Popped and poured into red Solo cups. The 1995 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and some desiccated, black and red fruits: cassis, brambles, tobacco, leather, organic earth, minerals and gentle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (mostly integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This was a fantastic showing for the Napa and there’s quite a lot of life left. Drink now through 2035+. — a month ago
I think my posts on this producers Napa Cabernets with this kind of age have been clear. 2005 not the shinning star vintage of Napa Valley, yet non the less very consistent & punches above its price point. Pretty sure I bought this in the $35ish range. She is smooth with no bittiness on the palate.
The nose shows; used coffee grounds, dark currants, brambly, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, melted dark chocolate, caramel, mocha powder, baking spices, black licorice, steeped black tea, sandstone,moist clays, fresh & dry herbs, dark, fresh & withering flowers.
The palate is elegant & still fresh; dark currants, brambly, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, melted dark chocolate to pudding, caramel, mocha powder, baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, black licorice, mid to dark berry cola, steeped black tea, dark spice with palate heat, sandstone, moist clays, fresh & dry herbs, dark, fresh & withering flowers framed in violets, very round acidity with balance, evolution, structure/ tension & elegance for minutes and lands on earth & spice.
Still has 7-10 yrs ahead. You could make a case for 94 here. — a month ago
Cork came out perfect.
Blasted it with wine2pro for some oxygen and then it really became expressive within about 30 mins.
Good grip and dark structure. Showed some savory notes
Fruit came later on as it mellowed with more airtime. Little blueberry and some black fruits. — 17 days ago
The best Merlot in my honest opinion. Coming from a Cab guy. — 7 days ago
Paul T HB
Steak & football 🏈 with my buddies.
Minimum 3-4 hour decant when drinking this so soon. — 4 days ago