Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

The last James Cole vintage that Charles Hendricks made and 13 was a grand vintage that will age. I do not buy 2014 vintages of James Cole forward.

Recently a bunch of James Cole 2013 and previous vintage’s appeared on the secondary market and I bought them for far less the winery priced them. Lucky & fortuitous me.

Charles Hendricks perhaps the most missed winemaker in Napa Valley. — 2 days ago

Bruce Leboff

8.9

Smokey and hint of tobacco - full of tannins but ends mid palate. Enjoyable — 3 years ago

with Michael, LM and 1 other

Matthew Cohen

9.3

This is the barbaresco cole.

Nose is cherry flower with some spice. Expansive. Beautiful perfume. As it opens the nose gets a bit darker. Deep Lilacs?

Palate has that quazzolo just grab you by your socks better than fruit fruit. Some spice. A hint of cherry licorice. Super fresh. As it opens a bit Plummer but still fresh.

Bought from fass selections — 5 years ago

Raun Kupiec

9.2

Delicious! A proper Nebbiolo with power and grace. Definitely needed some air time to open up, at least a half hour but better after an hour. — 15 days ago

with Barbara

Kevin Dale

9.5

So good! — 3 years ago

Ming L

9.3

Gentle nose of blackberry, creme de cassis, incense, warm spices, and the seductive hint of forest floor/wild fungus. Harmonious palate: full and unctuous, yet weightless. Acidity is as good as it gets. Supple silky tannins.
This bottle exceeds my high expectation. Love the simple yet elegant label too. — 4 years ago

Jake Hajer

9.4

‘12 in ‘25. Syrah AF, Cherries and blood.

Bourbon cherry, fennel, baking spices. Smooth. Savory red meat/venison.

Tasted through a vertical of all their Syrahs in their wine makers office. ‘12 (and ‘16) were beautiful. Currently vintage needs more time. — 3 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.2

Pale straw color. Aromas of tropical fruits, kiwi and starfruit. Flavors of green apple, mango and chalk on the finish. Superb! — 2 years ago

Stephanie Carnegie

9.2

It’s pretty dec — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

It’s good to follow Winemakers. I follow Charles Hendricks. However, Charles last James Cole vintage was 2013.

100% Petit Verdot in anyone’s hands is tricky. This 09 made by Charles is elegant young...just as it is now. It’s just rounder & softer after 9 1/2 years in bottle. It still has teeth but, complex & floral with dark, grippy tarry, round tannins. The darkest of roasted & used expresso grounds, dry earth with dark & brilliant florals. Beautiful acidity and elegant persistent finish.

This offering has another 10-15 of good drinking ahead. Properly stored of course.

Photos of; James Cole Winery, outside tasting lounge, signature bronze logo statute and James’ classic car in their fermentation cellar. — 5 years ago