Decanted for 40min, back to bottle. Half the bottle left for Day 2 in fridge.
Day 1: deep intense color. Nose is "nowhere but Napa" cabernet. Beautifully lush oak supported by the deepest blue fruit with the slightest herbal tinge. Palate is medium body with nice acidity. Tannins are supple and integrated but definitely there. Proper blueberry and blackberry shows. Some leathery/earthy character too. Finish has a quick shot of oak but then transitions to cedar, fresh tobacco, blueberries, black fruits/cassis.
Day 2: The oaky has integrated better to the nose. Tannins have smoothed out. Acidity still gives the wine some perky lift.
Tracy is an incredible winemaker and inexplicably under the radar. This wine can get guzzled very quickly, but also has enough stuffing to warrant following a glass over time.
Drinks beautifully now but don't be afraid to cellar this for another 3-5 years. 92-93 easily
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Best value in the Black Cat lineup. Smooth integration, lush fruit up front, followed my non-fruit elements like leather, pencil, stone. All in balance. Tannins in check, but can hold up for years. Very enjoyable. Tracy does a wonderful job with this one!
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3/11/2024 - jfaulk Likes this wine: 92 Points
Always a pleasure to drink. Tracye will be missed!
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2/16/2023 - Rbhan12 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for 40min, back to bottle. Half the bottle left for Day 2 in fridge.
Day 1: deep intense color. Nose is "nowhere but Napa" cabernet. Beautifully lush oak supported by the deepest blue fruit with the slightest herbal tinge. Palate is medium body with nice acidity. Tannins are supple and integrated but definitely there. Proper blueberry and blackberry shows. Some leathery/earthy character too. Finish has a quick shot of oak but then transitions to cedar, fresh tobacco, blueberries, black fruits/cassis.
Day 2: The oaky has integrated better to the nose. Tannins have smoothed out. Acidity still gives the wine some perky lift.
Tracy is an incredible winemaker and inexplicably under the radar. This wine can get guzzled very quickly, but also has enough stuffing to warrant following a glass over time.
Drinks beautifully now but don't be afraid to cellar this for another 3-5 years. 92-93 easily
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8/20/2022 - jfaulk Likes this wine: 92 Points
Best value in the Black Cat lineup. Smooth integration, lush fruit up front, followed my non-fruit elements like leather, pencil, stone. All in balance. Tannins in check, but can hold up for years. Very enjoyable. Tracy does a wonderful job with this one!
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1/21/2022 - Rbhan12 Likes this wine:
Soul-searching in Napa. Beta-Jasud, Roy Piper, Detert, Elyse, Diamond Creek, Favia, Opus, Gargiulo, among others!; 1/17/2022-1/22/2022: Tasted at the vineyard. So delicious, serious Cabernet character, good body and structure, but overall just so drinkable. Lovely depth of fruit but everything in balance. Such an elegant wine. Pull a cork with confidence.
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