2003 Harris Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon LTD Limited Reserve Jake's Creek Vineyard, USA, California, Napa Valley

Opened 2 hours early. Not decanted. Nice deep dark with a lively purple edge. The nose is sweet cassis and kirsch. The palate had a lush and pure feel with a deft & intricate tannin level. The alcohol was a bit noticeable early on but after about an hour this really began to sing. There were cassis, kirsch, black cherry cola, saddle leather & a hint of exotic tea leaf. Nice. I loved the way this just keep giving, never changing, just getting darker and plusher. Reminscent of another favorite Mark Herold wine, Merus. The family resemblance is uncanny. A very long ad smooth finish that lasts for more than 2 minutes. I have always loved this one, and I think it does not get the play it deserves. (92 pts.)

2006 Jones Family The Sisters - USA, California, Napa Valley

Decanted 2 hours. The color is darkish, a Falu red/carmine (for all you US stamp collectors out there) (an earthy toned red). The nose is a multi layer medley of black fruits, smokiness, black olives, and leather. The Palate has the blackest plums, purest currant, leathery softness, silkiness, and flowers. Wow. Such a pure, in your face wine that does not attack head on, but sneaks up with its elegance, structure, and purity. The black fruits hold the line for minutes beyond the finish. This BEGS for decanting. Two hour MINIMUM. Big chewy but well behaved tannins with a subdued but ever-present acid level. I have always been a fan of this and this year is surely a bit different, but not any less enjoyable. The PV and CF make themselves known adding the dimension. Great showing--once again. (93 pts.)

Est arrivé!! 2007 Congruence Cabernet, Maiden Voyage

On October 31, 2009, Halloween, we went to the Congruence release party to pick-up our long awaited 2007 Congruence Cabernet, The Maiden Voyage. I have discussed on this site the evolution of this wine.
It's always great seeing friends, and especially smiling friends pouring Cabernet. The few glasses I had there were dark and seamless with loads of fruits and legs like a Super Model.
I could not wait to open one in my home and actually dissect it. Last night, was that time.

This is a dark wine with reddish-purple tinged edges. swirling about it sticks to the side of the glass (what us old timers used to call legs). The nose is enticing & inviting with cherry cola, mocha, Crème de Cassis, black currant, and framboise. Very pretty and aromatic--worth the price of admission itself. The palate shows some black & red fruits of black cherries, currants, red plums, and a hint of Chinese apple. Some Kirsch, floral notes with some leather and earth. Its a medium weight wine with grace and structure. A slightly dry edge with a classy tannin/acid base. Some lushness shows its head, and some baby fat keeps it all covered snugly, but my overall impression is happiness and joy. What more does one seek? A long finish keeps the memory alive for more than 2 minutes. A Maiden Voyage I am glad to be a part of. 92/100

Congratulations to Steve Eisenhauer. He had an idea and made it into a reality: create great Napa Cabernet from amazing sites that don't break the bank. I am looking forward to nexts years offering, which is multi-site blend.

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Contact Steve at http://www.congruencewines.com/ for information

2000 Marquis de Laguiche (Joseph Drouhin) Chassagne-Montrachet

This opened with a beautiful bouquet of Spring flowers after the rains. The nose was succulent and alluring. Great structure and finesse with a medium body mouthfeel. Wonderful freshness and vibrancy showed its class. Some exotic citrus notes, and a hint of sweetness, maybe a half a hint. A fine interweaving of silky tannins and lithe acid level carries this all the way through to a long lush finish. A very intoxicating and well balanced wine indeed. Brent got some oxidation on this. I did not. Thank you Eric for offering up such a great bottle. The first surprise of a 2 surprise night. (95 pts.)

2005 Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain)

The nose on this was all blackberry and blueberry, something akin to a Cali Syrah. The palate had some great fruits of pomegranate, blackberries, black cherries, red plums, and a hint of creme de kirsch. Some soy, scorched earth, fresh rubbed leather and forest. The mouth feel was pure, and plush. A medium weight wine with tons of goodness packed deep within. Some dryness on the mid palate, the tannins still need some resolving. A great bright 'acid bounce' is present. A very balanced Cabernet with tons of upside in the future. Not an in your face or flamboyant wine. A super long cherry filled finish. Would have scored higher had not it remind me of Syrah so much. (90 pts.)