The Velvet Label wine had a nice presentation, but the question remains: does it translate to a good drink?
The wine had earthy aromas that were accompanied by perfumed notes, blackberry, red currant, dried herbs, and pepper.
The flavours were similar, with hints of caramel, vanilla, and a subtle taste of iron on the finish. It had medium acidity and well-integrated tannins. Overall, it was not a bad wine and the price was reasonable for Napa. Surprisingly, it paired well with pastries.
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This deep ruby wine is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged for 19 months in French oak barriques (37% new). On the nose, it offers plentiful Bing cherry and red currant fruit that is accented with bittersweet chocolate, baking spices, hazelnuts and tobacco. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), proportionately oaked and with medium sweet tannins, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose and has good mid-palate density. Medium-to-long and smooth on the back end, this is an enjoyable Cab that should provide plenty of pleasure throughout the remainder of this decade. Serially sampled over a three-hour interval from a bottle that had been popped and poured, it was immediately expressive but ramped up to a nice plateau after the first hour of air. Drink now-2030.
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getting more black fruit than red fruit. Tannins are present but really soft in my opinion. They last through the finish. Tons of alcohol. Like oil in a car engine. Pretty long finish for the price. I recieved this as a gift two years ago or so. I dEf didn’t respect the wine. Thought it was a cheap Cali cabernet. It’s a ton better than I thought it would be. I dEf wouldn’t mind having a few more to try each year to see where it goes but unfortunately this is my only one. Guess I will enjoy.
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Liked this a lot. Nicely full and supple, good dark red fruit, blackberry notes, and other flavors per prior note--bit of earth and wood backdrop, fine tannin and balance. Fresh.
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Opened 30 minutes or so, probably should have decanted but did not, as fruit might have been a tad more expressive. Tannin was fine, and overall nicely balanced. Black cherry, black berry, bit of chocolate, cola, some oak, moderately rich with good length. 375 that cried out for more when empty, so that says something!
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Raspberry vanilla nose. Rich but soft mouth. Ends with sweet vanilla tannins. Seems like a throw back to low end Napa wines of the 1980 and '90s. Not my type of wine and seems unbalanced in the sweet and ripe dimensions for my preferences. But I understand there is a following for this style of wine and I think it delivers what it set out do do so can't really fault it on that.
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This big ripe Cabernet had just a pinch of elegance, but for me it was just too much. I have trouble with over the top ripe reds, especially on a warm Easter Day. It is a well made wine for its style but I was hoping for balance.
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Nose of black berry, black cherry, and allspice, same on the palate, big body, mouth filling fruit, very tasty, opened nicely the first hour, almost elegant, better in 2 years but can be enjoyed with a 2 hour decant, and a long finish, and rich aftertaste, photo uploaded.
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Deep ruby color. Aromas of blackcurrant, plums, licorice, dark chocolate, earth. Dry, medium bodied, medium acidity. Very easy drinking. Crowd pleaser.
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Really elegant, smooth Napa cab that is not over-oaked or too high in the alcohol department. All mixed dark fruits with some oak spice here. Got a bunch at $30 per btl, and at that price this is really hard to beat for a "drink me now" cab of some quality. Even Bordeaux can have a hard time competing at that price point. Not sure this will change or improve a lot in the cellar but no rush to drink them.
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By the glass. If enchanting results on the nose (Damascene cherries with cloves and a smoky touch), the palate is where it shows its full potential with a subtle balance between a vibrant acidity and practically integrated oak. Soft texture and a good length. Elegant and almost sweet. Really this wine is ready to be drunk now but can only improve with a few more years.
Por copas. Si encantadora resulta en nariz (cerezas damasquinas con clavo y un toque ahumado), al paladar es donde muestra todo su potencial con un sutil equilibrio entre una vibrante acidez y roble prácticamente integrado. Textura suave y de una buena longitud. Elegante y casi dulce. Realmente este vino está listo para ser bebido ahora pero sólo puede mejorar con unos pocos años más.
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Had this with grilled ribeye. Silky, smooth, ripe and sweet integration of tannins. Nice value at $30 USD, and I would buy it again. It all fits well together. My 1,500 tasting note/review, not sure why I picked this wine.
