleberry, blackberry, and cherries. Mostly dark fruit. Lovely St. Helena characteristic floral component. Just a big wine with a touch of subtlety to make it memorable.
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10/26/2012 - uncle al wrote: 90 Points
I had tried the Spottswoode which was an excellent wine and decided to try their second label. Lots of red berries and cherries in a slightly sweet wine but well balanced. It needs a few more years but if well decanted it is a very drinkable wine now. This second label is a very good wine.
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6/26/2012 - GoBlue2002 wrote: 89 Points
Honeymoon Wine Tasting; 6/25/2012-7/3/2012 (California - Napa & Sonoma Counties): Tasted at Winery. 97% Cab Sauv and 3% Cab Franc. Light purple in color, with a moderately intense nose of strawberries, red berries, and oak. This wine tasted slightly sweet with oak and cherry flavors and gritty tannins. The finish was still smooth and of moderate length. Needs a couple years of cellaring, but I'm not sure much complexity will evolve. Overall a simple wine at this point in its development.
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4/18/2012 - AlexHop wrote: 90 Points
Nose is quite smoky- almost dusty. Cassis, toast and a touch of leather. Pretty tannic. Tasted at the winery.
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11/4/2011 - winopops3 wrote: 87 Points
Maybe I opened this too early, but after an hour in the decanter very sweet overly oaked and lacking the complexity I would expect at this price point. Will try again tomorrow and update if there is much change.
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