Served to me double-blind. The wine pours a deep ruby color with a slightly orange rim. Medium+ viscosity and some moderate staining of the tears. There appears to be some sign of sediment as well. On the nose, the wine was intense with notes of dark cherries, a mix of red and black bramble fruits, licorice, some leather and dried gravelly earth. I don’t detect any use of barrique but maybe some large format oak. This has an old world nose to it that was really lovely. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose and while the fruit had some power, it came in a body that was pretty fit and tidy. Alcohol is medium+. The finish is long and had some stoney minerals too. I called Brunello di Montalcino from a warmer vintage like 2009. Whoa…2007 Beaucastel! Damn, they hit so different than most other CdP’s. So much more restrained! But now that it has been revealed and I’ve allowed more time for it to breathe in my glass, I totally get its sense of place. One of my big takeaways is that I need more experience with these wines, particularly with age because that’s when they become more interesting to me. This is drinking well now but I expect it will continue to do so through 2032 with ease. — 9 months ago
It’s been open about 3 days and airing about 4 hours in the bottle. The nose is musky barnyard with wet oak, damp forest floor, wet leather and dark red fruit. There’s still some chalky tannins with acidity that rushes down the sides of your mouth and tongue. The red fruit carries forward, but more underripe with skins intact. It’s cleaner on the palate with a bit of damp cellar and dry earth, with notes of leather and red plum skin. The red plum and leather hang on into the finish. It’s a solid showing that I’d like to see where it develops over the next 3-5 years. — 4 years ago
Deep Purple with bold fruit flavors. Smooth! — 7 years ago
Never disappoints- deep, rich color and packed with flavor. Smooth on the finish. 2009 vintage on September 25, 2016 — 9 years 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. — 8 months ago
Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from a family with farming and winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across, almost looks like a Cab). Rich berry flavors with cedar, spice and vanilla. Lingering ending with sweet oak notes. Consistent quality Nice! A Fav! — 4 years ago
Tasted 3/20. Very deep. Very dark. Sweet beautiful dark wine. 91 — 4 years ago
Good wine. Almost a 9 — 7 years ago
Hands down the best cab I've ever had. Its worth all the hype. Consistent perfection from nose to finish. This is one you take your time with. — 9 years ago
Had the magnum. Very smooth with dark fruit, oak and deep structure. — 9 years ago
Big and bold Pinot! Deep purple/garnet color. Aromas of cooked black berry/raspberry, purple flowers, black licorice and pepper spice. More black cherry and blueberry fruit on the palate with notes of dark chocolate, baking spices and maple. Quite rich, concentrated and viscous. Velvety tannins and moderately low acidity. Big Pinot! — 9 months ago
Beautiful, beautiful wine. The last 96 we had was maybe a smidge more together but it’s marginal. Quite dark in the glass. Deep restrained red fruit on the nose. Tannins are slightly dusty but overall very seamless. Excellent refreshing acid. Perfect with a dry aged strip steak. — 4 years ago
2007 vintage. Deep garnet color w hints of light brown; full bodied, satin mouthfeel. Blackfruit, bell pepper, cocoa, earth, leather notes. Balanced tannin, long soft finish. — 4 years ago
2013 vintage. Vibrant ruby color, med bodied, soft mouthfeel & tannins. Bright cherry, cola, plum, strawberry, vanilla notes. Nice lasting finish. — 5 years ago
Deep garnet red, no bricking on the edges. Layered nose with a touch of brett, bright cherries, perfume and forest floor. Heavy tannins (7/10) and full bodied. Smooth and elegant attack with perfumed notes, crushed gravel and dried cherries. Excellent backbone and dry, long finish. Drink till 2032. — 7 years ago
Deep in its spice blanket but has very grown up and starting to intergrate tannins. Wonderful spiced fruit and not heavily jammy. great for the colder months when i want a tummy hug with some braised beef or cheese. — 8 years ago
Chris A
Eye catching and provocative with a proud price point - but wow! It works! Barry White singing in the background with lavender and satin sheets Smooooooth. This is incredible from nose to tail on a way most blends don’t achieve. Strong punch, so it’s like an iron fist delivered in a velvet glove. Oh my my - definitely a worthy glass! — 8 months ago