Still tasting OK; but IMHO is past it’s peak. Also, take care when pulling the cork. I struggled as the cork began to disintegrate with the corkscrew. Very dry cork crumbles. Had to filter the wine thru cheesecloth into decanter to sift out remains. Thankfully no cork taint.
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Medium purple color. Big nose of cassis, dark fruit, vanilla, chocolate, oak and a touch of heat coming through. Similar flavors on the palate with the oak and tannin coming through a bit too much this time around. The fruit seems to have faded a bit leaving mostly tannin and oak as the dominant notes on the palate. Smooth mouthfeel. I am not sure if additional time will turn this wine around because the acidity seemed on the low side. Either way this is still an enjoyable wine, especially if you enjoy oaky cabs but for me this should have been drank a year or two ago, especially when compared to my previous note.
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Ran through vinturi into decanter and let sit for several hours. Color deep and dark purple. No sediment at all for this old a vintage. Nose was subdued upon opening but blossomed with some air. Predominant aromas of black walnuts and plum. Full bodied and hearty. Finish lasting and bold. Still tannic. 5,13,15,6=89
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Enjoyed this. Somewhat strong fruit. Tannins still strong. Medium nose. Only complaint was that it seemed a bit flat. For that reason, I'm not sure that I would let this go much longer.
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unlike the last bottle this required an hour of air before it started to shine. also not quite as creamy as I remember. still nice and structured, great cab
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Decanted for over 3 hours. This bottle did not show as well as the first one. The nose was more subdued. The palate was smooth, but did not have the lush velvety balance that I loved when I first experienced this wine. The finish was still firm. 50,5,13,15,6=89
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Massive fruit on the nose when first opened. Aerated and decanted. Initially a little tannic, but that vanished after a few minutes. Well rounded with stone fruits being predominant. Makes me want a large cellar where I can stash away a case of such jewels when I find them.
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Poured to glass and given around 45-min to breath (@70F). Comes across as a lighter colored cabernet with ascents of purple-brown plum colors. This strikes a balanced poise of un-creamy red-fruit (raspberry, red currant, strawberry) and lilac aromas of low to medium intensity. Not a lot of depth for the Varietal, but this is far from any of the overbearing scents expressive in so many OTT Napa cabs. The toasty oak that was so obvious at first pour is now integrated into the bouquet, far less overt. The pre-described balanced poster follows to the medium bodied, plum-sweet palate, which shows an impressive, down-the-middle focus of red-currant, fig and fresh plum pulp. Long aftertaste on this one; a decay of the same flavors as the mid-palate; few tannins left; and aside from a touch of alcohol burn and an at times raisined effect this is a finish for which to be proud. I'd wager this is drinking at its prime and will hold on to that peak yet a couple years. 90+ pts. Not a bad consolation prize -- and free at that -- after WTSO lost my order of 4 Thelma cabs. (They sure do that kind of thing an awful lot but, thankfully, always seem to atone in spades.)
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Popped and poured. Medium purple color. Some dark berry, cassis and green pepper notes on the nose along with some oak coming through as well. More of the same on the palate with some vanilla from the oak and pronounced bitter dark chocolate and mint on the back end. Dry, dusty tannins. Nice round mouthfeel and long finish. Enjoyable on its own or with food. Wish I would have bought more at this price.
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I wish I had known how good this was when I ordered it, I'd have backed up the truck. A nice clear ruby color fading to clear at the rim, really an attractive color. Nose that filled the kitchen, almost as good to smell as it was to drink. A very pleasant creamy texture with a good layering of dark fruit and silky, sweet tannin, this is an excellent wine. Can't remember the source, but one of the big critics said Round Pond was one of the most under-valued Cabs out of Napa, and I have to agree.
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Decanted for 4 hours this time around - it really needs the air time to show itself. Incredible juice. This is classic Rutherford cabernet at its best. Fantastic food wine. Better than the '03 BV Georges Latour, which was amazing as well. For $25, this may be the best QPR of the year. So glad I have 2 more.
