James Cole

Aliento Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend

9.39 ratings
9.31 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Red Bordeaux Blend
Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, White Rice, Mushrooms, Pasta, Pork, Salami & Prosciutto, Pungent Cheese, Lamb, Tomato-Based, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Beef, Hard Cheese, Venison
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Upon opening, the nose is heavy expresso roast, black olive, a slight touch of pyrazine, anise, dark chocolate, mocha, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, blueberries, cinnamon, vanilla, whiff of clove, dark rich soil, crushed rocks, cedar, soft leather and fresh and dry, dark flowers. The body is full and rich. Tannins are supple & round with plenty of life ahead. It’s nicely layered; dark currants, earth and spice. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, plum, strawberries, pomegranate brings the end of the first layer. Second layer shows; turned rich black earth, dry top soil, soft volcanic minerals. Third layer show, Asian spices and just a touch of meat grilled meat rub. Dark chocolate bar, mocha, vanilla, cherry liqueur notes, cedar, tobacco with ash, bright red florals, violets, acidity like a waterfall and a long, rich, balanced finish that lasts and lasts. Another Charles Hendricks work of art. Photos of; James & Colleen (Owners) with their children, road signage on the Silverado Trail, tasting patio and their estate building.

Upon opening, the nose is heavy expresso roast, black olive, a slight touch of pyrazine, anise, dark chocolate, mocha, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, blueberries, cinnamon, vanilla, whiff of clove, dark rich soil, crushed rocks, cedar, soft leather and fresh and dry, dark flowers. The body is full and rich. Tannins are supple & round with plenty of life ahead. It’s nicely layered; dark currants, earth and spice. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, plum, strawberries, pomegranate brings the end of the first layer. Second layer shows; turned rich black earth, dry top soil, soft volcanic minerals. Third layer show, Asian spices and just a touch of meat grilled meat rub. Dark chocolate bar, mocha, vanilla, cherry liqueur notes, cedar, tobacco with ash, bright red florals, violets, acidity like a waterfall and a long, rich, balanced finish that lasts and lasts. Another Charles Hendricks work of art. Photos of; James & Colleen (Owners) with their children, road signage on the Silverado Trail, tasting patio and their estate building.

Oct 7th, 2017
Mike R
9.6

Of all the cabs I have had in the last month or so this cab blend is in the top five - hard to find but will not be disappointed - from opening to finish - nose appeal - slides on like a great broken in Italian loafers - taste great with the lamb chop so structure and palette was amazing

Of all the cabs I have had in the last month or so this cab blend is in the top five - hard to find but will not be disappointed - from opening to finish - nose appeal - slides on like a great broken in Italian loafers - taste great with the lamb chop so structure and palette was amazing

May 6th, 2016
Paul T HB

Nice wine,
My first James Cole. Got a few different Vineyards to try, so far so good

Nice wine,
My first James Cole. Got a few different Vineyards to try, so far so good

Dec 19th, 2017
Dave Wismer

Beautiful blend. Deep red fruits. Rich with a long smooth finish. First James Cole wine but will not be our last. Happy Friday !

Beautiful blend. Deep red fruits. Rich with a long smooth finish. First James Cole wine but will not be our last. Happy Friday !

Jul 10th, 2015
Amanda Baikie

Amanda had this 9 years ago

Amanda had this 9 years ago

Apr 24th, 2016
Johnna Smith

Johnna had this 11 years ago

Johnna had this 11 years ago

Apr 28th, 2014
Rob Sternthal

Rob had this 11 years ago

Rob had this 11 years ago

Feb 17th, 2014
Paul Craven

Paul had this 11 years ago

Paul had this 11 years ago

Jan 6th, 2014
Hector Padilla

Hector had this 11 years ago

Hector had this 11 years ago

Nov 29th, 2013