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A nose of rich dark fruits, dark garnet in color. A full bodied and smooth Napa Cab, with blackberry, and black cherry, currants, chocolate spice finish. A good and classic Cab. www.winelx.com
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Solid cab for the money in my opinion. Low in tannins making this an easy drinker for folks who enjoy fruit forward wines but not the dry mouth feeling from high tannins.
I plan to revisit this in a couple years. Good wine for cellaring a couple years.
Solid Napa Cabernet from a producer we enjoy. Pop n pour with grilled ribeye. Smooth tannins with nice finish and enjoying last few sips as I write this note.
Nose of black cherry, rich fruit, and earth with floral notes, very tasty, big body, moth filling fruit, lovely taste, flavorful finish, photo uploaded.
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I'm generally not a big Napa Cab fan, but this pleased with dark fruits and some earth. Tannins are there but not too obtrusive; this can be enjoyed now or in a few years. Good QPR for the region I imagine
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This was medium bodied with medium tannins. At this price point I was expecting a mor fuller body and better balance. The fruit was nice with some cherries, mocha, and some spiciness. Overall good value but I have had better at this price point.
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It is good now and should get better over time. I do think it was too soon to drink. It didn’t open up as much as I expected. The overall flavor was well rounded, however nothing stood out. I’m looking forward to the next bottle, maybe in a year, to better define the specifics.
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Nose of black berry, black cherry, red cherry, and allspice, same on the palate, big body, rich, mouth filling fruit, very tasty, one hour decant and enjoy, almost elegant, better in 2 years but no need to cellar, long finish, and lovely aftertaste, photo uploaded.
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Decanted for an hour. Beautiful ruby red color with the nose subdued. Nicely balanced, smooth texture with gritty tannins throughout. Way too early for a reserve cab that will improve with a couple of years of bottle aging. Very good QPR and an upside for waiting.
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Very nice bordeaux styled Napa cab. Medium body with good intensity of the cassis, plum and charcoal flavors. Nice balance and a long finish. Surprisingly good value.
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Huge core of Creme de cassis, seasoned with oak. Velvety mouth feel follows suit with the label. This may fan out with time. Light grip on the finish. Nice steak night wine. Drink in 3-5 years. I’d buy this again. 90
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4/29/2024 - Jonnhy99 Likes this wine: 90 Points
The Velvet Label wine had a nice presentation, but the question remains: does it translate to a good drink?
The wine had earthy aromas that were accompanied by perfumed notes, blackberry, red currant, dried herbs, and pepper.
The flavours were similar, with hints of caramel, vanilla, and a subtle taste of iron on the finish. It had medium acidity and well-integrated tannins. Overall, it was not a bad wine and the price was reasonable for Napa. Surprisingly, it paired well with pastries.
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3/31/2024 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 91 Points
This deep ruby wine is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged for 19 months in French oak barriques (37% new). On the nose, it offers plentiful Bing cherry and red currant fruit that is accented with bittersweet chocolate, baking spices, hazelnuts and tobacco. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), proportionately oaked and with medium sweet tannins, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose and has good mid-palate density. Medium-to-long and smooth on the back end, this is an enjoyable Cab that should provide plenty of pleasure throughout the remainder of this decade. Serially sampled over a three-hour interval from a bottle that had been popped and poured, it was immediately expressive but ramped up to a nice plateau after the first hour of air. Drink now-2030.
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12/10/2023 - ToddR911 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Excellent. Last of my 3 375s
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12/2/2023 - wayfarer Likes this wine: 90 Points
Much as prior notes, enjoyable, should continue to improve. Last of three 375s,
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11/21/2023 - Raywilliams420 Likes this wine:
getting more black fruit than red fruit. Tannins are present but really soft in my opinion. They last through the finish. Tons of alcohol. Like oil in a car engine. Pretty long finish for the price. I recieved this as a gift two years ago or so. I dEf didn’t respect the wine. Thought it was a cheap Cali cabernet. It’s a ton better than I thought it would be. I dEf wouldn’t mind having a few more to try each year to see where it goes but unfortunately this is my only one. Guess I will enjoy.
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4/29/2023 - wayfarer Likes this wine: 91 Points
Liked this a lot. Nicely full and supple, good dark red fruit, blackberry notes, and other flavors per prior note--bit of earth and wood backdrop, fine tannin and balance. Fresh.
