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2018 Caterwaul Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
4/22/2021 - Lahontan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Caterwaul, an original name, a bit of a reputation (good) on ct, I had to try it. Ended up entailing a drive, since no one carries it where I live. So my first taste was in one of those plastic sample cups at 10 in the morning! Immediately I realized this was a heavy weight, or a very aggressive middleweight…. There was a deep red and back tint to the liquid and a huge note of acidity.
Back home I waited a few days for the wine to settle down. A decant it would need, as Yoda might have said if he drank wine. Four hours should do it. It did not, but it was time for dinner. For the time in the decanter, the notes when from predominantly acidic (think old-style French Bordeaux, a cru bourgeois, or even a vin de table) to very fruity, almost Justin like! A strange combo. So that’s the nose.
On the palate an incredible sensation of strength, potency. But it does not quite deliver in terms of style or personality. A lot of muscle that goes nowhere… Like a bodybuilder in a way. What is it all for? But power in the glass, and notes of refinement to be sure, but as though there were added on. It is a fascinating combo: immense power on the acidic side with strong fruit, but in the background (people talked of smoke and fruit as well), but the elements need time to meld.
The finish replicates the palate, with the acidic notes, the strength overwhelming slightly the fruit, though the next day(!), things were less choppy, but not yet smooth.
Verdict: hold. But what will the future hold, I have no idea. Billed by some as a ready to drink wine, I would say it has the stuffing to last 10 years, easy. (No small amount for a napa cab sauv.) So 93+, the "+" is really "fingers crossed."
Is this the best value for money in big-bodied Napa Cab? I hope not! Alternative candidates/suggestions most welcome.
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2016 Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Howell Mountain
4/9/2021 - Lahontan wrote: 95 Points
This is a smooth, luscious cali cab. Great fruit. Not as syrupy as Caymus special reserve (any year), not as opulent as Bevan (triple e, 2014); is it excessive? Yes, but in moderation. The nose is immediately inviting, I detect strawberries of old (you remember when they had flavour, a personality?), but also fresh pancakes (really crepes) with a hint of lemon, cassis as well. The palate mutes these notes somewhat, but they are still present in the background, and the mouthfeel is delightful, textured. The finish is long, smooth.
Hard to score. Also: was a little surprised that there is apparently a "premium" version of this now! What would that taste like, I wonder... More oak? Reminds me of what is going on with Macallan in the spirits world... Not sure, but I don't think that Cade has quite the cachet to play that game... nevertheless an excellent glass.
No idea how long it will last in the cellar. Really curious about that.
Had it with cuisine from Hawaii. It stood up to all the varied dishes impressively.
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2010 The Grade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard
3/13/2021 - Lahontan wrote: 94 Points
I wondered why this wine earned such (relatively) poor grades here-parts and elsewhere.... I still do.
First I Audouzed it, ie, uncorked it in the morning and tasted it a couple hours before our late luncheon. No need for a decant was the determination after 5-6 hours.
The color was very slightly brownish, at least not the uniform plump mat deep purple of young napa cabs.
More on the mineral side, less fruity. Not a talker, but substance is there. Perhaps a tad too alcoholic. Works well with food, rich meaty things -- don't bring this to a vegan picnic.
A very powerful still tannic wine.
Pretty much everyone boast of finding this in the "sales bin for half off" or some such... I hope its true. Because, if you give this wine the consideration (and treatment) it deserves, this is a diamond in the rough.
And memorable.
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