2007 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley (12/11/2010)

The single best Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve I have ever had, and I had many. Dark an ominous. A nose of all black cassis, lead pencil, black plum and cola. The palate shows a deep and focused Cab with gobs of layers that keep evolving. Cool licorice and black cassis with Kirsch & Framboise, plum, and tar. This is a serious wine that deserves 10 minutes of pure meditation, and then hours of continuous enjoyment. There is some complicated nuances of oak with some underbrush present; some cocoa, cedar box, and tea-leaf. The tannins keep the complication alive as they are omni-present and luxurious. there is a sweet underlying quality that I really like; there must be at least 5 layers to this wine. A medium to full-throttle leaning mouthfeel that has almost a 'sweet and cool' lushness to it. The finish just....goes. This is a show stopper; the schnizzle we all ever really wanted from GdL. (96 pts.)

Eating crow -or- tasting the 2000 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

A few months back these were available for deep discount at WineWoot.com where-as I had placed foot in mouth when some friends asked my opinion and said that it was most definitely a pass due to vintage. Well, even at 49 I can learn a thing or two, and hope I am all the better for it. Within a half a day I received an email from Cathy Corison telling me I should taste this wine, that I would be surprised with it. I have and I am.

Hey Cathy, nice job!

2000 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (12/10/2010)
Pop and pour. Dark mature edges on a crimson base. Super bright nose of sweet cheery pie, sweet anise, red currants and red raspberries, all in a big bouquet of spring flowers. Very interesting and inviting. The palate is all cool red fruits with tons of structure and finesse; there are some red currants, red raspberries compote, bright bing cherries, a hint of tart plums, some tar, worn leather, and graphite. There is a wonderful mid-weight and somewhat lush & creamy feel to this one. The finish is long and exact. Interestingly, I have never really had a 2000 Napa Cab that I really really liked, or should say experienced any that did not exhibit at least some of the problems inherent of the vintage; they always seemed a bit manufactured, fake or cloying. This has broken the mold and is a revelation to me. It’s a very pretty and most certainly a Bordeaux-like Cabernet, something I always believed was Corison’s house style. Definitely a very different style than many being made these days and although not the style I usually seek, this is a winner. Drink now and enjoy. Should hold on for a few years. (92 pts.)

2005 Summerland Syrah Single Vineyard Collection Bien Nacido Block X (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley)

Deep dark color, almost opaque. Purple red edges. Nose of cherry cola soda and black cherries. The palate is medium in weight slightly elevated in acidity, but all in all a very round a full Syrah with tons of class and pizzazzzzz. This screams California, and that's a good thing. There are some crushed stones, ripe black berries, clack currant, bacon fat, blueberry tart and more. A long finish closes it out nicely. A nice Syrah that drinks well above its station. If this pops back onto WTSO, I am jumping....... 91 pts

2007 Lewelling Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena)

Color is more red than black. Opaque. The nose has a sweet cherry and vanilla wrapped red currant quality. Palate has explosive reddish black fruits with cherry first and foremost, then some raspberry and sour cranberries. Oak is a bit elevated as is the alcohol in the form of dry finish. Very awkward and blowsy, this really fits what I had expected of it for the vintage. These are somewhat flamboyant in a classic year, in 07 this is 4 fold. I wish I could wrap my palate around it. Maybe 10 years might help, but I could also imagine it not. I could imagine it drying up and fading away. Too bad.

2006 Drew Family Cellars Syrah Broken Leg Vineyard (USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley)

Dark color with purple-crimson edges and a nose of sweet red cassis/currant, cherries and raspberries. The palate shows some great breed. There is bacon fat, warm blueberry pie, cherry compote, crushed river rocks and more. Some violets show toward the mid palate and there is a real perfumey quality (eau de cologne) that pops in as you remove the glass from your mouth. Very intriguing. A extremely balanced wine that has its tannins in check and acidity fluttering right above the mid-palate. Something between new world and the best of the old world minus the funk. A long finish with the dark fruits in memory for more than a minute. I have had some Drew bottlings in the past and they always deliver the good. 92 pts

2002 Emilio's Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville)

20 minute decant. Crimson-black with carmine edges. The nose is all currant, black cherry & graphite. The palate reveals some expressive notes of cocoa, cassis, kirsch royal, black plum, & creamy plush stuff, all good. the tannins seem resolved and balance really tight. There is some good symmetry going on here, some goood structure in the middle weight fighting category. Class is evident. Some cola pops in Mid-palate and a hint of cedar & mint show themselves. A decent finish all in all. If I had to find fault (and why would I?) I would say somewhat 'typical', but maybe that's not a flaw at all. A pretty nice example of a 2002 Napa cab and I would expect no less when the word 'Reserve' is on the label (maybe that's why I went a-lookin'). A great deal from this past summers Winebid bonanza and pretty good qpr for $25 per. 91 pts