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1/22/2023 - wayfarer Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opened 30 minutes or so, probably should have decanted but did not, as fruit might have been a tad more expressive. Tannin was fine, and overall nicely balanced. Black cherry, black berry, bit of chocolate, cola, some oak, moderately rich with good length. 375 that cried out for more when empty, so that says something!
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1/20/2023 - TBaylog Likes this wine: 89 Points
Ok cab
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1/9/2023 - TastesGoodToMe wrote: 90 Points
Black cherry cola accents and all spice. Great mid-week quaffer at this price point. 89 +1 for QPR
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12/31/2022 - ToddR911 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Black cherry on the nose. Nice smooth mouthfeel. Drinking well now.
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10/14/2022 - VinedyRoad Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very approachable now, excellent PVF
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8/27/2022 - VinedyRoad Likes this wine: 90 Points
when on sale (~$35) or at Costco this is great buy.
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8/14/2022 - APS2 wrote: 89 Points
Out of balance
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7/23/2022 - vincentnip Likes this wine: 90 Points
深紅,微香,2hrs厚實
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6/15/2022 - juffer Does not like this wine: 85 Points
Raspberry vanilla nose. Rich but soft mouth. Ends with sweet vanilla tannins. Seems like a throw back to low end Napa wines of the 1980 and '90s. Not my type of wine and seems unbalanced in the sweet and ripe dimensions for my preferences. But I understand there is a following for this style of wine and I think it delivers what it set out do do so can't really fault it on that.
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4/17/2022 - Woodbridge Brad wrote:
This big ripe Cabernet had just a pinch of elegance, but for me it was just too much. I have trouble with over the top ripe reds, especially on a warm Easter Day. It is a well made wine for its style but I was hoping for balance.
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4/17/2022 - wineotim wrote: 90 Points
Very similar to my first review. Good value
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4/4/2022 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose of black berry, black cherry, and allspice, same on the palate, big body, mouth filling fruit, very tasty, opened nicely the first hour, almost elegant, better in 2 years but can be enjoyed with a 2 hour decant, and a long finish, and rich aftertaste, photo uploaded.
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2/12/2022 - Livonietisr Likes this wine: 90 Points
Deep ruby color. Aromas of blackcurrant, plums, licorice, dark chocolate, earth. Dry, medium bodied, medium acidity. Very easy drinking. Crowd pleaser.
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1/19/2022 - VinedyRoad Likes this wine: 90 Points
excellent PFR. $35 at Costco and on sale at local shop.
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1/19/2022 - Everything Ahead wrote: 90 Points
Really elegant, smooth Napa cab that is not over-oaked or too high in the alcohol department. All mixed dark fruits with some oak spice here. Got a bunch at $30 per btl, and at that price this is really hard to beat for a "drink me now" cab of some quality. Even Bordeaux can have a hard time competing at that price point. Not sure this will change or improve a lot in the cellar but no rush to drink them.
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1/16/2022 - Harley1199 Likes this wine:
By the glass. If enchanting results on the nose (Damascene cherries with cloves and a smoky touch), the palate is where it shows its full potential with a subtle balance between a vibrant acidity and practically integrated oak. Soft texture and a good length. Elegant and almost sweet. Really this wine is ready to be drunk now but can only improve with a few more years.
Por copas. Si encantadora resulta en nariz (cerezas damasquinas con clavo y un toque ahumado), al paladar es donde muestra todo su potencial con un sutil equilibrio entre una vibrante acidez y roble prácticamente integrado. Textura suave y de una buena longitud. Elegante y casi dulce. Realmente este vino está listo para ser bebido ahora pero sólo puede mejorar con unos pocos años más.
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12/3/2021 - Al-Vino Likes this wine: 91 Points
Solid bottle that will benefit with year or two in the cellar. Can still be opened now with at least an hour in the decanter.
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10/23/2021 - Border Boss Likes this wine: 89 Points
From 375 ml under screwcap. Dark red. Big tannins and acid. Black fruits showing even at this young age, but needs time.
