2006 Two Hands Cabernet Sauvignon Some Days Are Diamonds (USA, California, Napa Valley)

If you have these in your cellar, and if you paid what I think you paid, consider yourself very lucky.
For a wine to be so dark, so pure and so black fruited all while being focused and precise and costing $18 you have hit a grand slam.
My 7th or 8th time with this wine in the last 18 months and all I can say is wow.

...and glad to have 8 more.........
I will buy deep on the '08s when they come around, again. 93 pts

2008 Jones Family The Sisters (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Nose of red cherries and pure cassis. A bit closed, but after about an hour there emerged (with coaxing) some cool reddish-black fruits. This is an intense wine with tons of gobby goodness lurking. Tremendous backbone really veils what this is all about....now: purity, creaminess, plush, menthol and leather. A real iron fist/ velvet glove wine, this has tremendous balance and depth. Finish is admirable as would be expected. I would say wait 2-3 years for this one and drink your 2007s. If this lives up to the 2006 Sisters, is yet to be seen, but it will be fun following it for the next few years. My early opinion--- I will keep to myself......92 points.

2004 Andrew Murray Syrah Roasted Slope (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley)

Dark with tinged edges. The nose has warm blueberry pie, blackberries, spring flowers and cooled bacon fat. The palate shows a wonderful expression of California Syrah. There is great vibrancy of fruits with blueberry in the forefront. Included are black berries, black cassis liquor, sun warmed river stones, bacon fat, exotic spices and a hint of damp forest floor. Some vanilla shrouds this nicely and the tannins are well behaved. Balance it fantastic with acidity lying amongst the fruit as if it were kin. Mouth-feel keeping in the mid area with a touch of creaminess. I was surprised how well this showed tonight with some challenging foods of spicy fish sauces & vinegared salads. 92 pts

Jones Family Vineyards Retrospective

Last evening I had the pleasure of meeting with Daniel Bailey from Jones Family Vineyards & winery. He brought east with him 6 vintages of his flagship estate Cabernet, as well as 2 vintages of his second wine, The Sisters. Daniel Posner of grapes the Wine Company played host.

I have been a fan of Jones family for some time now, always capitalizing on locating older back vintages whenever possible. The Sisters is a perennial favorite of mine, one I buy by the case every year. It represents what I believe to be the single best deal in the whole valley, year in and out. Daniel Bailey was informative and friendly. Great wines, great time, wonderful people.

Jones Family Vineyards

2000 Jones Family Estate Cabernet: The first thing you notice upon bringing the glass to your face is vegetalness. The second thing upon entering the mouth—same. Disjointed, weedy, sweet, and undrinkable. Possibly an off bottle?

2001 Jones Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Deep blackish color with red edges. The nose is pure kirsch and framboise. Some great black currant. All carries to the palate with some amazing precision. There is some black cherry, crème de cassis, cola, tat, leather and cedar. Really shows off a classic styling. The tannins got a bit dusty/gritty as this sat in my glass, not distracting though. This is long and elegant. 93

2003 Jones Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: This had some admirable qualities for the vintage. It had a sweet fabricated red fruit profile with some red cherries and ripe red plum notes. Seemed a bit tired. Drink up! 89

2004 Jones Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Slightly fatter than the previous. Good structure. Deep red black fruit profile encroaching into the black zone. Soft tannins, nice balance. Some Kirsch and black raspberries in a creamy plush mouthfeel. Decent finish, this is very pretty and delicate. 92

2005 Jones Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Loud and boisterous, this is firmly structured with deep red & black fruits of macerated currant, blackberries, pomegranate, and black plum. More delineated than all that came before it, save for the 2001, this is pure and focused with some tightly knitted tannins. 93

2005 Jones Family The Sisters: This seemed a bit more restrained than all my past experiences with it. It still retains some great dark fruit, but the plush mouthfeel has quieted down some. It seems more in line with the 04 than the 05 estates. I always believed this to be one to enjoy young(er). A decent black fruit profile with black cherry reigning. I still have 6, and it will be interesting to see where this goes in the next few years. 91