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Decanted for 2 hours. Color deep, dark, purple. Nose of dark berries, currants, some earthiness. Elegantly crafted, not over done. The palate was smooth, balanced. All the flavors were integrated nicely to form a lush, velvety blend that was fantastic. The finish was firm and lingered. It left you wanting another mouthful. Outstanding wine that is drinking perfect now. 50,5,13,17,7=92
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Very nice, popped and had a glass the first night, didn't pay much attention to it. Vacu-Vin'ed overnight and was pleasantly surprised that it held up well overnight. Definitely not fruit forward on day 2, a little heat and some herbaciousness, but still very enjoyable. I'd imagine that I won't let the second bottle I have rest too long. If the fruit goes away further, you're not left with much.
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Nice, very smooth bottle -- that was the most often mentioned word for the group. Wasn't overly complex, but was very smooth and showed that wonderful Rutherford "dust".
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Wonderful bottle of napa cab, it's drinking very well now with lots of dark fruits, nice structure, and a very lengthy finish. Some might find the finish almost a bit bitter, but I like it and equate it to a touch of dark chocolate.
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Couldn't wait to try this wine. Decanted 2 hours and drank over another 1.5 hours. Right from the presentation of the bottle, this wine was first class. The nose was a bit restrained, even after 3 hours. With vigorous swilling you get blackcurrant, leather, earth and graphite - very consistent with other quality '03 Rutherford cabs I've had recently. On the palate, the nose followed through and also showed some mint and dark chocolate on a fairly lengthy finish. Very interesting and definitely a food wine. Paired wonderfully with grilled steak. Next bottle I will decant even longer. This wine is a steal for $25. Drink over the next 3 years.
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Popped and poured. Medium plus dirty ruby. Solid nose of black fruits, currant, earth, and just a touch of green. Medium-plus body. Nice core of dark fruits on the pallet along with uncomplicated flavors of earthy herbs, cedar, and a hint of smoke. Hollow on the mid. Tannins are of the rugged 2003 mold but come of as soft in comparison to other examples from the same challenging vintage; in fact, given the nice fruit and softened tannins, this wine is really a relative overachiever for the vintage. Moderate close. Probably best to drink over the next year or so but could certainly last longer.
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One of the richer, fruit-driven Napa Cabs I have had from the 2003 vintage. Impeccable balance. It was a tough year and not everyone did this well. Plump, ripe cherries, cappuccino, and milk chocolate with a tightly focused sweet oak character. Extremely long finish. Drink now.
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10/29/2023 - BillsWine Likes this wine: 88 Points
Still tasting OK; but IMHO is past it’s peak.
Also, take care when pulling the cork. I struggled as the cork began to disintegrate with the corkscrew. Very dry cork crumbles. Had to filter the wine thru cheesecloth into decanter to sift out remains. Thankfully no cork taint.
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5/10/2019 - chadrich wrote: 88 Points
Drinking like a champ for the age!
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6/28/2013 - Rich S wrote: 87 Points
Medium purple color. Big nose of cassis, dark fruit, vanilla, chocolate, oak and a touch of heat coming through. Similar flavors on the palate with the oak and tannin coming through a bit too much this time around. The fruit seems to have faded a bit leaving mostly tannin and oak as the dominant notes on the palate. Smooth mouthfeel. I am not sure if additional time will turn this wine around because the acidity seemed on the low side. Either way this is still an enjoyable wine, especially if you enjoy oaky cabs but for me this should have been drank a year or two ago, especially when compared to my previous note.
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12/18/2012 - DanH wrote: 90 Points
High quality wine, strong chocolate, little less fruit/acids, solid quality sip.
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1/1/2012 - rodsjuice wrote: 89 Points
Ran through vinturi into decanter and let sit for several hours. Color deep and dark purple. No sediment at all for this old a vintage. Nose was subdued upon opening but blossomed with some air. Predominant aromas of black walnuts and plum. Full bodied and hearty. Finish lasting and bold. Still tannic. 5,13,15,6=89
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12/9/2011 - rodsjuice wrote: 89 Points
Decanted for an hour. Nose was mainly currants and earth. Full bodied with a gritty texture with a rough firm finish.
