Impressive! Enjoyed in Kauai with a group of dear friends. One member of our group ordered a glass of 2016 Neal cab from the wine list. We opened this bottle when we got back to our vacation rental. The difference a decade makes was profound! So well integrated; so lush; so delicious!
One downside was that I did not have a Durand corkscrew and this cork decided to disintegrate under the pressure of an inexpensive waiter's 2-step corkscrew. We salvaged the wine by pouring it through cheesecloth! Yeah!
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This wine is still going strong! We last enjoyed this wine in 2013 - 8 years ago! It has mellowed a little, but the flavors are still wonderfully rich. The tannins are completely integrated. The nose is gorgeous and encourages you to spend some time just inhaling the intoxicating aromas before you sip it. Gorgeous! Honestly, I think it can last another few years! I hope so! I have 3 more bottles!! 🙂
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From double magnum. Deep ruby. Lovely vanilla with blackberries and rich raspberries on the nose. Delicious wine with delicious rich raspberries and vanilla tart. not overly nuanced, but quite rich and tasty.
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Big wine here although the fruit has tamed a bit over time. What's left is a dose of blackberry and black cherry fruit and a huge core of black licorice, dark chocolate, and tobacco leaf. Almost drinks like a Howell Mountain if I didn't know any better. Tannins have softened, nice finish.
So interesting other notes, we enjoyed the swine. I read the previous notes and realize how important it can be to store wine properly for maximum life. This life came from my deceased fathers collection. Properly stored since he bought it. We served it with some fine Canadian beef, New York strip steaks. Supple, full Cabernet flavor, not over stated, black cherry, nice tannins. We decanted it 2hrs before serving. Can't compare it historically as to where it is in its life but the $45 price shown in the vineyard price list is something I would easily pay for today. Top of the cork was dried out but the bottom still good.
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Still going strong with black cherry, blackberry fruit, earth, licorice, and dark chocolate notes throughout. Nice balance, smooth tannins, good long finish. Drinking very well right now.
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Red/black cherry with an ample amount of dark chocolate notes here. Some of the previous tasting notes suggest that this is past its prime. Although I agree that the fruit isn't as present as much anymore, it does have some soft tannins that I believe will still hold on for a little bit and drink well over the next couple of years.
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Wine has started its demise to become what it has always wanted to become, vinegar. Tannins have broken down and it probably has 3-5 years before it's not real drinkable. Drink em if you got em.
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Enjoyable. Starting to lose some fruit. Drank after a terrific N&N 2010 Branding Iron, enjoyable - but just did not match up. Time to consume my last bottles before they pass their prime.
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Opened after cleaning up the latest snowstorm, boy I hope it's the last of the season. As for the wine, glad this is not my last bottle in the cellar. Medium to full bodied, with taste of dark berries & chocolate.
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Drank alongside the 2009 N&N State Ranch. This Neal offering certainly matches up. A bigger wine than I expected, with dark fruit flavors & a medium/pleasurable finish.
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I admit it. I love Mark Neal's wines! And this one had special significance. We shared this with 10 family members at Novo Restaurant in SLO for our daughter's graduation celebration dinner. A fabulous wine for a fabulous weekend. (Proud dad: She graduated as one of 24 graduates recognized as "Outstanding Seniors" out of a graduating class of over 3000!)
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Could use more time on its side, as it's showing a little too much polish from its oak for my tastes. Not over the top, but needing to evolve a bit more to develop some complexity. At the moment, it's simply a pleasant glass of cab that neither requires nor inspires contemplation.
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Subdued, reticent nose that suggested power. Mouthfeel was also broad, girthy and yet reticent. Dark fruit, mahogany, subtle tobacco flavors This wine needs several hours of air - its a baby. 91 for now, 94 at its peak in 5+ years.
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very nice. powerful vanilla and blackberry flavors up front with a layer of nutmeg and other spices at the back. not a bargain but a trustworthy pick in the $30-40 range.
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Slow-ox'd for a couple hours before consumption. Nice nose of mint, cassis, dark cherry, and blackberry. Palate was fresh with nice spice notes, a spicy oak component and dark floral tones on the finish. Another great wine from Neal Family - and a great option for those of us looking for a more restrained Cabernet.
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This had a tough job, following a nice bottle of '93 La Jota, but it did pretty well. Nice "perfumed" nose, followed by plum and black currant on the palate, a suggestion of vanilla at mid-palate, and a good burst of spice/black pepper on the finish. A nice wine for the price ($30 for a 500ml).
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Cassis, dark fruit, plum... This wine was unknown to me and chosen from restaurant wine list when my primary choice was sold out. Lovely hybrid of Howell Mountain & Napa Valley floor fruit.
