Color me shocked. Up there with one of the more surprising bottles of the year (alongside an old Carlisle Cardiac Syrah). Had very little hope, but was completely and pleasantly surprised.
Cork split in two coming out. Trusty Durand saved the day. First small pour was not encouraging…lots of funk. After leaving alone for 30mins, the faded ruby with tinge of black in the glass had aromatics of sous bois, black tea, and dirty red and black berries. On the palate, this was elegant showing more herbal/earthy notes, dark berry fruit in the background, sweet pipe tobacco and a still-tart finish with both acidity and tannin. I have to admit that if someone said this was older burgundy, I could see it in the realm of possibilities. No sappy, rich, cola type notes here. Open and enjoy! — a month ago
13.5% Mondavi reserve from 1997. What a lot of fun to try. Not sure what kinda year this was in Napa, but this is delicious. Perfect pairing with prime steaks on the grill - tons of dark red fruit with great refinement and acid on the finish. Really excellent. — 8 hours ago
Fantastic Napa cab that’s in a beautiful spot right now. Well balanced. Notes of Blackberry, Cassis, Pencil Shavings, Mint, and that ever present Rutherford Dust. — 4 days ago
Medium garnet ,medium terracotta rim . Quite spiced , dried fruits, tobacco , touch of caramel , warm earth . Smoky . On the palate quite sweet mix of red and dark fruits, red plum , dark cherry , spiced tobacco, hickory . Quite sweet on the finish , menthol hint, with a touch of caramel on the finish, slightly grippy tannin. This improved quite a lot in the glass , with more fruit noticeable , fills out quite well , better balance. Drink now and over the next couple of years. — a month ago
Very nice, needed time to open. Earth, leather. Somewhat subdued a little fruit — 15 days ago
Loving this. Very affordable. Dark fruits for a Pinot. Will get it again. — 19 days ago
Neil Valenzuela
Deep ruby color. Aromas of dark plum, baked berries, marzipan, dried violets and oak. Baking spices, blackberry and black currant on the palate. Superb!
🏅92 Points - Wine Spectator
🏅92 Points - James Suckling — 6 days ago