Delectable Wine

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9.6

Good dark red; not crystal-clear. Very ripe, musky, multidimensional nose combines blackberry, raspberry, violet, earth, game, black pepper and herbs, plus a positive vegetal nuance. Plush, silky and very ripe but not particularly sweet, with concentrated dark fruit, spice and pepper flavors complicated by a hint of prune. ("More fruit ripeness than the '15," noted Aubert de Villaine just moments after we had tasted the '15 La Tâche) Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and a note of licorice. Not particularly high in acidity but this extremely complex wine is still just short of its peak drinking window. (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, March 2018) — 7 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.3

From the folks who brought you (in label order from top to bottom) Anamoly and Zeitgeist, Hyde de Villaine and Long Meadow Ranch, Terra Valentine, Massican and Larkmead, Hobel and Milton Road Trading Co., lead by a Master Sommelier employed by Dana Estates, previously with Harlan, Bond, and Promontory, and the sell side being handled by a VP of marketing from Michael Mondavi's Folio.

The stated goal was to create the best pound for pound Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa (highest QPR). The band pooled resources and pulled favors, sourcing the grapes from "one of 'those' vineyards" that cannot be named due to a NDA. 18 months in 1-year old French oak. 15% Merlot and 2% Cab Franc round the balance of Cabernet Sauvignon.

I knew going in this would not be an over extracted fruit bomb, but upon opening I had my concerns that this might be too far in the opposite direction. Fortunately, after 30-45 minutes, it started adding weight like a prize fighter after weigh-in. Acacia flowers, melted licorice, black fruit, with plenty on mineral laced, satiny tannin. Give this an hour, wait for your second glass, and it will envelop you. 93+

And for the record, my guess is they sourced the grapes from a Spring Mountain vineyard. — 9 years ago

Dave Weick

9.0

Nice wine. 2001 vintage - nicely aged. Tannins are softened. Black cherry, cassis, dried fruit... — 9 years ago

Piet Sanders

9.2

back in the game — 9 years ago

Charles Fairbanks

9.9

Concentrated, yet fresh making it very Carneros. Look forward to the evolution as this wine has serious aging potential. — 10 years ago

Kimberly Charles

9.6

Dry-farmed 100% exquisite balanced inspired by Aubert de Villaine — 11 years ago

with Alexandra

Sarah O'Kelley

8.9

I agree with other comments - very reductive and bold but some pretty orchard fruit behind that and plenty of minerality. Perhaps not as pretty as villaine! — 8 years ago

jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

9.5

Best tasting of the day! — 9 years ago

Darren Dittrich

9.2

Lovely... Certainly more reserved than West Coast Pinots, lighter, brighter, more mineral. After some air, we could not stop drinking this one! — 9 years ago

mattswineworld

9.4

Seriously tasty and drinkable Viognier; floral and fruity, but balanced. — 9 years ago

Cynthia Langstaff

9.9

Wonderful floral nose of violets over red fruit (current?) goes on & on. Flavor is wonderfully complex-- floral, fruit, and lovely lemony acid with consistent linger ending on a faint leathery note. Absolutely wonderful!!! — 9 years ago

with David

p w

9.3

1940 DRC RC - recorked in 1986 - evolved over a couple hours - wildly oscillated between notions of dark fruit & floral/wood tones — 10 years ago

with Mark

Gilbert Lara Jr

9.6

2006 The Hyde & De Villaine Families Syrah Hyde Vineyard Carneros — 12 years ago

Paul T HB

9.5

Not the Guerra, but thats the only rose they have listed on Delectable
Great Rose, hard to find though — 8 years ago

Maciej Kurka

9.2

Great find at Independent Spirits on Broadway in Chicago. Reminds me of recent '14 Gouges and A et P de Villaine. Opens up with tartness and bitterness that mellows with time to pleasant plum flavors. In color too more intense. Medium tannins. — 8 years ago

R Bl

9.1

Aromatic, classic red fruit, good balance with subtle forest floor and tar. — 9 years ago

Nate Miles

9.0

Aubert Villaine says he drinks 5-7 year old Aligote whilst at home. Who am I to argue? Pears and stones and something else on which I cannot put me finger. — 9 years ago

Cathy Corison

Owner/Winemaker Corison Winery

8.9

Lemon/lime. Tart balance. Lean Chardonnay. — 9 years ago

with Grace, William and 1 other

Cynthia Langstaff

9.9

2001 at winery April 2016. Nice full creamy honey flavor well balanced with acid. Moderate consistent linger. Truly excellent! — 9 years ago

with David

Ezequiel Lamb

9.0

Ezequiel had this 10 years ago