2006 Jones Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Now we’re talking: sweet red fruits profile with a creamy texture, this has the purity and elegance I want, all supported by the structure and backbone, the strength of the 06 vintage in general, at least in my mind. Cardamom, framboise, kirsch, blackberry, black and red cassis, plums, and so much in here to mention, this is real joy. A hint of black pepper? Maybe. It has super-structured tannins with such a tight-rope act of acidity. A very long pure finish that goes minutes, its palatial omnipresence is just difficult to ignore, this is really a wonderful bottle of Napa Cab. Wow 95

2006 Jones Family The Sisters: Not unlike its older sibling, this really packs it in, save for maybe a bit of elegance and structure, but make no mistake, this is one schnizzle of a $50 cab. Pure, clean, and lively, this has much to offer, and all at $50. Black fruits, plush mouthfeel, elegance, purity, structure and more.The best Sisters I have had, continues to be so. 94

2007 K Vintners Syrah Milbrandt Vineyard

USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope (2/15/2010)
Lets jump right into it: The nose: pure and bright nose with tons of bounce and shine. Red cherry, blackberry, black currant, some warm blueberry, pomegranate, earth, sun, and skill is what I get. The palate has a very intense and pure attack of same, but magnified. All precise. All pure. All in tune with what Syrah should be within these shores. There is a very intense acid level that tells you its awake and ready for business. The tannins, although slightly chewy are aligned and refined. I get some river rock, and some earthiness, with some pine, menthol, lead pencil shavings and spring flowers.The finish is in tune with what came before. This is the single best Milbrandt I have had in 3/4 vintages. Period. QPR contender for sure. (92 pts.)

2007 Hardin Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley

Sweet black fruit nose. Very pretty indeed. The palate has a super refined and semi plush mouthfeel with a creamy edge. Some wonderful black currant with black raspberries and camphor. Some creme de cassis, cherry cola, hints of vanilla and violets. This is long on finish. More than two minutes long. A wonderful acidity that keeps it alive and a tannin base that is pure and elegant. Super refined and expressive to the level of defying its own price-point. This has always been a favorite of mine, and this is the best yet. Wow.
$22 dollars never tasted so good. (92 pts.)

2004 Frazier Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (USA, California, Napa Valley)

The nose has some wonderful cassis driven fruit, with a hint of blueberry. Interesting. The palate has a very elegant and lush feel. The black fruit is abundant and somewhat bright, but not too bright. Lovely black currant, black berries, some blueberry which is somewhat strange, but welcomed. There is a touch of cola, tar, and camphor. A fully resolved tannin level that adds structure and finesse. Acid is well in the background, but ever present. A very admirable finish that continues on and on. I have always been a fan Fraziers cabs. This one sure pleases. Super QPR at $27. (93 pts.)

2005 Two Hands Cabernet Sauvignon Charlie's Patch - USA, California, Napa Valley

5 hour single decant & needed it.
Nice dark amber and super viscous, clinging to the sides of the glass like honey & water. The nose give up some black cherry and blackberries. The palate has a super restrained mouthfeel. I feel the small berries from the mountain fruit, Spring Mountain most definitely. here is some graphite, black currant, black cherry cola, soy, leather and earth. A very intricate tannin weave with a great balance of acid and fruit. Elegant and regal, this begs for 2-3 years. A decent finish and the memory lingers on the tongue for minutes. Well done TRB, especially in being so versatile in your winemaking. (91 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.)

2007 Dain Wines Syrah The Smart Set White Hawk Vineyard

If there had been a single best $20 STEAL available ANYWHERE. I would like to try it. Until then, I say this is possibly the best deal I have made all year (And I made some good deals).

Medium garnet in color, the nose is all white pepper, forest floor, cranberries, cherries, and pomegranate, all intense. All in balance. The palate reveals a lush mouth feel of cranberry, pomegranate, Bing cherries, red plums, raspberries, fresh grated white pepper, wild lowers and wow. The balance is incredible. Perfect acidic conveyor belt whisping this forward to nirvana.
Unbef-inglievable. A super long finish and Dain's your uncle. (95 pts.)

