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. — a month ago

Christopher Brida

9.5

Dark fruit flavor. Plum and cherry. Can stand up to sting flavors. Great with steak or a cigar. — 3 years ago

Guillermo Gonzalez

9.0

Stone fruits, some spice. Piercing acidity. Maybe the blend but drank a bit like a southern Rhone. Didn’t stand up to Melissa Clark’s Hoisin Glazed Pork Bowl. — 3 years ago

Jenks

9.4

Purple burglar alarm. Dry, tart, jammed with fruit, excellent American style farmhouse ale from Glenwood Springs, CO. — a year ago

Christopher Knowledge

9.0

I gave this a try knowing I strongly favor their red blend. They did this right. Well done and a stand out. — 2 years ago

John Greer

8.9

This one was interesting. It was quite drinkable. Not a stand out but I would order it again. It seemed subtle and smooth. It went well with the beef tenderloin I was having for dinner. — 2 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.2

Juicy IPA, brewed for those who stand the thin blue line 👮‍♀️ — 3 years ago

Laura Purdy

9.0

Revisiting this a couple years later and much happier. Still does not stand up to the 15/16. — 2 years ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.2

The Madeira New York Malmsey Special Reserve is a rich, heady wine. It offers gorgeous depth and layers that open beautifully in the glass. Dried flowers, cloves, fruitcake, leather, chocolate, cedar and tobacco are nicely amplified in this generous, inviting Madeira. All the elements are so well balanced. This is a stand-out. L22209. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2022)
— 2 years ago

Ming L

9.3

Single vineyard 100% Sangiovese, this 13’ Chianti Classical Riserva displays
fragrant nose of sour cherry, strawberry, thyme, balsamic, incense, hint of violet and barnyard. Great fruit intensity on the palate with lots of earthy nuances. High yet round acidity. Polished grippy tannins lead to an elegant long finish.
This would stand tall to a lot of BdM. — 2 years ago