2008 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Actaeon Quixote Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

Super purple tinged and beautiful. A nose of pure cassis, black cherry Kirsch with pomegranate. A full and round mouth feel that never comes close to even resembling anything overbearing. Pure and focused, more textural than layered now. In 5 or 6 years this could be a perfect rendition of a Stags Leap Napa Cabernet, and at least able to compete with SHS. There is an intense presence that beckons your attention. Some very pretty floral notes run the length; this really is an awesome bottle of wine; structure, grace, poise and breed all wrapped in a near perfect package. Deep and luxurious with fine tannins and a perfect lilty balance. A finish that goes for minutes.

There are times when people have asked me what I like in my Cabs; I would love to have a few dozen 187ml bottles of this for them to pop and see for themselves, as this really does have it all. I used the word beautiful no fewer than 6 times at the table while sampling this over lunch. If this is further indication, I am going to love the 2008 vintage in Napa. (95 pts.)

2006 Jones Family The Sisters - USA, California, Napa Valley (3/27/2011)

Pop and pour.
Having been a fan of these for a while (since the 03 vintage), I can tell you that there is no better feeling than reassurance of ones feelings and opinion, something that I have never been short of. This 2006 remains such an incredible staple in my cellar, as I get down to my last 7, I start feeling a bit melancholy; I know the 2008s are upon us now, and I know it's pretty great in its own right, but does it know that the shoes it need to fit into, lets call it the 'Sisters high water mark' has been set, all I can do is wish it luck. Them's some big shoes.

Today, I walk through a field of violets. The darkness we have all come to expect from these is still in play; the nose is spring violets, black currant and black cherry. The palate shows super breed and structure with tons of deep layers. An incredible array of black fruits with some red tinged fruits lying in the background. Spring flowers dominated by a very intense violet note really makes this love at first sight, but wait, there's more: Black cassis with Kirsch, black-cherries, cola, Kirsch, some soft vanilla notes, some cigar box, and hints of soy sauce. Initially on pop and pour you really need to pay attention as thing enter and exit quicker than Lindsay stays at rehab, but if you do, you are rewarded because now as I write, maybe 15 minutes after starting, the violets have subsided and more black fruits have emerged. The balance is deft and the finish is long. This really remains one of the best deals in the Valley. (95 pts.)

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

Pop and pour. A bit redder and maybe more along in the color of the edges. The nose is cool black currant with some cola notes, kirsch and black cherry. Palate has the currant, black cherry and cola with some worn leather, cocoa butter and soy lite soy sauce. A hint of menthol is present. The mouthfeel is light weight and the balance is near perfect. I say near because there is a hint of acidity toward the end that adds dimension and depth. Pure and near precise this is enjoyable and free-flowing in its attack. Finish is admirable. An easy drinking Cabernet Sauvignon with a bunch of years under its belt. 91 pts

2007 Novy Family Wines Syrah Page Nord (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Dark it is. Real dark. The nose has predominant black-cherry and Kirsch Royal. There is some red currant and blackberries in there too. There is a very pretty spring flower note in there. The palate has all of those fruits I just mentioned with an explosion in your mouth. Black cherries and blueberry compote. Shows slightly hot, but time should bring that in line. A very lush and full mouthfeel with gobby red and black fruits. There is an interesting linseed oil quality I really like. This is a full throttle and in your face Syrah, not for the faint of heart. The finish is long and luxurious with memories of black cherries. I might hold my next bottles for BBQ season. 90 pts.

(or I might give them away, and I did).

2005 Slaughterhouse Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford)

Years back, I had read there was a petroleum depot or refinery located nearby Chateau Latour. I had also read that if you search hard enough, you can find traces of petrol in the wine. Now, I might not be the smartest wine-o around, but I know petrol is NOT something I want in my wine, either real or theorized. I went on to wonder what petrol might actually taste like?; it has taken me 25 years to find it but here it is, right now, in this wine. This is a big wine, bursting with fruit and goodness. Everything I would want in a Cabernet from Rutherford, and no, I can't find dust... I found the elusive petrol though. The nose was all bright black fruits of currant, pomegranate, plums, black cherry, blackberries and more. It's intense and boisterous, all while being brash and playful. There is a certain quality I have not, or never paid attention to here that is so in play, I can honestly say it endears me to this wine more. Initially the petrol came across somewhat like a petroleum jelly turn to fabrication/fakeness, but with air it awakened to add to the structure and overall pleasure of this wine. It is super structured with a mouth-feel that is lush and its tannins are oversized. I can see you all cringing, but don't; it's actually quite nice when all in balance and all in focus like this is tonight. I will even go further by saying this is very Paullliac-like, albeit young Paulliac-like. There is a cornucopia of 'stuff' here (Like the tea), almost too much to speak of, but since I have never been at a loss of words before, here tou go: creme de cassis, kirsch, new leather, lead pencil shavings, hints of vanilla, hints of cola, lavender, framboise, black cherries jubilee...BLACK. Had enough? It's long finish and lively acidity really makes this sing. And with song, comes dance. 93 pts

