Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.2

A blend of mainly Merlot (73%) with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, the 2017 ‘Elevage’ was aged for eighteen months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. Pretty red cherry aromatics connect with shades of cocoa powder and tar that all take shape in the glass. The mouthfeel and silky texture of the wine is truly outstanding. Layers of espresso bean and creosote connect with the bright red fruits and minerals that keep this wine shiningly brightly. The long dark fruit and mineral-driven finish lingers. Drink 2020-2035- 92
— 5 years ago

Ben Madonna

9.3

Pretty good for 16 years old. 10-20-18 — 7 years ago

Paul J

9.2

This ranked 2nd tonight among Cabs. I beat out Chimney Rock, Somerston, but couldn't quite exceed the Alpha Omega magnum. Solid Cab that was refined and had elegant fruit. Nothing that really stood out for me, but very drinkable and overall very pleasing. — 7 years ago

James Forsyth

9.2

I've always liked Vietti's labels and the Barbera d'Asti Tre Vigne is a delightful departure from their usual illustrations from nature. Unlike the label art of a mask, and indeed of the mask from the El Gato Chimney painting behind, nothing is being hidden here. Overt and plummy and floral too, this 2010 reminds me why I love the vintage and how Barbera with a bit of age can be an utter delight. — 8 years ago

with Cara

Morgan Hunt

9.2

Phenomenal wine pairing with 2 different cuts of steaks. Hangar and flank. Would absolutely have again. The subtle smooth flavors and the velvet combination of grapes opening up made a great experience. — 8 years ago

with Jonathan

Adam Hoogeveen

9.7

Exceptional winemaking here. Not surprising from Chimney Rock, as they are putting out fantastic wines. Very glad they gave this South Hill its own bottle this vintage! — 8 years ago

with Micaela

Andy Hock

9.0

Blackberry and cinnamon, touch of menthol. Juicy dark fruit on the palate with velvety mid tannins. Long spicy finish with a little toasty oak and mid+ alcohol. — 9 years ago

Robert Evans Jr

9.5

Hints of Chocolate — 5 years ago

with Nicole

James Forsyth

9.3

Black cherries, cloves, leather and tar. It's a ripe, overt Napa Cab that has an attractive balance and surprisingly silly tannins. Approachable now but would be happy to cellar this for a while longer.

Enjoyed at Simon and The Whale in NYC paired with the Simon Burger, which was beautifully prepared, if rather fussy with endless aiolis and such like. — 7 years ago

with Peter

Chris England

9.2

1️⃣9️⃣9️⃣3️⃣

🗞 Pentium Processor, Beanie 👶, WTC 💥
🎵 I Will Always 💗 You, I'd Do Anything for 💗 (But I Won't Do That)
🎥 🦕 Park, Mrs Doubtfire, Groundhog Day
🗣 The Truth is out there
🌍 5.477B

Fab @ £144

🍷 Dark ruby w/ brick rim

👃 Shoe polish, oil refinery, dusty oak barrel, old leather, chimney soot, herbs, damp cellar & muted dark fruits w/ hint of liquorice

👄 Med body of mulched dark plums w/ mocha, mineral & liquorice kick

🎯 Long touch dry dark fruit & thick mocha herby mineral linger — 7 years ago

Steven Lee

9.1

Xmas drink 2. Mouldy and dry cork. — 8 years ago

Zach Jindra

8.9

Made by Chimney Rock. Well-balanced and not over-oaked. Vanilla and dark red fruits. Mod tannins. Enough complexity to be exciting to drink. — 8 years ago

Kristin Norwood

9.2

Well balanced and soft. Delicious. — 8 years ago

with dan

Bill Bender

9.3

A hedonists delight. Downed by the chimney with care. Rich and silky. Almost too much but levels out smoothly before it turns the corner. — 9 years ago

Jake Arnold

9.1

Great wine. Served at Chimney Park in Windsor CO — 7 years ago

Andy Hock

9.0

Black cherry. Mineral. Nummy tannin. — 7 years ago

Angelo Casagrande

8.9

Little citrus, little pear, little green grass/ pepper. More dynamic and interesting than typical NZ sav Blancs. Inexpensive — 7 years ago

Chris England

9.4

1️⃣9️⃣8️⃣5️⃣

🗞 New Coke, .com, Windows 1
🎵 Say You Say Me, Take on Me, Careless 🤫
🎥 The Color Purple, Mad Max
🗣 You built a time machine.. out of a DeLorean
🌍 4.81B

Superb @ £113

🍷 Garnet ruby w/ brick edge

👃 Seductive soft smokey aromas of gravel, chimney soot, wet forest, black berries, minerals, mocha & liquorice

👄 Med body of silky smooth earthy dark berries & plump plums oozing minerals w/ mocha & liquorice tones

🎯 Long dark berry & plummy earthy mineral liquorice w/ creamy cocoa stain — 7 years ago

Severn Goodwin

9.2

To be paired with local beef short ribs this evening, not sure which I'm looking forward to more... We bought this bottle almost 10 years ago, direct from the winery on our first visit, some tremendous stuff comes out of there and falls under the radar of most folks.

Color: Heavy garnet with trending towards medium brown edge.
Nose: Rutherford dust for days, mashed red fruits and fresh red oak Fri on the table saw.
Palate: Muted Bing Cherry and Red Raspberry, creamy Oak still present.

Argh this should have been opened +2020, too early.

'Santa honey, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot
Been an angel all year
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight' — 8 years ago

Mono Head

9.3

135. Smells nice too. Also smooth and balanced. No sourness in this one like Chimney Rock. But I said both are good. First sample of this I rated it a 9.0. But once I had the Old Acre and came back to this I thought this was even better than OA. I thought it was even smoother than it. This was the winner in the tasting today. — 8 years ago