2005 Jones Family The Sisters - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/19/2009)

Super deep and dark as usual, this one needs a minimum of 1-2 hours to really show itself. Great creme de kirsch and cola on the nose. The palate has chewy black and dark red fruits of currant, blackberry and black plum pudding. The mouthfeel is plush and elegant. A wonderful balanced wine, this has all the hallmarks of a full-breed Napa cabernet, at half the price. The tannins are intricately weaved and spun to help create the great mouthfeel. The finish is a minute plus, and the fruit never quits. (93 pts.)

2005 Ruston Family Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley

A very admirable cabernet indeed. Medium light color. Great pure cassis on the nose with some cherry cola. There is a nice acid/tannin level that makes this a sure fire hit with food. (Roasted lamb chops). Black fruit profile with curant, black cherry, black plum and some tarry earthiness. A real nice plushy mouthfeel that belies its price point ($19.99). Medium weight on the tonque with some vanilla oaky notes that should flesh out in about a year. A clean and exact finish. This will be one of my house wines this summer as I just HAPPILY bought a bunch more. (good luck waiting the year). (91 pts.)

2006 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon H3 Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills

Admirable color, this has a nice nose of blackish currants, black cherry and kirsch. The palate shows nice fruit, albeit a bit 1 dimensional. Some good cab qualities of currant and blackberries. This wine is actually a bit better than CT scores will let on. There are some good clean tannins and a typical Washington State profile that many won't/don't like. (not in your face, but subdued and more 'cool climate' in style, without being green). I am sure this will be better in about a year since its shows a bit primary right now. A good finish and all in all .....not bad....not bad at all.....

2005 Sorrel Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County)

Last year about this time I found the 2003 Sorrel Canyon Cabernet and recommended it to everyone I knew who liked Cabernet. Many many cases were sold and I even got 2 or 3 for myself. By New Years I was unable to find any more. I am happy to announce it's back and better than ever.

Ultra dark. A color not ever encountered in such an inexpensive wine. The nose has some sweet red currant and a certain flowery headiness that tells me there maybe a touch of Cab Franc in the mix. There are wonderful Bing cherries there as well. The palate has a wonderful mouth feel that is fruit forward and deftly balanced. The texture defies the price. There's allot going on here: cola nuts, vanilla, Chinese apple, tar, and black cherry. The tannins are very agreeable and soft and the acid is a touch high on the end, but this wine carries it nicely. I like this better than last years '03 (and that's a feat in itself). It has more elegance, structure and class. Not the longest finish ever, but you know what? We can forgive something....no?
You will be hard pressed to find a better deal for $12. Hard pressed. Super QPR two years running. 92/100

2005 Hardin Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

I am forever on the Cabernet QPR search. Last year I found the Sorrel Canyon Cabernet for $9. (Mendocino).
Many have bought cases upon cases of this after tasting from my recommendation.
I truly believe if one looks hard enough one can still find great wines at reasonable prices and $23 is surely reasonable, especially by Napa's standards. I initially had this last week and thought it deserved a deeper look. The verdict: I will get a case.

Deep garnet color. Viscous grip on the glass. The nose has blackberries, currant, dark cherry pie and boysenberry. The mouthfeel belies the fact that this is a $23 Cab. There is real structure and allure not normally found at this price point. Sweet tannins and a quiet but ever present acid level carries this forward. The finish seems a bit clipped. This reminds me of Ed Sbragias offerings of late save for the Beringer Reserve. There are some grape pips floating about? Strange, but the only distraction I can find. Could use a year in the bottle but drinks quite nicely now. (90 pts.)

I have bestowed the elusive Super QPR designation on this one!

From website (my bolding emphasis): The first Hardin Cabernet Sauvignon was “discovered” in 2003 by Doug Polaner on a trip to California. The wine was sourced from one of Napa Valley's long time “cult” producers. Doug found himself in Napa at the right time, and was able to taste and buy a small lot of this top, top quality wine. With the blow-out success of the first vintage, he went right to work on putting together a stellar follow-up, traveling throughout Napa tasting small lots of Cabernet until he was able to assemble the right combination of components. The blend of the 2005 is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, sourced from high-end vineyards such as ToKalon & Dr. Crane. The wine was aged in 75% new French oak for 18 months before being racked into used oak. Stylistically, the wine is classic deep, plush Napa Cab with lots of ripe Cassis fruit, sweet tannins and hints of superb quality oak. Try it with braised pheasant, red cabbage and wild rice, or why not a filet mignon with Gorgonzola sauce…?