2006 Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

A very interesting wine. Deeply colored and opaque. The nose is a very quietly refined black cherry and black berry. The palate shows a superfine and luxurious cab with some depth and elegance. Actually, a lot of elegance. There is some fine woven tannins with just a hint of heat that dissipated with some decant time. This starts out an all black fruited cab with a very refined attitude that in time takes on some red fruits of red currant, tart red raspberries and plum; enter some camphor, some linseed oil, some lead pencil and some dried spices. Balance it deft and finish is long. This needs 3-4 hour minimal decant time to show itself.
91 pts

2003 Hug Cellars Syrah Bassetti Vineyard (USA, California, Central Coast, San Luis Obispo County)

Very pretty nose of black currants, violets and black cherries with hints of cola. The palate shows a purity and intensity. Initially there is a wee bit of sweetness that distracts, but as it sits in the glass, and as it comes up from cellar temp, it opens up to bright red and black fruits, some white pepper, some soy sauce, some violets. This is very Cabernet Sauvignon like in its approach. I would say almost fully resolved and totally in business. If I had to find a fault, it would be a slightly elevated acidity. It is fruit pack and light bodied, but enjoyable nonetheless. This is a food wine. 91 pts

2001 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon M-Bar Ranch Oakville (USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville)

I expected more from this one. It was 'typical' as a Cabernet, but just not boat rocking. Black cassis driven nose and mouth with cola, black cherry and black raspberry. What was missing was depth and sense of presence. Alongside a 2006 Realm Farella, this lacked structure, class and breed. Don't get me wrong, I did not throw it out of bed, but I also did not stare admiringly at it as it left the bed.Expectations can be problematic. 90 pts

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

3 hour decant. Consistent with my last note. This is opaque. The nose is a refined creme de cassis and blackberry. A beautiful refined and classy cabernet that just screams 'drink me'. Initially quite closed, but the decant time gave it dimension and depth. Black fruit ruled this bottle. Some cedar box, some leather, a hint of vanilla and some graphite in a medium bodied wine, this went long and stayed black fruit laden. I am thrilled to have 4 more in the cellar. No need to run to though, as these are built for some more distance. 93 pts

2003 Andrew Murray Syrah Roasted Slope (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley)

The more I drink Andrew Murray Syrahs, the more I find ho much I enjoy the them more and more. This was floral and pretty with a black & blue fruit profile. It has a nice creaminess within the light/mid-weight mouth feel. some pomegranate pomace, white pepper, bacon fat and wild flowers. A very enjoyable wine that has a fantastic QPR. 92 pts

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

This wines is just a fantastic rendition of a Cali Syah that I am still learning I seem to really enjoy. It has a vibrancy and level of fruits that catch your attention early and hold it long, but in a seemingly delicate and profound way. Blue fruited with some underlying blacks, this glides across the palate with an almost lush and velvety texture that I associate with some Cali Cults more than Cali Syrahs. Elegance and purity rules the roost. Some worn leather, hints of soy sauce, river rocks and white pepper. A long finish tops it all off.Its pretty and joyful. The hit Syrah (3 total) on the table with wine-os and non wine-os alike. 94 pts

2005 Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Mandala (USA, California)

Big and bold. No doubt you're in Cali. Smoked meat, river stones, white pepper, blueberry pie, black cherry, leather and black cherry liquer. As it had the opportunity (3 hrs) to sit on the table it fleshed out into a finely delineated pure Syrah. I can be a fan of such a bold style, just not sure I want it all the time. It is a great wine nonetheless. 91 pts

2009 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Sunspot Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District)

Probably one of the greatest young wines I have sampled. This is sure primary, but if you look deep enough you will find the goodies hiding. Midnight black fruits of currant, and blackberries. Pure and super focused with gobs of stuffing. There is some spring flowers and rubbed leather. It's plush and elegant all while being brash and boisterous. Multi-layered and pretty, this has near perfect balance. When this wine gets some time on it, it will be incredible, some things you just.....know. 96 pts

2006 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select (USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District)

Dark and opaque. The nose has a refined cassis and black cherry with some sweet undertones that are very nice indeed. The first thing you spot on the nose is the purity and class. This has some plush creme de cassis, Kirsch Royal, black cherry & cola. A very lilty balance with a lush under-body and velvety feel that really makes it shine. Long and precise, this is focused and full of Grandeur. 93 pts

2007 Miner Family Syrah La Diligence Stagecoach Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley)

What an all around near perfect expression of Cali-Syrah. There is some beautiful black fruits of blackberries and plum. Some steamed meat, bacon fat, blueberry pie and boysenberries. Perfect balance with a med/light body and tons of elegance. Wonderful structure 'involved' tannins and long finish. Somewhere between the US and Northern Rhone, this has the best of both worlds in a nice little package. Made from Stagecoach fruit. One I will seek out. (93 pts.)

