1990 vintage. Last tasted 01.20.23 (9.6) and 05.16.21 (9.4). This slots in just between. Tastes as if from a colder cellar because this specimen was as fresh (too fresh) as a daisy. Decanted and tasted after 2 hours. Tannins for tannins sake. And I love big tannins. Less evolved than the January visit and drinking better than the 5.16.21 visit. Still bleeping massive as it ever was upon release back in the day. Very little has changed. This wine and the 1989 Gaja Sorí Tilden Barbaresco the two biggest, uncompliant wines with years to go before really revealing those hidden charms that I've tasted in recent memory. Getting closer but not quite ready to settle down any time soon. Out of a larger format bottle, must be positively overwhelming…like jumping to hyperspace accidentally…or on a boozy dare. 9.21.23. — 10 days ago
Blend of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot, aged in French oak for about 18 months, deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruit, sweet spice and herbs. On the palate flavors of cherry and blackberry with tobacco spice, toasty oak and floral notes. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice, oak and mineral character, Nice, should age well. — 6 days ago
2006 vintage. Lean and mean. Decanted and tasted after 1.5 hrs. Not too much sed. Nice little sprinkling of cocoa powder in a feminine nose but, otherwise, all business and very transactional. Difficult to love and hard to understand with this effort being pretty linear vs what we've come to know/expect/love from this property. Plenty of concentration but lacking that extra oomph of finishing depth and seems like it has topped out/not improving. 9.23.23. — 8 days ago
So ripe and big. Goes better with dessert than the meal. Huge vanilla oak with sweet berry jam, there is mint dark chocolate, and tannin, cedar on the finish. Overall when I really think about it, this tastes interesting, but there is a sweetness throughout the entire palate that I do not love. There’s an artificial sweetener like flavor. Really interesting. Decanted for 4 hours. — 14 days ago
Dark Ruby with aromas of ripe berry fruits, herbs and earthy oak spice. On the palate flavors of black cherry, raspberry and currants @ with espresso, cacao and earthy notes. Well balanced, lively acidity, fine ripe tannins long ending with fruit, oak, mineral and tobacco spice! Nice Napa Cab! — 6 days ago
This is high up on the totem pole, and it shows on all senses. The nose is complicated and dense, which then leads into a rich variety of notes such as tobacco, cedar, coffee and cherries. While it seems to have already evolved into its drinking window, powerful tannins and good acidity provide the hallmarks of a wine that will hold its own for a long time. — 8 days ago
Ericsson
The highlight of my 2023 Harvest trip to Napa. This is a magnum from the Nickel’s personal wine cellar. Had the pleasure of enjoying over several hrs. Begun tasting at their underground cellar at the estate in the afternoon and finished over diner in the evening. The last glass reached a new level of enlightenment; the wine tasted young again with bright fruit; in complete harmony with with the acid, alcohol, tannins and nuances. Unforgettable experience. Cheers. — 5 days ago