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10/29/2011 - Dar3 wrote: 91 Points
Enjoyed this. Somewhat strong fruit. Tannins still strong. Medium nose. Only complaint was that it seemed a bit flat. For that reason, I'm not sure that I would let this go much longer.
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7/4/2011 - mtaczak wrote:
unlike the last bottle this required an hour of air before it started to shine. also not quite as creamy as I remember. still nice and structured, great cab
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6/8/2011 - DanH wrote: 90 Points
Chocolately, no bright flavors, no cassis really, a little muted, but the darker murkier flavors are well developed. Silky mouthfeel.
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4/20/2011 - kingboo wrote: 93 Points
Message in a bottle. The message? Enjoy this nicely structured and complex wine.
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3/16/2011 - rodsjuice wrote: 89 Points
Decanted for over 3 hours. This bottle did not show as well as the first one. The nose was more subdued. The palate was smooth, but did not have the lush velvety balance that I loved when I first experienced this wine. The finish was still firm. 50,5,13,15,6=89
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2/25/2011 - mgriffith wrote: 93 Points
Massive fruit on the nose when first opened. Aerated and decanted. Initially a little tannic, but that vanished after a few minutes. Well rounded with stone fruits being predominant. Makes me want a large cellar where I can stash away a case of such jewels when I find them.
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1/24/2011 - z_willus_d wrote: 90 Points
Poured to glass and given around 45-min to breath (@70F). Comes across as a lighter colored cabernet with ascents of purple-brown plum colors. This strikes a balanced poise of un-creamy red-fruit (raspberry, red currant, strawberry) and lilac aromas of low to medium intensity. Not a lot of depth for the Varietal, but this is far from any of the overbearing scents expressive in so many OTT Napa cabs. The toasty oak that was so obvious at first pour is now integrated into the bouquet, far less overt. The pre-described balanced poster follows to the medium bodied, plum-sweet palate, which shows an impressive, down-the-middle focus of red-currant, fig and fresh plum pulp. Long aftertaste on this one; a decay of the same flavors as the mid-palate; few tannins left; and aside from a touch of alcohol burn and an at times raisined effect this is a finish for which to be proud. I'd wager this is drinking at its prime and will hold on to that peak yet a couple years. 90+ pts. Not a bad consolation prize -- and free at that -- after WTSO lost my order of 4 Thelma cabs. (They sure do that kind of thing an awful lot but, thankfully, always seem to atone in spades.)
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12/18/2010 - Rich S wrote: 92 Points
Popped and poured. Medium purple color. Some dark berry, cassis and green pepper notes on the nose along with some oak coming through as well. More of the same on the palate with some vanilla from the oak and pronounced bitter dark chocolate and mint on the back end. Dry, dusty tannins. Nice round mouthfeel and long finish. Enjoyable on its own or with food. Wish I would have bought more at this price.
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11/21/2010 - dstraub wrote: 93 Points
Decanted it for one hour. Real rough tannins at first, after one hour it opened up and was spectacular. Great wine with food too.
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11/13/2010 - *Vine* wrote:
Popped and poured. Similar to notes from 6/19, but seems to be headed downward. Best to drink soon.
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11/1/2010 - mtaczak wrote: 93 Points
I wish I had known how good this was when I ordered it, I'd have backed up the truck. A nice clear ruby color fading to clear at the rim, really an attractive color. Nose that filled the kitchen, almost as good to smell as it was to drink. A very pleasant creamy texture with a good layering of dark fruit and silky, sweet tannin, this is an excellent wine. Can't remember the source, but one of the big critics said Round Pond was one of the most under-valued Cabs out of Napa, and I have to agree.
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10/23/2010 - PapaGrande Likes this wine: 87 Points
Very good and paired well with a fall meal of squash. A few more years of aging will improve it.
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10/8/2010 - Sniffy-Sniff Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for 4 hours this time around - it really needs the air time to show itself. Incredible juice. This is classic Rutherford cabernet at its best. Fantastic food wine. Better than the '03 BV Georges Latour, which was amazing as well. For $25, this may be the best QPR of the year. So glad I have 2 more.