2004 Cape Mentelle Shiraz Margaret River

Last week I revisited Aussie Shiraz at the Aussie Wine Festival, (below). As mentioned a few stuck out as purchase worthy. Not that I ever need a reason to find a great wine that clocks in below $20.

I just had to try this one again, and I am glad I did. ($17.99). Dark color with some browning on the edges. Not alarming type of browning though. The nose had some great fresh vibrant dark fruits: cassis, blackberry, and boysenberry. There is a slight band-aid element that I won't quite call VA. It's actually quite intriguing and I am going to call it a fruit note. The mouth explodes with dark black plums, blackberries, and camphor. There is an element of purity that belies its price. A pure fruit forward and elegant wine. I love the notes of tobacco, dark coffee and tar. The tannins are spot on and the acid level is hovering over perfection. This is a wonderful Shiraz from Margaret River that has cool climate written all over it. Smooth, sweet, long and full of the wow factor. These are the qualities I look for to my Northern Rhone’s in the sub $50 region. Usually with not much luck.

If you have avoided Shiraz in the last year or so, like I have, you will be pleasantly surprised. Seek this one out. If you hate it I will purchase them from you. 92/100 (upgraded from 90)

TN: 2002 Kuleto Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - REDUX

(1/18/2008) Youthful deep color. Intense sweet cassis on the nose. On the palate the first thing you notice the purity. There is an amazing smooth sweet cassis, dark cherry, and deep tar going on here. I am a big fan of the lush elegant style this wine brings. The mouthfeel reminds me of a top Pomerol. Sure, it's fat, but what's wrong with fat? This has a finely weaved tannin level and an 'in your face' (not in a bad) way acid level. The finish is long and smooth. This is still wonderful, and there is no sign of any change on the horizon. A great deal at $39. Recenty found for $25 and a SCREAMING deal at that. Glad I got me more. Drinks like a $100 bottle of Napa Cab...really. Holdng at 94. (94 pts.)

(2/25/2007)Ultra dark intense crimson color with the slightest purple edge. The nose shows some anise, currant, cherries, cassis, and espresso. On the palate there is a wonderful purity and lushness. A dark fruited medley with espresso and cocoa. This Cabernet has an amazing soft mouthfeeel and a lilt balance of fine tannins and acid. To me this is more of a drinking wine than a food wine. This is a truly special Cabernet, especially when you take into account its cost; $40. A modern day Napa QPR. Over the past few months this wine has evolved nicely. It has picked up much more character, and has ironed out its rough edges. Drinks like a $100 Napa, and that ain't easy to do. Wow (94 pts.)

2003 Sorrel Canyon Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 12/1/2007 (Super-QPR)

2003 Sorrel Canyon Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.

The foil cap says Windsor. The cork says Windsor. This very drinkable Cabernet is produced by Windsor Vineyards, those people who can put your name on wine to give to clients and the like. It differs in the fact that those old Windsors I have tried... always sucked. This is pretty pretty good. This wine is sold exclusively by Gary's Wine & Marketplace in New Jersey. They were pouring it when I visited so I gave it a shot, then another.

From my bottle a week later;
Dark color. Out of the gate the wine was a bit awkward, but within in hour it had shown signs of elegance and structure one rarely encounters at this price point. ($8.99)

Mocha, creme de cassis, lush black fruits, tar, coffee, and a very credible tannin level. As it sat in my glass it just got better and better. What a 9 dollar stunner!

Not much info on the web about this one, but give it a try and let me know what you think. I grabbed a case....

postscript;

I can't state this enough; anyone who likes Cabernet should find this wine. I have had it 10 times to date and it just amazes me how a wine like this can still be produced and sold for under $10!! Lush, deep dark fruit. Tasted blind I would place this at about $30-$40. Really. Some friends of mine have tried and have bought cases. People who have some pretty deep cellars I should add.

I get nada for recommending this. But keep this in mind; If my name were Bob, this would be impossible to get.

You owe it to yourself. No?