Paul T HB

9.5

Definitely a day 2 wine, I’d buy it again if I could find it.
Website info, I had bottle # 217

Vigneron Adrian Hoffmann and winemaker Chris Ringland have been working together for more than 25 years to develop the Hoffmann Vineyard signature labels; Reservation Shiraz, North Barossa Shiraz, Dimchurch Shiraz and Hoffmann Vineyard Shiraz.

Occasionally, a barrel or small collection of barrels may be singled out and in this case it was a particularly broad Mataro and highly focused Cabernet. This Limit Lodge offering is an opportunity to portray the complexity and unique characteristics of the vintage. When Adrian and I taste the barrels to classify our wines every now and then we’ll decide to bottle a minuscule amount of one of these special lots as a stand alone offering. 390 bottles filled. — 19 hours ago

Paul T HB

9.8

Notes from 98 point LPB are more in line for me than others.
Great with a Wagyu Fillet Mignon this time.

The 2021 Aphex Cabernet Sauvignon, co-fermented with 19% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, comes from Ecotone Vineyard, straddled between St. Helena and Howell Mountain, and new for this year. It skips out with bright, cheery notes of redcurrant jelly, freshly crushed blackcurrants, and rose oil leading to undertones of boysenberries, aniseed, forest floor, and wild sage. The full-bodied palate vibrates with lively black and red berry layers supported by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with loads of minerally sparks. — 19 days ago

Paul T HB

9.8

Sometimes you need something new, great wine that’s worth the price of admission. — a month ago

Paul T HB

9.4

Magnum,
I wanted to try this somewhat close to the opening of the 2016 Schrader Colesworthy Mag.
Over extracted for my taste compared to the Schrader. But it garnered two 100 💯 point reviews by the paid professionals 🤷🏼‍♂️
I really want another Colesworthy now!
Jeb 100
Wine Advocate 100
Review Date: 10/2018
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Raison D'Etre is a barrel selection wine, made entirely from estate fruit and bottled in late May 2018. Composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot, — 3 days ago

Paul T HB

9.9

First time having this Schrader, 💯 from Jeb review, too early for me to give a perfect score but still a fantastic wine only made in Mags.

A barrel selection released only in magnum, similar to the Old Sparky release, yet only from the Las Piedras Vineyard, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Colesworthy Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is another perfect wine from this team, and it’s one of those wine where I wish I could pour ever reader a taste. Offering up thrillingly pure notes of crème de cassis, perfectly ripe blueberries, chocolate, and a crazy, liquid rock-like minerality, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, powerful style that carries tons of richness and depth, yet still just glides over the palate with no sensation of weight or heaviness. It’s certainly one of the greatest Napa Cabernet Sauvignons I’ve ever tasted. As with the base Las Piedras Vineyard, do your best to hold off for a few years.
— 16 days ago

Paul T HB

9.6

The Vineyardist 2nd label.
This one surprised me by how much air it needed to open up. Had a splash on day 1 and immediately corked it back up for a day 2 decant. Definitely not an over extracted Cabernet just to please the masses. My ratings might be higher than others but I work these wines to get the best out of them.

Interesting note I found-

The Vineyardist is a Diamond Mountain property with a long history. In the late 19th century it was purchased by a Dutch shipping captain who planted vineyards and made wine. During prohibition the vineyards were replaced with nut and prune orchards. In 2000 the property was purchased by Dirk Fulton and Becky Kukkola, who began replanting some of the 80 acres to vineyards. — 24 days ago

Paul T HB

9.7

Secondary market purchase, was a little worried because the cork looked so good for 35 years. But had a big sediment stain on the side of the bottle so stored properly. Decant 1 hour drinking over 3 hours and it continues to improve. — 13 days ago

Paul T HB

9.6

Day 2 knocks it out of the park — 14 days ago

Paul T HB

9.7

Nice nightcap.

Notes from Courvoisier—
Starting where Courvoisier XO finished, Initiale Extra is an elegant and rare Cognac aged to the peak of flavour— starting at the delicate age of 30 and maturing beyond 50 years old. This masterful blend perfectly marries the Grande Champagne and Borderies crus with a touch of Petite Champagne, each distilled on the lees. The result is a harmonic gem of a Cognac, full of complexity and depth with a long, lingering finish. A sipping experience that won’t soon be forgotten. — 23 days ago

Paul T HB

9.8

Missed trying one last year, definitely opening up earlier than my previous bottles. 2 hour decant with a NY Strip. — a month ago