As a wine, this one is a 93. As a Merlot, 85 at best. This is the most varietally incorrect Merlot I've ever had. All previous CT tastings perhaps with exception to 1 or 2 describe a red fruited cabernet. If served next to a Mascot Cab with about 5 or 7 years of age, I could trick everyone into thinking this was another year's offering. Dark red pour violet to the rim. Nose of sweet red cherry liqueur. Entry is full bodied, spicy, good acidity. Middle of this wine has a hint of cola, pepper finish. The only hint of Merlot is that this one did have a little bit of mushroom and some herbaceousness show after a couple of hours. But still would never have guessed Merlot here. Delightful wine nevertheless. — 6 years ago
Really good against the Mascot — 8 years ago
Whatever the mascot is it’s delicious — a month ago
One of the 2 wines from the "damned vintage" of 2011. What a beautiful wine. This wine has a balance of complexity and power. Competes with the others here but I think it is a touch behind the Etain and Mascot. Black fruits dominate. Middle has a vanilla and roasted nut character. No green pepper or nitrogenous notes. Finishes with a toasted oak tannin. Still super young. THIS is Classic Napa. 20 years left. — 6 years ago
This one in still available for around €70 in Sweden, so I was intrigued to try the WOTY. Full bodied with ripe dark fruits, plenty of baking spices, currants, cedar wood. I prefer this over The Mascot from Harlan, the quality of the fruit comes across a bit superior here. Very well made. — 2 years ago
It has a fruity flavor immediately and then a slight tart/bitter after. Tasting against a barefoot mascot making it seem to have more variety of flavors. — 7 years ago
Dark ruby red with garnet edges and high intensity. Nose started off with some spices, like cloves, cinnamon, some dust, red cherries and a little wax. Like crayons. As it opened up there were also some espresso beans. Moderate tannins (7/10) and full bodied. Chewy mouthfeel and an earthy texture. Smooth spices and cherries throughout the palate with a semi-dry super long finish. A little more approachable than the Mascot. Classic high end Sonoma Cab. Drink till 2031. (91+) — 8 years ago
Neil Valenzuela
Deep ruby color. Aromas of black cherries, blackberry, black currant and leather. Silky smooth, with big red and black fruit flavors. — 20 days ago