I met Michael in 1996. I have always been a fan of his abilities to make wine. He is also one of the best human beings I have had the pleasure to know. Back in the day, I bought a lot of his Karl Lawrence. I mean a LOT!! I had a standing order for 5 cases of 750's, a case of 1.5L, a 3L and a 6L of his blend, and a case each of his vineyard reserves. Happy to report that they have stood the test of time and are still drinking great. This bottle was a gift from him and was my only bottle. It was an off vintage for Napa and my expectations were mixed. Boy, was I blown away. PNP. Was tight for the first 30 minutes, then it blossomed into a full bodied, impecably balanced, absolutely delicious wine. Shows what a skilled winemaker can do with less than optimal fruit. Not surprised !!!
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My last bottle. Obviously nobody told them 2011 was a weak year. Very aromatic. Beautiful nose of black fruit, earth, leather, cassis, anise and spice. Similar flavors. Medium body, great balance. Medium silky smooth finish. In a really good place now. May improve, but should still hold for another few years. May have been the best of the 6 bottles.
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Bought 6 a few years back. The first few were too young and I regret drinking them too early. Had one last night and it’s drinking beautifully. Well balanced with lots of dark fruit, oak, & leather notes. Classic big Napa cab. Looking forward to the next bottle.
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Gave a 1 hour decant and it needed it. Initially very tight, but opened quickly with the decanting. Very dark with black fruit, tobacco, anise, leather and a hint of herbs. Very aromatic. layers of flavor that mirror the nose. Medium body with a long finish where the soft tannins show up. Drinking really well now, but with room to improve over the next few years.
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I've had 5 bottles so far. The 2011 is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley (Rutherford, St. Helena, and Howell Mt.). The rest is Merlot and Petite Verdot. Decanted and tasted immediately -- then let open up for an hour before serving. The Trujillo opens up a bit softer than it's predecessor, Karl Lawrence, probably because it's not 100% cab.
The color is a beautiful, dark purple. The nose has hints of tobacco and leather -- but is mostly berries and earth. The mouth feel is silky and very well-balanced, and there are hints of chocolate and dark berries along with a wonderfully long finish.
I expect I'll be enjoying this release for the next decade or so....
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3/31/2024 - Dr.Scott wrote: 95 Points
I met Michael in 1996. I have always been a fan of his abilities to make wine. He is also one of the best human beings I have had the pleasure to know. Back in the day, I bought a lot of his Karl Lawrence. I mean a LOT!! I had a standing order for 5 cases of 750's, a case of 1.5L, a 3L and a 6L of his blend, and a case each of his vineyard reserves. Happy to report that they have stood the test of time and are still drinking great. This bottle was a gift from him and was my only bottle. It was an off vintage for Napa and my expectations were mixed. Boy, was I blown away. PNP. Was tight for the first 30 minutes, then it blossomed into a full bodied, impecably balanced, absolutely delicious wine. Shows what a skilled winemaker can do with less than optimal fruit. Not surprised !!!
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11/5/2021 - jpkelleher1 wrote: 91 Points
Last one and worth the wait
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8/2/2020 - dinwiddie wrote: 92 Points
Great nose. Soft tannins. Notes of leather, cassis and herbs. Medium long finish.
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3/8/2019 - gharter Likes this wine: 91 Points
My last bottle. Obviously nobody told them 2011 was a weak year. Very aromatic. Beautiful nose of black fruit, earth, leather, cassis, anise and spice. Similar flavors. Medium body, great balance. Medium silky smooth finish. In a really good place now. May improve, but should still hold for another few years. May have been the best of the 6 bottles.
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2/22/2019 - Christieluvwine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Bought 6 a few years back. The first few were too young and I regret drinking them too early. Had one last night and it’s drinking beautifully. Well balanced with lots of dark fruit, oak, & leather notes. Classic big Napa cab. Looking forward to the next bottle.
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11/5/2016 - winepaw Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classic Napa cabernet, with dark fruit flavors and structure. Still quite young. Should continue to improve for a number of years in the cellar.
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10/5/2016 - gharter Likes this wine: 92 Points
Gave a 1 hour decant and it needed it. Initially very tight, but opened quickly with the decanting. Very dark with black fruit, tobacco, anise, leather and a hint of herbs. Very aromatic. layers of flavor that mirror the nose. Medium body with a long finish where the soft tannins show up. Drinking really well now, but with room to improve over the next few years.
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1/8/2015 - craigi Likes this wine: 94 Points
I've had 5 bottles so far. The 2011 is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley (Rutherford, St. Helena, and Howell Mt.). The rest is Merlot and Petite Verdot. Decanted and tasted immediately -- then let open up for an hour before serving. The Trujillo opens up a bit softer than it's predecessor, Karl Lawrence, probably because it's not 100% cab.
The color is a beautiful, dark purple. The nose has hints of tobacco and leather -- but is mostly berries and earth. The mouth feel is silky and very well-balanced, and there are hints of chocolate and dark berries along with a wonderfully long finish.
I expect I'll be enjoying this release for the next decade or so....
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