Michael Chelus

9.1

Grapefruit, lemon curd, apple, peach, mango and melon. Racy acidity and bold minality. — 20 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark garnet purple. Funkily inviting nose of brambly montmorency cherry, dark cranberry, and currant (red & black). Echoed on the medium full palate which adds dark raspberry and a hint of patent leather. All supported by medium plus acidity and wrapped in velvety medium plus tannins. Finish is long and continues the entire palate along with those tannins. Rustic without the earth best describes this affordable and food-friendly Lebanese red. Rustic-inspired (I chose shepherd's pie) or Mediterranean fare will naturally pair. Drink now through 2030. — 9 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark, glass-clinging amethyst purple with opaque black core. Initially shy but inviting nose of blackberry, echoed on the medium full plate which adds notes of licorice, dark plum, and patent leather. Juicy, medium plus acidity enhancers the fruit and, paired with medium tannins, yields a very food-friendly Syrah that's a natural for steaks, roasts, or grilled fare. Try it with black olive pizza! Drink now through 2028. — a year ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark purple with near black core. Abundant nose of brambly blackberry. Juicy, medium palate conforms the nose adding peppery red apple and new patent leather. Medium plus acidity and medium tannins make the wine lighter on its feet than the color and nose portend. Finish is moderately short and continues the palate. A grape not often heard from on its own takes center stage as a lithe Spanish red with complexity for meals with complex flavors from hearty meats and stews to salmon and paella. Drink now through 2028. — 2 years ago

Peter Sultan

9.4

What a fascinating Rhone blend, from a far south appellation and vigneron I’ve never encountered. Given the 18years of bottle age plus pre release, some serious stuffing- especially at 15% abv- but really presents more like a fresh, slightly funky northern Rhone, ie, Syrah. Like George Clooney in ballet shoes, but truly graceful. Deep black fruits, some gaminess & feral qualities. Apparently the maker subscribes to such a higher order of biodynamics that he holds a patent on it. Finish fairly long & satisfying. Paired with the main courses of a modern Korean tasting menu, including roast duck. Doesn’t have to be a unicorn to be enjoyed, but this one is. Very special. Rosenthal book. — 20 days ago

with Owen

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark garnet. Inviting nose and medium full palate of black currant, black cherry, and a hint of patent leather mid palate to finish. Solid, medium plus acidity. Medium tannins. And that finish is fairly long, even cutting through pasta with tomato sauce. An excellent entree into Bolgheri: Cabernet-led but still squarely in the Italian mold. Drink now through 2030 with classic Cabernet or Italian fare. — a year ago

Byron C Mayes

9.2

100% Mourvèdre. Dark, glass clinging purple red with opaque black core. Big, bosomy nose of patent leather. Dark, full-bodied palate yields all of that patent leather plus slightly tart black fruit (my dinner partner says blackberry). Assertive but supple tannins from entry. Long, dreamy finish. French and Mediterranean fare are naturals. Drink now through 2047. — a year ago

Michael Chelus

9.1

Strawberry, watermelon, lemon, peach and raspberry. Great acidity and balance. — 2 months ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Deep purple in color with a short purple rim.

Strong nose of black currants, plums, cooked cherries, spices, cedar, licorice, chocolates, dark coffee and black pepper.

Full-bodied and smooth with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruit forward on the palate with black currants, blackberries, black plums, cooked cherries, cedar, licorice, light vanilla, tobacco, cola, chocolates, black pepper, coffee and light herbs.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This young Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley is starting to drink very nicely now. Showing nice complexity with a soft mouthfeel. Tangy and interesting. Rich and inviting.

Delicious right out of the bottle, and better after a couple of hours in the decanter.

This is exactly what I expected from a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Very true to the Terroir.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years, with good potential to become a 94+ point wine. Would be nice to revisit it in 5 years.

Good by itself as a sipping wine, or with food like a nice piece of steak.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were aged in (75% new) French Oak barrels for 22 months. A small production of only 350 cases.

14.2% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$75. — 3 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Transparent garnet red. Violets and black cherries on the abundant nose. Medium full palate confirms the nose, adding hints of patent leather and medium light dusty tannins. Medium acidity from entry to moderate finish. Easy-drinking entry point into Barolo's less assertive twin. Take it anywhere you'd take a midrange Burgundy or premium Tuscan. Drink now through 2028. — a year ago