District 7

Philip Togni Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Presented to me double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep ruby color with a somewhat translucent (fine sediment), near opaque core fading out to a garnet with a slightly watery rim. Medium+ viscosity with pretty significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of plums, cassis, dark cherries tobacco, some leather, some faint pyrazines, dried purple flowers, clay-like earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and luxurious with soft and attractive texture. Initial conclusions is this could be a Merlot, or Bordeaux-based blend from France, USA or Italy but since I seem to get more non-fruit characteristics, I’m calling this a Merlot-based blend from France, Bordeaux, Right-bank, St. Émilion, 2000 vintage. Whoa! 2005 Togni! Dang…this baby has some real Bordeaux sensibilities. Delicious stuff that is drinking very well right now. Apparently, this bottle had been opened the night before so it had plenty of time to breathe. I would expect well cellared examples should drink well through 2035. — 17 days ago

Shay, Douglas and 11 others liked this

Pine Ridge Vineyards

Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Amy
9.5

stags crown. amazing. almond flavor. had a hollow quality that made it less fruit driven than most cabs. $175/bottle — a month ago

Clonakilla

Canberra District Shiraz Viognier 2014

Another favourite Australian Red but this 2014 vintage not showing as well as it normally does. I put it down to the vintage. Aromatically it is spicy but subdued; digging deeper there is earth and clove with herbs. With time, meaty aromas emerge. Perhaps more time will reveal more and provide more depth on the palate. — 2 months ago

Ira, Byron and 19 others liked this

Spring Mountain Vineyard

Elivette Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2011

Paul K
9.4

Drinking window wide open! Black cherry, black plum, licorice, and tobacco with currant covered tannins. Everything comes together so well with minute long finish of crème de cassis. Knocked out by this. — 14 days ago

Shay, Ray and 16 others liked this

Barnett Vineyards

Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Purchased while visiting the winery Aug 2023. Enjoyed 2/4/2024. — 2 months ago

Shafer Vineyards

Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Really nice. Opened a new hour before my imbibing. Classic Cali cab. Dark and brooding with lots of life left. Drinking beautifully with a super-llong finish. — a month ago

Steven CohenDavid Stein
with Steven and David
David, LM and 1 other liked this
David Stein

David Stein

How long until the next one?
Bruce Leboff

Bruce Leboff

Summer! It’s at the DYC! But could hold longer.

Realm Cellars

Moonracer Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Still primary but has all the makings of a killer — a month ago

Joseph, Billy and 1 other liked this