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I may be in the minority, but this wine left me wanting. Good fruity blackberry nose, quite lush. Dark rich color. In the mouth, a nice short introduction of dark fruits, cassis, and even a little black pepper spice. So far so good. But just past the opening, rather than becoming more complex and interesting, the flavors were totally and immediately swamped by an overwhelming, one-note blast of sweet plums that dragged the wine down into the finish. Too sweet and too dull. I appreciate that the tannins were not too high and, despite the 14.6% alcohol there was no burn. But I prefer a wine that blossoms, not one that drowns. Lacks balance. Might have been OK for a Paso Syrah, but not for a Napa Cab. Disappointing.
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Deep dark black fruit. Very rich wine and brooding dark tones throughout. Some plum tones. Blackberry and cassis are the dominant flavors. Big and bold yet smooth and rich. Elegant wine.
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Very expressive nose dominated by black fruits surrounded by some earth and spice ( reminded me a little of Cali Syrah), the nose had me expecting a big fruit bomb but the wine was very well balanced, still fruit driven, but the secondary flavors really rounded the wine nicely. Nice finish had me wishing for more, was the last bottle at the store. Great wine for the $40 - $50 price point.
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Nose: Dark Black and Blue friuits upon opening with classic HM aromas of sweet cassis and earth coming through, hints of vanilla and pine as well. Palate: Dense and Huge in the mouth. Many layers of Blueberry, Black Currant and some Cherry as well. HM meets Rutherford with some nice dustyness and hard tanins towards the back of the palate. Slight tobacco notes come through as well. Finish: Medium finish with still more black fruit, some nice acidity and hard tanins.
Lay down for 3-5 years and you will be rewarded. Great cab at a bargin price.
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Deep red. Nose of sweet red fruit. Nice mouthfeel. Noticeable tannins. Ripe black cherry flavor with a dust underlay. Not a lot of nuance here just tons of rich and delicious fruit.
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Cincinnati Wine Festival (Cincinnati, OH): Juicy, delicious, slightly simple. The massively tannic structure sneaks up and coats your mouth, medium acidity. Food wine.
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Decanted for 2+ hours and served with grilled prime sirloin. Deep purple in color. Enticing nose with aromas of cassis and blackberry. Medium bodied, tasty black fruit flavors. Nicely balanced with fine tannins and not overly oaky. Try now with lots of air or hold for the next several years.
A great value with Neal's multi-case discount this year !
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11/12/2022 - JERB Likes this wine: 93 Points
Impressive! Enjoyed in Kauai with a group of dear friends. One member of our group ordered a glass of 2016 Neal cab from the wine list. We opened this bottle when we got back to our vacation rental. The difference a decade makes was profound! So well integrated; so lush; so delicious!
One downside was that I did not have a Durand corkscrew and this cork decided to disintegrate under the pressure of an inexpensive waiter's 2-step corkscrew. We salvaged the wine by pouring it through cheesecloth! Yeah!
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5/24/2022 - capacious Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fully mature, typical napa cab, good value for what we paid. Neal has been a cellar favorite for us for years, consistent, if not remarkable.
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11/11/2021 - JERB Likes this wine: 93 Points
This wine is still going strong! We last enjoyed this wine in 2013 - 8 years ago! It has mellowed a little, but the flavors are still wonderfully rich. The tannins are completely integrated. The nose is gorgeous and encourages you to spend some time just inhaling the intoxicating aromas before you sip it. Gorgeous! Honestly, I think it can last another few years! I hope so! I have 3 more bottles!! 🙂
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10/31/2021 - WineCPA wrote: 95 Points
Smooth tannins. Red fruit going strong. Outstanding. Drunk now 2026. From a magnum.
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6/6/2021 - TexasBob Likes this wine: 93 Points
From double magnum. Deep ruby. Lovely vanilla with blackberries and rich raspberries on the nose. Delicious wine with delicious rich raspberries and vanilla tart. not overly nuanced, but quite rich and tasty.
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1/6/2021 - budman Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent red and black fruit. Medium to long finish. Wish I had more.
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12/17/2020 - Ralphie1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Matured beautifully. At it's peak.
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7/9/2018 - cartime Likes this wine:
Red fruited. Drinking well now.
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7/13/2017 - brianofthevine wrote: 90 Points
Big wine here although the fruit has tamed a bit over time. What's left is a dose of blackberry and black cherry fruit and a huge core of black licorice, dark chocolate, and tobacco leaf. Almost drinks like a Howell Mountain if I didn't know any better. Tannins have softened, nice finish.
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6/30/2017 - Brunellino Likes this wine: 93 Points
Instant hit for my son's first birthday married with lasagna riccotta, stuffed chicken, and porchetta... nice summer day with a slide.... yeah baby!
