2006 Two Hands Cabernet Sauvignon Some Days Are Diamonds - USA, California, Napa Valley (4/23/2010)

Having had all three available Two Hands Charlie's Patch Cabernets withing the last 6 weeks or so, I was very curious to try this which is ostensibly the 'second wine' of the Charlie's patch. Vinified and cellared/bottled at Outpost winery under the umbrella of Thomas Rivers Brown, how could I not be interested? Especially when I was offered it for $17.91 earlier this week.

Super deep and dark brooding color. The nose has much black cherry, currant, and creme de kirsch. The palate is all black fruits clumsily arranged in the cornucopia. Its somewhat reminiscent of its older brother, but lacks the class and elegance. Keeping in mind the price point: this is burly and big boned with some back end oak and a hint of heat, but with a grilled steak, it sang. It was round and full bodied with much 'oomph'. So there you go: save the 'Charlies Patch' for company but open that 'Some Days' before you hit the deck with your grilling tools, and for $18 per, its gonna be a good summer. Warning: Not for the faint of heart-- or the 'haters' :) (90 pts.)

2005 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Marjorie’s - Premiere Napa Valley

Wholly crap! This was super fragrant of all things good: blackest cassis, chocolate covered cherries, spring wild flowers, leather, some pomegranate and more. It was deep and elegant with layers upon layers of cabernet goodness. The tannins were brawn hidden by flash, but never did it out flash itself. Phenomenal. 95

2005 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red

I was interested in trying this just having the 06 a week previous. Wow. Super dark in color with brooding viscosity, this had such a medley of mixed fruits. Currant, black and red cherry, kirsch, fresh ground coffee, camphor, leather, and more. All nicely balanced within a super structure of tannins, true to the vintage. Long and elegant with food, pure and precise. 94

2001 Pride Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Wow, pure and elegant with some wonderful lush blackish-red fruits. There were some hints of creamy vanilla, soy, and leather. A finely meshed tannin base with perfectly balanced acidity. Wonderful medium weighted mouthfeel, super long finish. What a treat. 94

2007 Jean Edwards Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Seventy Four - Forty One Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley (4/17/2010)

This has a bright red/carmine color. A fantastic nose of sweet style-darkish red fruits and cola, a combo I really love. Somewhat bright and lively, there is a pure elegance that shows on the nose alone. On the palate there is the red leaning fruit profile: black cherries, some dark currant, some red plums and a hint of Chinese apple. A super expressive wine that has tons of life ahead. A hint of vanilla and cherry cola. There is a touch of kirsch as well! The tannins are just a wee edgy but the balance of the whole package is so satisfying and pure. A medium to medium-light weight which is a welcome from a Napa cab. Structured and pure, this has life and vitality. A long finish that keeps the fruits going straight on through to the other side....
I am thrilled with this. Can you tell? (93 pts.)

2006 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red - USA, California, Napa Valley (4/16/2010)

Intense Reddish ruby color, almost opaque. The nose is all camphor and sassafras with cola and black cherry. The palate shows an intensity and plushness I truly enjoy. A red and black fruit medley of red and black currants, plums, black cherries, and more. Pure and clean , this is a showy and juicy wine with a medium weight mouthfeel and a deft structure. A multi-layered and expressive wine that has so much joy to give. The tannins are elegantly aligned and the acidic perfectly balanced as if on a high wire. The finish is super long as in minutes, not just seconds. A very complete and enjoyable '06 -- a vintage I have been very in love with in the last bunch of months to a year.

Grabbed a half dozen 375s from the RueLaLa sale last month. $38 per and I am very glad for it. (94 pts.)

2007 Two Hands Cabernet Sauvignon Charlie's Patch (USA, California, Napa Valley)

pop & pour- Intense color of super garnet, almost opaque, almost black. The nose is pure clean cassis driven with subtle black cherry. The palate has a super silky texture with gobs of black fruit. The currants are there, as is the black cherries. A hint of pomegranate and creme de cassis. More approachable than the '06 at this moment, but twice as elegant and pure. Does not have the viscousness of the '06 either. Beautiful medium to heavy weight plushy mouth feel with linear and coordinated tannins, behaving themselves. A hint of oak, just a hint. Perfect balance and a pretty good finish to boot. When a wine taste this good, what is the upside for the 5-10 year sleep? Its pure hedonistic indulgence brings a smile this birthday weekend.

94 points