2006 Cloud View Pritchard Hill (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Purple tinged edges on crimson. Nose a bit subdued. There is some very evident pizazz here. Dark cherry cola, black currant, some pomegranate, some soy, some leather. A very plush wine with a medium bodied mouth-feel. Large formatted tannins on a silky acidity base that rides a bit high, but not too much so. There is a dryness from the middle out that really never lets up. A long finish for a few minutes closes this one. There is a certain classy element here. I can see what Mondavi see as far as potential for his Continuum label. Though not for the faint of heart, I might like to revisit in 2 years. It will be a stunner. 91 pts

2003 Double Diamond (Schrader) Cabernet Sauvignon Mayacamas Range (USA, California, Sonoma County)

Still vibrant. The nose is all sweet cherry-cola. Palate shows some pretty good cab qualities of black currant, black cherries, Kirsch, and smoke. Interesting. It is a wee-bit simple, but for the price paid, a home-run ($15). A medium weight wine with some plushy goodness. Pretty long finish with fully resolved tannins and a almost imperceptibly elevated acidity that worked pretty well with chicken Milanese with a lightly dressed white balsamic & olive oiled Boston lettuce salad. Great deal and qpr. This has held up well and I will seek more for the right price. 90 pts

1991 The Terraces Zinfandel (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Some browning on the edges as expected. The nose is sweet red cherries and Framboise. It is actually quite elegant and petite and light in its weight with some spring flowers and rubbed sassafras. The palate has the same cherries and Framboise, but add into the mix some red currant and macerated blackberry skins. There is some sun kissed warm river stones in there as well. Totally resolved with lots of good stuff for lovers of old wine to like, you know all those secondaries one seeks: tar, old leather, and cedar box. There is also a hint of some spiciness left. A long and focused finish really makes this enjoyable. A great deal on WB for $15. Love me some experiments.....90 pts

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

Wow. This has shed some of its bulk and become more graceful and pretty. It has a very fragrant & floral note of violets and spring flowers. Its gotten a bit silky too. There is some creme de cassis, blackberry, black-cherry and black currant. In my last note I mentioned it would be great on the deck with my alongside the BBQ tools, now it can be moved inside to a nice rack of lamb. A super long finish really makes this enjoyable. If I put this into a CLONYC tasting blind, it will really catch attention. I think I just......might. 92 pts

2008 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

From the pick up party earlier today:
This has really became the sum of all the parts I tasted a bit back as barrel components. Its dark and sexy with great backbone and some real Coombsville character, (a character I am learning more & more about all the time). This was a bit closed at first, but after about 30 minutes it opened nicely. There is a silkiness about it this that stems from the fruit, always showcasing its purity. Theres some black currant, black cherry and hints of cool cola, this had some power within the elegance that really catches and holds your attention. It has some great balance which displays the iron fist/velvet glove thing nicely. Did I say it was sexy? It was. Once this sheds its baby fat this will really be an amazing bottle. I am going to try and hold back opening my first bottle for a bit, but it will be tough.

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

Something amiss with this wine and I can't quite put my finger on it, but I'll try. There is an almost fabrication quality to it that I seen on many a 2000. I would never expect this in 2005, and certainly not from Etude. Theres some black fruits but I really can't get past a maderized/over-extracted/port like quality that really annoys me. The mid palate is high in acidity and the finish seems seems fake, and I just feel it in my nose! I hate that.. I had heard there was an issue with this one, but had to see for myself. I guess if you want to really appreciate great wine, you need a yardstick to measure it against from time to time, and I have met this years yardstick. Ouch!

2003 Beckmen Vineyards Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley)

The nose is ALL steamed meats with some black berry and cardamom. The palate has a nice purity with fantastic balance and structure. There is blueberries, blackberries, black cherry, smokey bacon, sun warmed river stones and more. A very nice and precise, albeit maybe a wee simple Syrah from Purisma mountain, never ever to be confused with a French wine. Tannins are resolves and acidity rides slightly high. This would be great with some grub. A longish finish with much vibrancy. Pretty nice for the price at auction ($15) and glad I have more. I will hold the rest of this for dinner, and btw, it needs at least a 30 minute decant. 90 pts

TN: 2006 Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley)

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” This Realm is dark as night. The nose is a pure precise focus of black and red fruits and of cassis driven earth with blackest cherry cola. Slightly holding back itself, but I see into it all too well. The palate is one of purity and class. Dark fruits once again with mutliple layer of Napa Cabernet goodness: there is the Creme de cassis that I really love; some lead pencil; a hint of pomegranate; and enough black cherry one could ever want. This has so much balance to bring smileth to thou face. No need to ask "When shall we three meet again, In thunder, lightning, or in rain?" for the time is now. Plush with class, this has a medium weighted mouthfeel; it's tannins are still working, and acidity of the lilty type. Long finish that goes on and on. Make no tragedy hereth, as one not be deserved. This Realm is the schnizzle, or as Bill said: "This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this Napa."

