Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

8.9

2018 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 2.5 hours. It’s easily been a decade+ since tasting their entry level stuff. Medium/medium heavy body. A bit riper than expected. Haven’t come across those levels of ripeness on their higher end stuff in the last few years. Can see why some would absolutely love this tho. Missing structure that usually accompanies Hall reds. For such a big *ss vintage, thought there would be mas. Sadly, no. 11.7.24. — 6 days ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.4

Great freshness and fruit purity. Lovely acidic silver linings. Backed up by some rusticity/sturdiness and a smoky, ashy, mineral finish. Still some chewy tannines present.
Peak drinking now, plenty of life ahead. — 4 days ago

Eric Urbani

9.3

Stags' Leap Winery was one of the early pioneers in establishing Petite Sirah as a premium varietal. The vines date back to 1893, but the block is actually a field blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% other unknown varietals.
Our group tasted the 1977 - 1992 vintages (32 to 47 years old). The 1980 was my #2. — 11 days ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.1

Always reliable vintage after vintage. Bright and a bit constrained. No fruit bomb. — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Double decanted two nights before service. The 2013 Insignia pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing but still quite youthful with notes of tart and ripe dark fruit: dense brambles, purple flowers, tobacco, vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. At 11 years of age, this remains tightly coiled and needs more time to open up and tell more of its story. All that being said, this is very good now…but to my palate, better after 2027 and through 2043. — 3 days ago

LM Segal

9.7

Earthy and not giving away much initially, was worried after 20 mins. By 30 it blossomed, full on cassis and vanilla tannins, undergrowth. Dark red fruit, Rutherford dust. Notwithstanding a Bordeaux vibe there was no mistaking this for anything but a high-end Napa cab. Awesome one at that. I wouldn’t wait much longer… — 10 days ago

Vanessa

9.3

Deep ruby hue with the onset of some garnet…

Medium(+) aromas and flavors of cassis, plum, blackberry, clove, sweet baking spice, cedar box, vanilla, mint, potpourri, violet, black olive, leather, balsamic, graphite; tobacco, cigar, and forest floor.

— 12 days ago

with Deked1

Bob McDonald

9.7

I had this a week ago but didn’t take any notes at all at a friends tasting last Sunday afternoon. Have always been a huge fan of Dominus and this was from an exceptional vintage. I recall an excellent left bank Cabernet dominant style but presented as a Napa style - rich and plush but not overly so. Thoroughly enjoyable. — a month ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.4

Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (77%) with the balance being a blend of Petite Verdot (12%), Malbec (8%) and Merlot (3%). Aromas of blueberries, kirsch, violets, forest floor and cedar wood. Well integrated flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, chocolate, tobacco, and graphite. Beautiful notes of vanilla, wild herbs and clay on the long and earthy finish. Amazing complexity and balance! Medium-plus bodied. Beautiful creamy texture and velvety tannins. So good for being so young. Looking forward to trying this wine again in a few years. Thank you so much for sharing this one, Keith S! — 12 days ago

Eric Halim

9.2

On nose, it shows straight napa character with sweet vanilla, herbs, black fruits. On palate its solid in intensity with fruits, licorice, chocolate. Medium acidity. It drinks well now. Cheers! — 6 days ago