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10/3/2010 - rodsjuice wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Color deep, dark, purple. Nose of dark berries, currants, some earthiness. Elegantly crafted, not over done. The palate was smooth, balanced. All the flavors were integrated nicely to form a lush, velvety blend that was fantastic. The finish was firm and lingered. It left you wanting another mouthful. Outstanding wine that is drinking perfect now. 50,5,13,17,7=92
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9/13/2010 - dsamuels wrote: 93 Points
Telluride. Big, but not overpowering.
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9/13/2010 - mlunt wrote: 90 Points
Very nice, popped and had a glass the first night, didn't pay much attention to it. Vacu-Vin'ed overnight and was pleasantly surprised that it held up well overnight. Definitely not fruit forward on day 2, a little heat and some herbaciousness, but still very enjoyable. I'd imagine that I won't let the second bottle I have rest too long. If the fruit goes away further, you're not left with much.
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9/13/2010 - kingboo wrote: 89 Points
The complexity is there, it's just that it gets overshadowed by the herbaceousness. Fruit has depth, but can't overmatch the herbal notes.
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8/8/2010 - chadrich wrote: 86 Points
A bit flat and one-dimensional. Would wish for more fruit.
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8/5/2010 - dstraub wrote: 91 Points
Nice, very smooth bottle -- that was the most often mentioned word for the group. Wasn't overly complex, but was very smooth and showed that wonderful Rutherford "dust".
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7/23/2010 - afitzhugh wrote: 86 Points
Smooth, nice, a bit boring. I'd say its at or a bit past its peak, wouldnt hold much longer.
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7/20/2010 - eschuldt wrote: 92 Points
Drinking very nicely, great chocolate notes. Not a ton of time left, lacking somewhat in complexity
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7/13/2010 - wirelesswine wrote: 92 Points
Wonderful bottle of napa cab, it's drinking very well now with lots of dark fruits, nice structure, and a very lengthy finish. Some might find the finish almost a bit bitter, but I like it and equate it to a touch of dark chocolate.
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7/1/2010 - Sniffy-Sniff Likes this wine: 92 Points
Couldn't wait to try this wine. Decanted 2 hours and drank over another 1.5 hours. Right from the presentation of the bottle, this wine was first class. The nose was a bit restrained, even after 3 hours. With vigorous swilling you get blackcurrant, leather, earth and graphite - very consistent with other quality '03 Rutherford cabs I've had recently. On the palate, the nose followed through and also showed some mint and dark chocolate on a fairly lengthy finish. Very interesting and definitely a food wine. Paired wonderfully with grilled steak. Next bottle I will decant even longer. This wine is a steal for $25. Drink over the next 3 years.
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6/19/2010 - *Vine* wrote: 88 Points
Popped and poured. Medium plus dirty ruby. Solid nose of black fruits, currant, earth, and just a touch of green. Medium-plus body. Nice core of dark fruits on the pallet along with uncomplicated flavors of earthy herbs, cedar, and a hint of smoke. Hollow on the mid. Tannins are of the rugged 2003 mold but come of as soft in comparison to other examples from the same challenging vintage; in fact, given the nice fruit and softened tannins, this wine is really a relative overachiever for the vintage. Moderate close. Probably best to drink over the next year or so but could certainly last longer.
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6/13/2010 - babnik Likes this wine: 92 Points
One of the richer, fruit-driven Napa Cabs I have had from the 2003 vintage. Impeccable balance. It was a tough year and not everyone did this well. Plump, ripe cherries, cappuccino, and milk chocolate with a tightly focused sweet oak character. Extremely long finish. Drink now.
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6/26/2008 - pinotluvr wrote: 90 Points
I think this has very good potential, but is very young at this point. Anxious to see how it ages.
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2/18/2008 - scalywine wrote: 94 Points
This is the best bottle of Cab I've had in the past 6 months. Incredible fruit and exceptional finish.
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9/18/2007 - BradA wrote: 92 Points
Very pleasant nose and rich full mouth. A fuller bodies wine offering plenty of tasty fruit and well balanced acidity.
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