2001 Brokenwood Shiraz Rayner Vineyard (Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale)

Black with barely any age showing. The nose is a respectful menthol with some black cherry, smoke and Asian spice. There is also some real nice cola notes here which I think is a product of age with this. In a way it reminds me of a 'not perfect vintage Grange'. I get no negative stuff in here. The palate has all that plus some red currant, red plums and cedar with high notes of cola. This last quality really makes this a memorable wine tonight. (Pizza night at Chateau Pobega) The balance is fantastic, all while fully resolved. A mid-weight wine with some plushy goodness that hints of leather, blueberry pie and sassafras. A long finish and Bob's your uncle. This bottle personifies & embodies the old adage "No good wines, just good bottles" as it is fantastic in it's showing this evening. I had 'not so high hopes' for this bottle, so I apologize: You sir, are awesome. I like aged Shiraz! there, I said it! 93 pts

The wine gods have been kind to Napa Cabernet lovers

Given a fair chance, a frog can indeed turn into a prince. I know as I have witnessed this first hand (and still am witnessing such). The frog I speak of is the 2003 vintage of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Upon first impressions back in 2005 and 2006 I had noticed many were plagued with the issues of a troubled and rainy Cabernet harvest. Numerous (in my humble opinion) were insipid and thin, lacking structure and often over acidified and out of balance. The top estates of the Napa Valley are well expected to make good wines even in seemingly ‘off’ years, but coming off of two abysmal vintages like 1998 and 2000, were Cab lovers actually willing spend hard earned cash to find the gems? To date I must have tasted 200+ Cabernet Sauvignons from the 2003 vintage but none have impressed me more than a select few. Karl Lawrence wines are a good bet in an off year and the reserves much more so. I have had a few 2003 Karl Lawrence Dr Crane reserves that have been simply spectacular, and last nights 2003 Gemstone Yountville was no different (see below). There are some others in my list of maybe ten or so and the QPR of the group being the 2003 Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. Happily, many of those ‘lesser’ wines I sampled way back when have become nicely drinkable when revisited today.

After being a big proponent against wines from this vintage, even going as far as blocking people from bringing them to my CLONYC dinners, I can safely say that I think…no, I know time has been gracious to this vintage. Add the best wines of this vintage to the bevy of phenomenal wines we are witness to right here and now, my usual saying of “What a great time to be a Napa Cab lover” takes on even more relevance. Compounded yet again with the fact that many top Cabernets from Napa ‘03 can usually be gotten for a fraction of their release prices and when viewed in the colored glasses of the dreary financial situation we find amongst us, not to mention the ‘hushly spoken of’ overstock of wines due to hit us soon enough, and amazing vintages that ‘keep-a-poppin’, all I can ask is: Are you ready?
Don't miss the train!

2003 Gemstone Yountville (USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville)

What a beautiful wine. This is still dark and ominous. The nose starts out all creme de cassis and black cherries. A super elegant plushness is really in control here. Fully resolved and firing on every cylinder this has it just maxes itself out for your benefit. Black fruits of currant, black berries and black cherries, there is a phenomenal balance to this: it had perfect acidity for a meal of wild boar, couscous with a blackberry reduction sauce. Pure and focused with style and pizazz, this is just amazing tonight. After about an hout this went to the red fruit side with cherries ruling. Even the color changed for the redder. Interesting indeed. A long and pure finish really ends the show here. I have not had this one in about 5 years, and it has really became something special. 95 pts

2004 Scholium Project Scythia Donati Vineyards (USA, California, Central Coast, San Benito County)

What can I say that has not been said before and probably by me in any of my other half dozen notes here? After I pulled a corked bottle from my cellar 2 months back when at dinner with Abe, I was anxious to open one again. It’s still pure and still firmly focused and awesome. There is not a rough edge to be found and I think this may be in its sweet spot right now. Black and blue fruits run the show with some low notes of warm bacon fat, river stones and blueberry compote. This actually gets a bit plushy in the middle and to the finish which long and elegant. This really still has it all. Fabulous.13 more stored away and happy for it. 96 pts

2005 Bennett Lane Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

This wine's best attributes are hidden. All the pieces are there, they just need to be given the time to come together cohesively. The nose is a quiet brand of black cassis and blackberry. Palate shows some nice purity and structure all wrapped within some black fruits of currant, blackberries, black cherries, and black plum compote. Some soft creme de cassis with a hint of Kirsch Royal liquor. Tannins are big and defensive but the balance is evident. Typical of the classic 2005 vintage, I like this ones style. I think I will like it better after some resolving & rest. There is a trace of alcohol on the finish as well, but the finish had all the fruit still showing through. I will call this 90 tonight with 93 the promise. Lots happening here, lets just bring it all together now, ok? :)