Isaac Pirolo

9.4

The 2011 SummuS from Castello Banfi is an estate-grown Super Tuscan comprised of 40% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Syrah. Its name SummuS is Latin for “The Summit.” The wine glows red, but with an inky density, and an aromatic intensity to match. Black cherry, blueberry, and plum meet tobacco, licorice, and vanilla in a notably chewy style. The healthy backbone of tannin is buoyed by an ample level of acidity that contributes to both its massive structure and the balance that helps conceal it. That balance intensifies its secondary notes of chocolate, underbrush, cedar, violets, and stony earth, along with providing a vibrancy that allows it to stand out. — 6 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.5

According to Constant, Diamond Mountain Vineyard may be the highest (2121’), oldest (1895) vineyard, and smallest winery in Napa Valley. 987 cases of their 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon were released, which also includes small of amounts of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Needed almost an hour before the evolution would begin, and then it started, adding weight and potency. Cherry pipe tobacco, saddle leather, 70% cacao, pencil lead, cedar and damp earth with some secondary floral and herbal notes. Another decade ahead for this gem. ♦️ — 6 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.6

My infatuation. Totally smitten. Intoxicatingly rich, dark fruit, crème de cassis, and a generous seasoning of cocoa powder with vanilla, but her pièce de résistance is a savory streak of petrichor that leaves me completely enamored. — 6 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.2

After Austin Hope’s 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles received a blowout score, I knew it was just a matter of time before I tasted it. I think I likened their 2014 Treana (75% Cab, 25% Syrah) to Margot Robbie baking blackberry pie in your kitchen, so expectations were high. Needs about 45 minutes. Blackberry, balsamic, smoked mesquite, and a noticeable dollop of vanilla and allspice, with an herbaceous edge that lacks the savoriness that would have taken this from good to great. There will be no debate that its style is that of a new world, hedonistic fruit bomb. There should be some debate over whether or not they should include Syrah with their Cab... I still prefer their Treana, but there will certainly be others who prefer their straight Cabernet Sauvignon. — 6 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.5

Old school mountain fruit Napa Cabernet. 2012 was the last vintage made by Bob Travers, who owned Mayacamas from 1968 until his retirement in 2013. Potent aromatics of pencil lead and shavings, black cherry, currant, and blackberry, with a pungent mix of herbs, clay pot, and flowers. A lively balance of fruit, acid and tannin on the palate. It’s still a baby, but more approachable than I had expected. Classic. — 6 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.2

Novelty Hill borrows from the ancient Latin phrase In Novale Novello, “in virgin ground I plant young vines,” for its name. I didn’t realize that there aren’t vines on the actual Novelty Hill in Washington (located about 5 miles east of Redmond). Oh well, so much for my Hill vs Hill face-off with Pritchard Hill’s Bryant Family. This 2014 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon talks some serious smack, and even brings a serious punch, but that would have been Go-Karts vs Formula One. That said, this is one hell of a Go-Kart. In the low $20s, my first comparison is to Charles Smith’s Substance Cs, and this blows the doors off that wine, and more than justifies its slightly higher price-point. Jumps out of the glass with black cherry, cassis, mocha, licorice, and a heavily spiced cranberry potpourri, while still managing to weave in a savory undertone that emphasizes the noticeable balance. Washington offers extraordinary value across the board, but this is a value even by Washington standards. 92+ — 6 years ago