Color (14/15) Aromas (23/25) Body, Structure (23/25) Overall Impression(33/35)
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3/14/2017 - Davidrx Likes this wine: 90 Points
So interesting other notes, we enjoyed the swine. I read the previous notes and realize how important it can be to store wine properly for maximum life. This life came from my deceased fathers collection. Properly stored since he bought it. We served it with some fine Canadian beef, New York strip steaks. Supple, full Cabernet flavor, not over stated, black cherry, nice tannins. We decanted it 2hrs before serving. Can't compare it historically as to where it is in its life but the $45 price shown in the vineyard price list is something I would easily pay for today. Top of the cork was dried out but the bottom still good.
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11/19/2016 - JonnyB Does not like this wine: 82 Points
I bought a pair of these direct back in 2009 and thought they'd age gracefully. Unfortunately, these are done at this point. Drink up.
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10/6/2016 - brianofthevine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still going strong with black cherry, blackberry fruit, earth, licorice, and dark chocolate notes throughout. Nice balance, smooth tannins, good long finish. Drinking very well right now.
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12/27/2015 - brianofthevine wrote: 91 Points
Red/black cherry with an ample amount of dark chocolate notes here. Some of the previous tasting notes suggest that this is past its prime. Although I agree that the fruit isn't as present as much anymore, it does have some soft tannins that I believe will still hold on for a little bit and drink well over the next couple of years.
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12/13/2015 - Deryl Likes this wine: 89 Points
Rather disappointed in this one. Definitely needed time in the decanter, but might be over the hill.
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8/29/2015 - Whinojb wrote: 89 Points
Wine has started its demise to become what it has always wanted to become, vinegar. Tannins have broken down and it probably has 3-5 years before it's not real drinkable. Drink em if you got em.
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8/14/2015 - AAJR Likes this wine: 90 Points
Enjoyable. Starting to lose some fruit. Drank after a terrific N&N 2010 Branding Iron, enjoyable - but just did not match up. Time to consume my last bottles before they pass their prime.
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3/5/2015 - AAJR Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opened after cleaning up the latest snowstorm, boy I hope it's the last of the season. As for the wine, glad this is not my last bottle in the cellar. Medium to full bodied, with taste of dark berries & chocolate.
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1/9/2015 - Fred44 wrote: 88 Points
Right at it's peak-a passingly good inexpensive Napa Cab.
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11/16/2014 - AAJR Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drank alongside the 2009 N&N State Ranch. This Neal offering certainly matches up. A bigger wine than I expected, with dark fruit flavors & a medium/pleasurable finish.
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8/2/2013 - skibum819 wrote: 90 Points
Great Cab from a wonderful Howell Mountain boutique producer.
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6/20/2013 - JERB wrote: 93 Points
I admit it. I love Mark Neal's wines! And this one had special significance. We shared this with 10 family members at Novo Restaurant in SLO for our daughter's graduation celebration dinner. A fabulous wine for a fabulous weekend. (Proud dad: She graduated as one of 24 graduates recognized as "Outstanding Seniors" out of a graduating class of over 3000!)
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4/27/2013 - 2loyal wrote: 89 Points
Notably improved over the last year. Glad I have a few left!
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12/31/2012 - redknife wrote: 92 Points
Lots of chocolate and vanilla; give it 3+ years to come around
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9/3/2012 - konadog wrote:
Kind of one note right now needs more time 88pts
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5/19/2012 - ntrubee wrote: 86 Points
this was dissappointing. usually impressed with these napa cabs. this was good, but thin.
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2/25/2012 - PeteNJ75 wrote: 89 Points
Very average and one-note. Not bad, but not worth the price tag.
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12/30/2011 - EMTAME wrote: 89 Points
Could use more time on its side, as it's showing a little too much polish from its oak for my tastes. Not over the top, but needing to evolve a bit more to develop some complexity. At the moment, it's simply a pleasant glass of cab that neither requires nor inspires contemplation.
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11/27/2011 - shiel wrote: 90 Points
Smooth tanins; great juice. Napa's best value.
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10/30/2011 - arthrovine wrote: 91 Points
Subdued, reticent nose that suggested power. Mouthfeel was also broad, girthy and yet reticent. Dark fruit, mahogany, subtle tobacco flavors This wine needs several hours of air - its a baby. 91 for now, 94 at its peak in 5+ years.
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9/26/2011 - DPMc wrote: 92 Points
Solid value for Napa cap. Dark fruit and a nice tannic structure
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9/18/2011 - daisy1212 wrote: 92 Points
very nice. powerful vanilla and blackberry flavors up front with a layer of nutmeg and other spices at the back. not a bargain but a trustworthy pick in the $30-40 range.
