Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

2013, the last vintage Charles Hendricks made at James Cole. I bought 8 bottles on Winebid that were all $30-$50. This one $50, stealing. Before buying these, the winery sent me a library email of his & his apprenticeship’s wines at $175-$250. So…I caught extreme value.

The nose is dark and brooding. Dark core of currants, black, plum, blackberries, black raspberries, poached/baked strawberries, dark, cherries, some purple fruits, anise to black licorice, rich, dark earth with dry leaves, steep black tea, dark chocolate, mocha powder, caramel, layered, baking, spices, dark spice, chocolate, pudding, withering to candied, dark, florals, violets and lavender.

The palate shows; velvety, rounded, dusty M+ tannins, a dark core of currants, black, plum, blackberries, brambly black raspberries, poached/baked strawberries, dark cherry kirsch & purple fruit blend. Anise to black licorice, rich, dark earth with dry leaves, steep black tea, dark chocolate, mocha powder, caramel, layered, baking, spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanillin, dark spices, espresso roast, chocolate, pudding, dry, crushed, rocks, dry limestone, dry twigs, dry herbaceous notes, black pepper notes, withering to candied, dark, florals, violets and lavender, excellent acidity with a well structured, balanced, elegant finish with good length that is polished, last 90 seconds and long sets on dry earth and clay.

This is peaking with 5-7 yrs of good drinking road ahead. — 2 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Another 2022 that is well made. It is simply not ready. Needs another 7 yrs plus in bottle. Add a point or two then.

2022 Napa Cabernet’s more than less boil down to when did you harvest, before or after the 10 days of intense heat during the harvest window.

2026 Taste of Oakvile — 10 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

This was good. There were some well made 22’s.

This is a different wine every yr, different cooks & vineyards.

2022 Napa Cabernet’s more than less boil down to when did you harvest, before or after the 10 days of intense heat during the harvest window.

Sold by the Oakville Growers.

2026 Taste of Oakvile — 10 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

My first 2024. It’s still very young, but definitely delivers.

The nose gives notes of sweet-sour lemons, tart green apple, pineapple flesh, kiwi, papaya, green melon, notes of white stone, some tangerine, fruit some white pepper, there’s some sort of combination of greens that have a moss type quality, saline, volcanic minerals, dry limestone, vanilla, frothy cream, chalkiness, just a hint of caramel and yellow & white lilies framed and white spring flowers.

The palate is round, rich, lush, viscous and a touch waxy. The nose confirms the palate. Sweet-sour lemons, tart green apple, golden apple, pineapple flesh, kiwi, papaya, green melon, notes of white stone fruit, some tangerine, mango, marmalade bits, white pepper/spice, there’s some sort of combination of greens that have a touch of moss type quality, saline, volcanic minerals, dry limestone, dry river stone, flintiness, vanilla, frothy cream, dry chalky powder, caramel and yellow & white lilies framed and white spring flowers, rainfall acidity, balance, length, good tension, and elegance with a finish that lands on white spice and minerals that last over two-minutes. — 2 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

I was inspired to open this 2016 Carter Weitz after tasting the 2024 Fait-Main Weitz at the Taste of Oakville. I thought it was the best wine I tasted at the event.

While this 16 Carter was very nice, it was still much bigger than I expected it to be with 8 yrs in bottle. It showed beauty and elegance but still has its brawn. I will wait another 5 yr + to try it again. Believe it’s best will show then. Mike Smith made. — 7 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

This 2013 was a nice treat and drinking beautifully. A top three wine that I tasted.

2026 Taste of Oakvile — 10 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

8.9

A place Sofia and I visited in September 2015. Not prosecco, made in the traditional method.

#Rememberence
#Sofia
6/25/21 — 3 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

This is drinking beautifully. It was extremely elegant on the front & mid palate and only revealed its Tempranillo character softly on the long set. I would saying this is around its peak and best self. — 7 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

First time having this bottling. A decently made 22. It was smooth and elegant but lacked a bit of depth & character that day.

2022 Napa Cabernet’s more than less boil down to when did you harvest, before or after the 10 days of intense heat during the harvest window.

2026 Taste of Oakvile — 10 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

This 2015 was drinking beautifully. Ready with more road ahead.

2026 Taste of Oakvile — 10 days ago