Jay Kline

9.3

Presented to me, double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears, and some signs of light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with a mix of ripe and desiccated, mostly dark fruits: cassis, black cherry, plum, mixed brambles, old leather, pipe tobacco, pencil shavings, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (that is mostly integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend, Tempranillo (or based blend) or Grenache-based blend from France, Spain or the United States. I feel like this leans more towards its fruit than its structure, even though it is a fairly well balanced wine in both regards. As a result, I am calling this a Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend from the United States, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain from a producer like Dunn, 2006. Shiiiiiit. To be honest, I’m not terribly surprised since this is Cos and from a warm vintage no less. Drinking well now and should through 2050+. — 3 days ago

Mark Osmers

8.9

I didn’t have expectations when I opened this bottle, but Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon proved to be a nice discovery. This 2021 Lodi cab delivers beyond its modest price point, opening with an assertive nose that hints at the intensity to come.

The first taste reveals bold, concentrated dark fruit that dominates the palate—ripe blackberry takes center stage, supported by layers of black cherry that add depth and complexity. There’s a jammy richness here that speaks to Lodi’s warm climate and the wine’s full ripeness at harvest. What genuinely surprised me was the balance. Despite the fruit-forward intensity, there’s nothing cloying or one-dimensional about this Cabernet.

The oak integration is particularly well-handled, providing a smooth, vanilla-tinged backdrop that rounds out the wine’s edges without overwhelming the fruit. The finish lingers pleasantly, carrying those dark berry notes through with a silky texture that makes this remarkably easy to drink.

Rating: recommend for every day drinking  — 5 days ago

Peter Sultan

9.0

I’ve seen this label so many times it was easy to dismiss. A big, dark, joyous bottle ( including the bottle itself, which is hefty). Syrah all the way. — 14 days ago

Ed Chin

9.3

Initial pour was impressive with dark blackberry sage and leather. What I found interesting was the noticeable amount of acid in comparison to the soft almost undetectable tannin. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

This wine screams right bank Bordeaux supported by a blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A dark Ruby red in colour this has a lovely perfume with aromas of plum, cigar box, dried bracken and roses, tobacco and spice. Cinnamon and nutmeg from the oak. 70% of the French Oak barrels were new. Medium plus bodied. The tannins are there but lessening in impact. 14.5% ABV. This wine was #2 in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2013. A near neighbour of the aristocratic Chateau Ausone. — 17 days ago

Carl D.

9.0

A vineyard that was rescued by the family that is coming into its own. — 4 days ago

David White

9.3

NYE starter and it’s maturing nicely, classic St Julien notes and berry flavours, soft integrated tannins and good mouth filling feel with longish finish. — 8 days ago

GaryWEdwards

9.5

St Julien in a perfect drinking now and for a couple of decades to come. Brilliant juice — 2 days ago

Noah Chasin

9.2

Initially concerns it was shot, three hours later it proved to be quite delightful. — 10 days ago

Sándor Jaguar

9.0

Delightful! Eaten with the rarest steak I ever cooked OOOOOOOPS — 19 days ago

with emily, Adam and 23 others