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8/21/2011 - tooch wrote: 90 Points
Slow-ox'd for a couple hours before consumption. Nice nose of mint, cassis, dark cherry, and blackberry. Palate was fresh with nice spice notes, a spicy oak component and dark floral tones on the finish. Another great wine from Neal Family - and a great option for those of us looking for a more restrained Cabernet.
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6/11/2011 - Zonk wrote: 91 Points
No formal notes. Typical Cali Cab on the rich side but not too "big." Got better with air. Very nice wine.
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5/23/2011 - ChadRS wrote: 84 Points
5/23/201184 points
Pretty one dimensional stuff. Little fruit, some oak, actually a bit dry. Not worth what I paid.
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4/19/2011 - EMTAME wrote: 90 Points
This had a tough job, following a nice bottle of '93 La Jota, but it did pretty well. Nice "perfumed" nose, followed by plum and black currant on the palate, a suggestion of vanilla at mid-palate, and a good burst of spice/black pepper on the finish. A nice wine for the price ($30 for a 500ml).
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4/15/2011 - Jesse's Place wrote: 92 Points
Drank against 03 Caymus and this blew it away
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4/4/2011 - robertdtwo wrote: 91 Points
Cassis, dark fruit, plum... This wine was unknown to me and chosen from restaurant wine list when my primary choice was sold out. Lovely hybrid of Howell Mountain & Napa Valley floor fruit.
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3/18/2011 - Cal Bear wrote: 84 Points
I may be in the minority, but this wine left me wanting. Good fruity blackberry nose, quite lush. Dark rich color. In the mouth, a nice short introduction of dark fruits, cassis, and even a little black pepper spice. So far so good. But just past the opening, rather than becoming more complex and interesting, the flavors were totally and immediately swamped by an overwhelming, one-note blast of sweet plums that dragged the wine down into the finish. Too sweet and too dull. I appreciate that the tannins were not too high and, despite the 14.6% alcohol there was no burn. But I prefer a wine that blossoms, not one that drowns. Lacks balance. Might have been OK for a Paso Syrah, but not for a Napa Cab. Disappointing.
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2/6/2011 - gnr wrote: 94 Points
Awesome
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1/25/2011 - vegasoenophile wrote: 92 Points
Deep dark black fruit. Very rich wine and brooding dark tones throughout. Some plum tones. Blackberry and cassis are the dominant flavors. Big and bold yet smooth and rich. Elegant wine.
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12/26/2010 - Matteo's wrote: 92 Points
Crowd pleaser with prime rib.
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9/18/2010 - CobraKahn wrote: 90 Points
Very good cab; fruit forward; palate drying tannins.
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9/7/2010 - bobpsi wrote: 92 Points
Very expressive nose dominated by black fruits surrounded by some earth and spice ( reminded me a little of Cali Syrah), the nose had me expecting a big fruit bomb but the wine was very well balanced, still fruit driven, but the secondary flavors really rounded the wine nicely. Nice finish had me wishing for more, was the last bottle at the store. Great wine for the $40 - $50 price point.
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7/11/2010 - RockinCabs wrote: 92 Points
Nose: Dark Black and Blue friuits upon opening with classic HM aromas of sweet cassis and earth coming through, hints of vanilla and pine as well. Palate: Dense and Huge in the mouth. Many layers of Blueberry, Black Currant and some Cherry as well. HM meets Rutherford with some nice dustyness and hard tanins towards the back of the palate. Slight tobacco notes come through as well. Finish: Medium finish with still more black fruit, some nice acidity and hard tanins.
Lay down for 3-5 years and you will be rewarded. Great cab at a bargin price.
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3/25/2010 - tantotinto wrote: 90 Points
Deep red. Nose of sweet red fruit. Nice mouthfeel. Noticeable tannins. Ripe black cherry flavor with a dust underlay. Not a lot of nuance here just tons of rich and delicious fruit.
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3/12/2010 - joshwoodward wrote: 89 Points
Cincinnati Wine Festival (Cincinnati, OH): Juicy, delicious, slightly simple. The massively tannic structure sneaks up and coats your mouth, medium acidity. Food wine.
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2/7/2010 - CobraKahn wrote: 89 Points
Started off tart, smoothed out quickly, then settled down into a very nice cab. better notes on the next one
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11/20/2009 - scottj wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for 2+ hours and served with grilled prime sirloin. Deep purple in color. Enticing nose with aromas of cassis and blackberry. Medium bodied, tasty black fruit flavors. Nicely balanced with fine tannins and not overly oaky. Try now with lots of air or hold for the next several years.
A great value with Neal's multi-case discount this year !
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