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9/1/2021 - wineotim wrote: 91 Points
Had this with grilled ribeye. Silky, smooth, ripe and sweet integration of tannins. Nice value at $30 USD, and I would buy it again. It all fits well together. My 1,500 tasting note/review, not sure why I picked this wine.
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8/29/2021 - corkscrews Likes this wine: 90 Points
A nose of rich dark fruits, dark garnet in color. A full bodied and smooth Napa Cab, with blackberry, and black cherry, currants, chocolate spice finish. A good and classic Cab. www.winelx.com
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8/22/2021 - Panders30 wrote:
Spectacular and smooth like berries
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8/18/2021 - AlexTheDrinker Likes this wine:
Solid cab for the money in my opinion.
Low in tannins making this an easy drinker for folks who enjoy fruit forward wines but not the dry mouth feeling from high tannins.
I plan to revisit this in a couple years. Good wine for cellaring a couple years.
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8/15/2021 - Arch57 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Solid Napa Cabernet from a producer we enjoy. Pop n pour with grilled ribeye. Smooth tannins with nice finish and enjoying last few sips as I write this note.
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8/14/2021 - kevrob822 Likes this wine: 91 Points
All four bottles were pretty good. Not an exceptional value, but a nice wine.
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8/11/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 93 Points
Nose of black cherry, rich fruit, and earth with floral notes, very tasty, big body, moth filling fruit, lovely taste, flavorful finish, photo uploaded.
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7/6/2021 - Everything Ahead wrote: 90 Points
I'm generally not a big Napa Cab fan, but this pleased with dark fruits and some earth. Tannins are there but not too obtrusive; this can be enjoyed now or in a few years. Good QPR for the region I imagine
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7/6/2021 - Lord Marc wrote: 88 Points
This was medium bodied with medium tannins. At this price point I was expecting a mor fuller body and better balance. The fruit was nice with some cherries, mocha, and some spiciness. Overall good value but I have had better at this price point.
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6/30/2021 - mrandmrsro Likes this wine: 90 Points
It is good now and should get better over time. I do think it was too soon to drink. It didn’t open up as much as I expected. The overall flavor was well rounded, however nothing stood out. I’m looking forward to the next bottle, maybe in a year, to better define the specifics.
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6/6/2021 - kevrob822 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Read BESTDAMNCAB’s May 18th review. They nailed it, I’m guessing I just grade a little harder. 🤷🏼♂️
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5/18/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 93 Points
Nose of black berry, black cherry, red cherry, and allspice, same on the palate, big body, rich, mouth filling fruit, very tasty, one hour decant and enjoy, almost elegant, better in 2 years but no need to cellar, long finish, and lovely aftertaste, photo uploaded.
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5/16/2021 - nicolaasj23 Likes this wine:
Good.
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3/18/2021 - Orange Tsian wrote: 90 Points
香味比较结实稳重,黑莓、黑樱桃、野樱桃等黑果浓缩,带有一定通透感,颜色很深,具有深度,延伸出碳素墨水的味道。桶味比较克制,带有淡淡甘草、胡椒、肉桂和烟草等味道,整体体态比较匀称。入口结构比较大,总体平衡,丹宁较细,没有颗粒感,但有阻滞,黑果浓且有立体感,甜度恰好,带有通透感。通体有胡椒、丁香等香料和雪松的辛辣感,中后段桶味流畅,带有淡淡烟草味。90/100
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1/23/2021 - Tahlequahdave1972 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted for an hour. Beautiful ruby red color with the nose subdued. Nicely balanced, smooth texture with gritty tannins throughout. Way too early for a reserve cab that will improve with a couple of years of bottle aging. Very good QPR and an upside for waiting.
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12/25/2020 - WDK Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice bordeaux styled Napa cab. Medium body with good intensity of the cassis, plum and charcoal flavors. Nice balance and a long finish. Surprisingly good value.
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11/9/2020 - swade wrote: 90 Points
Huge core of Creme de cassis, seasoned with oak. Velvety mouth feel follows suit with the label. This may fan out with time. Light grip on the finish. Nice steak night wine. Drink in 3-5 years. I’d buy this again. 90
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10/22/2020 - DannyM Likes this wine:
A fantastic Cab! Enjoyed at Barcelona Tapas Restaurant in Clayton. Wonderful fruit, just enough oak, very soft tannins.
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