Thou did not liketh the 06s when first released nearly as mucheth as I do-eth now. (93 pts.)

Stolen from Winebid for $50 per!

2004 Clark-Claudon Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Pure Cabernet. very classic balanced & elegant. Its dark. Its nose is black fruits at midnight. There is some black-cherry lingering. The palate is pure with the blackest cassis, blackest cherry and a hint of pomegranate. There is some macerated black plum pudding in here too. It's all focus and never show. There is some mushroom notes, some lead pencil shavings and some lite soy. The balance is incredible. Tannins are in check and super complicated. The acidity it high-wire act-like. Let me tell you of the finish: It's long and focused with those aforementioned black fruits. Elegance and structure with purity and precision. What else does a Cabernet lover ask for? Nothing.
Here would be a good test: take any highly rated 2007 and put it alongside this. No contest, because this is the real deal. 100% Cabernet from a great vintage with just a few years on it. Nice. Very nice. Think Karl Lawrence Reserve. (93 pts.)

2007 Jones Family The Sisters - USA, California, Napa Valley

My theory of pop & pour for all (most?) 2007s has been debunked.
I did pop and pour this. It was dark and viscous. The nose had some hidden black cassis, black cherry, camphor and black plums. This was very fragrant with a hint of violets and spring flowers. The Cab Franc made itself known. The palate had shown some gracefulness & purity right out of the gate. A very nice start--but after about an hour this evolved into a plushy refined, elegant & interesting wine. The fruits come more 'forward' as well. It was full and round with well woven tannins and an acidity that worked well with some challenging foods over lunch. Some sassafras, lead pencil and fresh rubbed leather all made an appearance as well. Nothing big and brash about this one, it fell in step with what I have come to expect from Jones Sisters in the past, having recently had every vintage since 2001.
A very decent finish that kept the fruit alive. Very nice indeed. Still one of the best QPRS in the valley. Started by Heidi, finished by Thomas, where could you go wrong? (93 pts.)

2007 Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

Needs an hour decant time. Super dark and luxurious, the nose is all sweet black fruits and some soft oak. The palate has pure creme de cassis, Kirsh Royal, blackberry, black cherry, black raspberries with a hint of cedar box and tobacco. Some lead pencil and some soy but the big star here is the intensity and purity that seems almost converor-like delivered with elegance and focus one usually wishes for in a Napa Cab, and does not always get. Its tanins are intricate and complicated, and the mouth feel is medium weight, soft full & plushy. What really caught my attention was the finish; it was long and pure fruited, and I mean looooong. 5 minutes later I was still tasting this wine, and that ain't too bad.

One to keep your eye on. Thomas Rivers Brown is the consulting winemaker. (91 pts.)

2007 Jean Edwards Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Seventy Four - Forty One Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley

A light shaded red color with some crimson edges. Nose of sweet black cherry, cola, cardamom, and wild flowers. The palate unwinds with some fantastic red leaning black fruits. A very 'pretty' wine with an almost pinot noir sensibility?? It's a light weight wine with a classy elegant mouth-feel. There is some lead pencil, red cherry, red currant a hint of sassafras, some cedar with a hint of oak. This is a super balanced Cab with nothing gobby, nothing flashy, nothing that wants to command the room; a real welcome in a sea of big burly Napa Cabs. Very consistent with my last note with maybe just a little more cohesiveness. A real beauty, and one I am glad I have more of.
Well done Karen & John. (93 pts.)

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

Dark, viscous and very opaque, this is all pure black fruits on the nose. Framboise, cassis, Kirsch, blackberry, and more. This holds to the side of the glass upon swirl. Palate has all the same with a lilty balance, medium weighted mouth feel, big chewy tannins, that are well behaved, and just an amazing overall 'feel'. Today this takes on more weight (since I last had it a few months back). It is now more structure and less show. There is some leather, tar, lead pencil and cedar. Finish is long and beautiful. Finesse and brawn all wrapped up! 
Dark and glorious, one I can really be proud to call my house wine. 95 points, today.

2002 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

Last one. 30 minutes decant. Red ruby and pretty transparent for a Cabernet. The nose is all intense red & black fruits with camphor, leather, cedar shavings, and Kirsch. Palate has all this with focus on the reddish fruits. Cherries and sweet plums with red-raspberries that linger on and on. The mouth-feel is somewhat light to medium with a cornucopia of all cabs red fruits. There is a lead pencil thing which reminds one of a good Paullliac, when I drank that sort of thing. (Think Les Forts de Latour, or a Pichon. Baron, not Lalande) . Some spice-box, some damp forest floor, I mean ground. The tannins have a slight edge to them. Nothing negative, just dictates more time needed. Acidity is Mondavi-high--It's a lot like Rocky Mountain High, but different. This is a foodies wine. Its floral, and very pretty with purity that carries most of its heft toward the finish which is long and goodie filled. Very nice showing tonight. I would not rush to this. It sure is better than it was 3 years ago though. (91 pts.)