Tom Heckert

9.3

Brought out of the cellar. From a trip to Napa in 2011? Cherry and tobacco on the front. Hints of mint as it lingers. Still a full tannic finish after 16 years. Another bottle in the cellar to try in a few years more. Paired with locally sourced braised beef short ribs. — 8 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Again, nice but not the full, rich, lush wines that Charles Hendricks made, nor does it drink well early.

The fruit is ripe, bright; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries, dark chocolate, loads of caramel, more retrained wood than their Cabernet, dry tobacco, dry brush, cinnamon, nutmeg, unstated spice, vanilla, dark berry cola, dark Belgium chocolate, anise to black candied licorice, moist clay, dry herbs, dry river stone, dry top soils, minty as it sets, still very primary, candied; dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets, the acidity nice but the finish needs integration & evolution badly. Shows some promise in another 5 years. — 2 years ago

Laura Purdy

9.3

92% Syrah, 6% Syrah, 2% Viognier
Beautiful dark fruit, spices and a trace of menthol. Beautiful wine! — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

This is a non vintage blend and where the Hendricks fruit goes when Charles doesn’t deem it perfect for his private label Hendricks. This is what I miss from the new winemaker at James Cole, it is very elegant.

The palate is round, lush, ruby, creamy fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries, blue fruit hues. Dark and milk chocolate-more dark, caramel, black and some red licorice/cola, herbaceous notes, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather, sandalwood, barrel powder, soft Indian spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark, rich soil, a fresh dark and mid red floral bouquet, excellent round acidity with a well structured, knitted, very well balanced and polish for days. Lasts two minutes plus. — 2 years ago

Jake Hajer

9.1

Bright red fruit. Good acidity. Enjoyed. — 2 years ago

Jake Hajer

9.1

Light bodied. Strawberries. — 2 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

It’s good to follow Winemakers. I follow Charles Hendricks. However, Charles last James Cole vintage was 2013.

100% Petit Verdot in anyone’s hands is tricky. This 09 made by Charles is elegant young...just as it is now. It’s just rounder & softer after 9 1/2 years in bottle. It still has teeth but, complex & floral with dark, grippy tarry, round tannins. The darkest of roasted & used expresso grounds, dry earth with dark & brilliant florals. Beautiful acidity and elegant persistent finish.

This offering has another 10-15 of good drinking ahead. Properly stored of course.

Photos of; James Cole Winery, outside tasting lounge, signature bronze logo statute and James’ classic car in their fermentation cellar. — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

@Delectable this is the Tres Noir.

2019 was their first vintage for the bottling. The softest in the tasting. It however had some very dry medium to medium plus tannins. The fruits is quite nice. Floral; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, stewy plums, dark chocolate, mocha powder, dry clay & top soil, crushed rocks, dry tobacco, leathery, big, dark spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dry herbs, tree bark, sandalwood, light salted caramel notes, bright candied, dark, red, purple florals, nice round acidity with a well balanced, structured finish that is sound wire to wire. Not the wines that Charles made but the Tres Noir is pretty good.

— 2 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Very Bandol in style. Simple, fresh, easy to drink. Tangerine, pink grapefruit, strawberry, hints of fresh rhubarb flesh, citrus blend, dry crushed rocks, river stone, some chalkiness, pink roses, white flowers, good acidity and simple fresh but uneventful finish. — 2 years ago

Ming L

9.3

Gentle nose of blackberry, creme de cassis, incense, warm spices, and the seductive hint of forest floor/wild fungus. Harmonious palate: full and unctuous, yet weightless. Acidity is as good as it gets. Supple silky tannins.
This bottle exceeds my high expectation. Love the simple yet elegant label too. — 3 years ago