Flavors just as described on the label - dry, with hints of vanilla, and a smooth oaky finish. It’s going to be a regular purchase. — 22 days ago
Pleasantly surprised. ‘97s have been fairly consistent as they’ve aged (not sure they’ve reached the hype of expectations, but some have), and this being a low-barrier to entry purchase from a reputable producer made it an easy choice to acquire.
Followed over a few hours from bottle and it held strong.
Faded color with the red core starting to dull. Quick whiff of some VA, but it dissipated quickly. Aromatics of old pipe tobacco, fig and brambly red fruits. Old school Napa on the palate (13.8 ABV) with a more lively profile…red and black fruits with cedar, more tobacco and some dark cacao (which turned to a confectionary chocolate Tootsie Roll taste at the finish). Acidity is hanging in there but definitely in the drink-now zone. — 2 months ago
Mostly Petite Sirah with small amounts of Syrah, Grenache and other mixed Rhône varieties, aged 14 months in American oak, 19% new, very dark Ruby-purple with aromas of ripe dark fruits and an array of spices from cigar box to full spice cake. On the palate flavors of black cherry preserves and blackberry jam, layering in some licorice, leather, tobacco and black pepper spice. Savory grippy tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice, oak and earthy character. A powerhouse! Decant first! — 11 hours ago
Deep Ruby color with aromas of dark fruits, spice, oak and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of plum and blackberry with toasty vanilla oak, pepper and cacao wrapped in lively acidity. Fine tannins, medium+ finish, good structure ending with fruit, cedar, spice and earthy tones. Good value! — 7 days ago
DEEP red color, almost black and non-see-through. Big fruit forward nose, jammy dark ripe fruits, with hints of blood orange and violet peppered in. A big fruit palate with hints of graphite, vanilla and wood, with tight tannins that hang on and don’t let you forget, with a lithe, tight acidity that shows that it still needs some time to reach its peak, despite the pedigree. This is a prime example of modern Napa cab, dry but fruity, but bombs, American as hell, distinctive and brash, and not ready to play on the big stage, but lots of potential. — 10 days ago
Lovely for it's age. A bit dusty on the nose, with a bright orange-red color. Smooth, lightly tannic. 39% Merlot, 34% Syrah, 26% Cab Sauv, 1% Petit Verdot. — 2 months ago
Freddy R. Troya
A Burgundian-styled Cab Sauv from the one of the most compelling Sub AVA of Napa mountains (Mayacamas) which has an amazing soil and solid influence from the Pacific. Crafted with an amazing balance of 68% Cab Sauv, 20% Merlot, 5% and the rest to round it off its structure and age ability. The 2011 is still climbing to its peak. Enticing notes of dry red fruits on the nose and mouth, delicate, outstandingly silky and nearly perfect balance!
The finish shows its beauty. (if you find it, it won’t disappoint you) it will give the run for the money. — 4 days ago