2016 VHR Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch

Community Tasting Notes (68) Avg Score: 97.0 points

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  2/22/2024 - Asull2k Likes this wine: 98 Points

  Decanted with stir for 5 min then back in bottle for 4 hrs prior to serving, and it was well opened although smoothened out and changed in character over an hour. Deep dense maroon and dark ruby color. Black cherry, violets, brambles, leather, and earth on the nose. Concordant great initial complexity on the palate and just beautifully balanced, with nearly 55 sec finish. Subtly complex yet powerful at the same time. One of the few wines I have seen that I think is better by itself, without food, although perhaps the chimichurri sauce on steak was to blame. Over an hour the complexity was lost as it became smoother with some hints of vanilla. For this old Napa/Peschon style of wine it is nearly a perfect representation. 97.5 but rounding up since it still has more potential to age.

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  2/2/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine:

  CDV713/MacDonald Event.
  
  I've always have loved this vineyard, vintage and wine. Tonight, this had a bit more oak than I remember in the past. I little out of balance so I'm assuming this might have been an off bottle or awkward phase.
  
  Still fantastic but not the near perfect wine I remember.

  7 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (16)

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  12/31/2023 - HeavyPourWine Likes this wine: 92 Points

  NYE Vino Fest (Atlanta, GA): Tasted at the annual 2023 New Years Eve Vino Fest in Atlanta. BYOB and guests were encouraged to bring wines with years ending with a 3. No formal notes, just scores. Brad - heavypourwine.com

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  10/21/2023 - bugdoced Likes this wine: 95 Points

  far from being ready, but how great is this?
  steak and oysters at gallaghers in nyc

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  10/17/2023 - I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine Likes this wine: 97 Points

  Marvin (WineBurrowingWombat) Visits Minnesota; 10/16/2023-10/23/2023 (Jason's House): Decanted, but can't remember how long....After quaffing on a 2013 Marcassin Pinot, Marvin a.k.a. WBW, requested to open this wine. Of course, I obliged him! I had not tasted this wine yet, and was very curious after reading CT reviews, and also knowing how highly Michael reveres this wine! I believe this wine will get even better, but no regrets drinking now!
  
  TN: Violets, cherry, cedar and spice on the nose. Palate echoed the violets and cherry, but also added some dark fruit, earthy notes, tar, tobacco and some toasty oak.
  
  Do I get the hoopla? Yes, I do! It is very tasty now, and improved the whole time we drank it. Like the Immortal we had, this too was delicious now, but will definitely get even better. One of the best VHR bottles I have tasted. I personally think the 2018 has the most potential, followed closely by this wine. However, IMO, the 2012 is drinking best right now (and likely in the next couple years). This wine is a 97 now, but will likely flirt with perfection down the road! Wish I had more of this!

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