Jay Kline

9.1

Opened 24 hours prior and decanted for sediment before returning to the bottle; enjoyed over the course of two days. The 1981 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of tart brambles and plums, green bell pepper, tobacco, leather, all of the decomposing earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium, mostly integrated tannins with medium+ acid, borderline high. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. Overall, a wine that is a reflection upon the vintage and at 43 years of age, that’s a big compliment. The 1981 is very much alive and will likely live for a very long time. However, it is backward, rustic, and somewhat tough to love unless you’re an old-school masochist. But I’m guilty and this wine is charming despite all of its green character. Drink now and over the next 30 years probably. — 2 months ago

Jeanette Bangs

9.2

Delicious Vin de pays 92% Pinot noir 8% Pinot meunier — 6 months ago

Jack Petras

8.9

Had this 2011 a few weeks ago with Beef Daube next to a very aged Mouton. Plummy smooth but not too impressive. Forgot I had a little left in the bottle in a cool corner of kitchen and had it 10 days later and it was more enchanting, somehow fresher more berry fruit with a gorgeous hint of leather in background. — 7 months ago

Christian Fischer

9.3

This is always such a treat. A dry white that ages gracefully and keeps evolving. Hard to get these days, but very special — 2 months ago

Kurt Schuster

9.0

Hot with alcohol. Balanced, more savory forest floor, crushed berry, earth. — 3 months ago

Brad Taylor

9.0

Full on cherry notes. Nice and tart. — 5 months ago

Blake Anderson

9.2

Order this when you find it. — 7 months ago

with Kaito

Paul J

9.3

Solid, good value these days. — 2 months ago

with Brooke

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

Simply stunning! Especially, for a Sonoma, not a Napa Cabernet. 😳

Follow up AB Cowgirl wine after the Saxum. If ever you thought a Sonoma Cabernet could not stand tall with a great Napa Cabernet, have a well aged good vintage of A. Raf..

4 hour decant.

Still medium plus, round, velvety tannins. Lush, rich, ruby; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, ripe strawberries, hints of heavenly raspberries, plum, dark, rich forest floor w/ dry leaves, steeped fruit tea, mid/dark berry cola, dark, dry Indian/Asian spices, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon to stick, caramel notes, malt balls, dark chocolate baking bar, black licorice to anise, dry, crushed limestone powder, soft, fresh tobacco, dry, used leather, softened tarry notes, some dry herbs-bay leaf sprinkled with sage, dry crushed rocks/river stone, dry top soil, candied & withering, dark, red, blue flowers framed in violets & lavender, crazy, round, excellent acidity, well structured & balanced for days, elegant, polished and an endless finish. Harmony on the palate.

Find an 07, you’ll thank me later. My highest recommendation for Napa/Sonoma Cabernets.

10-15 years of good drinking left in this 07. — 4 months ago

Gill

10

Possibly my all-time favorite wine. I teared up the first time I tasted it. — 9 months ago