Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous Delectable note in December 2024. Amazingly pale for a 14 year old white. Aromatics of lemon, lanolin and wet straw. It hasn’t yet developed the toasty characters I was expecting, indicating still a long life ahead. Overall this is delicate on a light bodied leanish palate. Only 11% ABV. Lovers of big buttery Chardonnay may not appreciate this wine. 3 bottles left - I will try and have the next one in 12 to 18 months. — a month ago

Tom Garland

9.1

1 hour decant. A striking dark magenta color. On the nose: subtle notes of dark cherry, smoke, pencil shavings, earth, and hints of leather/tobacco. Taste: dark cherry/plum, earth, oak, bitter chocolate, with a slightly astringent tobacco and dried herbs finish. — 3 months ago

with Brenda

Adriana

9.5

lemon meringue / pineapple — 6 months ago

Vinny Brooklyn

9.0

The American counterpoint to an Irish whisky at the Embassy of Ireland in Japan (the recently opened Ireland House). USA a clear winner, even in the highball format. — a month ago

Austin Hohnke

9.7

Smooth and effortless with no hard edges, even in a warm year. Seductively savory with currant, strawberry, leather, tobacco, coffee bean, and bone marrow. There’s an incredible gamey streak here. Oak is impeccably balanced. Just tip toeing into some bricking.
The pedigree is clear. Counting myself lucky.
My #1 tonight. — a month ago

Eric K

9.5

Direct follow up to 2020 vintage. Much more earthy terroir taste than the 2020 fruit bomb. Very enjoyable with more complex hints of flavor — 4 months ago

Tom Garland

9.4

1 hour decant(lots chunky/fine sediment). A gorgeous inky purplish garnet color. On the nose: dark fruit, forest floor, smoked meat, floral, cigar wrapper, pencil lead. Taste: smooth, rich, creamy mouthcoating wine with blackberry/dark cherry, dark chocolate, earth, tobacco, baking spice, and a cedar/graphite medium plus finish with some slight dusty tannins. Had this 2 years ago, and it's improved. In the beginning of its drink window at 18 years? Wow — 7 months ago

with Brenda

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

1990 vintage. Last tasted 12.11.22 (9.6) and 8.20.16 (9.2-slightly off bottle). Tasted side by side with the 1989 (9.4) version of this wine. Ridiculous 1-2 heavyweight punch. Opened but not decanted. Tasted at the conclusion of lunch after an hour open. Not much in the nose but bringing it in the flavors. Still heavy bits of ripe plum and cherry with a substantial mid-palate. Larger format of this wine likely clocks in as a 9.6/9.7 but this was a 750ml. In the 750ml format, not improving and it's drink now and until 2028. Still, most likely, the best wine this producer has ever made. The 1989 has a case as well. Like the Lebowski rug, this one just tied the late-80's/early-90's BDX room together. 10.10.25. — 2 days ago

B A

9.2

Cranberry tea — 3 months ago

David Peifer

9.2

As a nod to Karen (who some will remembered worked at Louis M. Martini decades ago—and is the nicest and best person to ever work in the wine industry) we opened this for my birthday. Paired it with a Tri Tip. It was a nice pairing. Good cab. It was better a couple years ago but still nice to drink for a special occasion. — 5 months ago