Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Blend of 93% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, deep Ruby color, rich fruit aromas with earthy herb tones. On the palate flavors of plum and cherry with herb spice, tobacco and cacao notes, rich and juicy. Soft full tannins, long finish ending with oak and earthy herb character. Just starting to drink now, will cellar for a decade. Tasting Sample! — a month ago

Tom Garland

9.4

Cabernet retrospective tasting: with Jay Fletcher, MS...Donald Patz, winemaker...Ashley Houseman, MS.

2017 secret door, St Helena
2014 Secret Door, Lot: secret 1Z, St Helena
2018 La Jota, Howell mtn
2004 La Jota , Howell mtn
2010 Hewitt, Rutherford
2008 Hewitt, Rutherford
2018 Hickinbotham, Trueman, Australia
2016 Hickinbotham, Trueman, Australia
2014 Freemark Abbey, sycamore vineyard
2011 Freemark Abbey, sycamore vineyard
2015 Chappellet signature cabernet
2007 Chappellet Signature cabernet

07 Chappellet and the 2017 Secret Door were the BOM! — a year ago

with Brenda

Joni Hedgpeth

10

I had no idea that Grenache could age so well. Outstanding treat, incredible value. — 7 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Many of you that see my posts know I don’t open a Napa Cabernet this young. However, this was selling at my Costco for $69.99. K&L Wine Merchants $99.99. Delectable at $115. So, I had to buy a four. I coravined this bottle for a Somm friend last weekend who likes his Napa reds young. 🤷‍♂️

While this has seen a bit of bottle evolution, it still needs another 6-8 yrs before I open another and has the potential to pick up another point or two then.

Nose shows; brambly blackberries, stewy black plum, black raspberries, darkest cherries, boysenberries and strawberries off the glass edges. Dry tobacco, leather, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon notes, vanilla, anise, dark, rich, turned earth and withering, dark, slightly candied flowers.

The palate expresses some evolution. It is rich, ripe; brambly blackberries, stewy black plum, black raspberries, darkest cherries, boysenberries, hints of blueberries and strawberries off the glass edges. Tarry, dry medium plus tannins. Dry tobacco, leather, dark spice with a touch of heat, mixed darker berry cola, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon notes, vanilla, black tea, anise, mixed fresh & drier herbs, dark, rich, turned earth, barrel shavings/dust, a hint of black pepper, moist, grey clay, dry top soil, dry river stone and withering, dark, red, slightly candied flowers with violets, very round, phat acidity with a well; balanced, big structured, tensioned, lush, elegant and nicely layered & polished finish that lasts a full 90 seconds. Still kind of in its primary stage.

This is made by Chris Carpenter who also makes; Lokoya, Cardinale, La Jota, Hickinbotham (Australia) made at Yangarra. Sofia & I tasted at Yangarra and after tasted his Hickinbotham with him in 2017.

Photos of; staff picking on Mount Veeder, Chris Carpenter in the cellar and scenic shot of Mount Veeder. — a month ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

The 2001 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham was near its peak. Really drinking well and an excellent pair with my two day seasoned marinated chicken.

Superb ripe blue fruits, just the right amount of pepper, nice purple flowers and absolute elegant heaven on the palate.

Photos of; Clarendon Hills Vineyard, one the probably 75-100+ year old Gnarly vines you will see frequently from good sites in Barossa & McLaren Vale, Owner & Winemaker Roman Bratasiuk and their branded barrels.
— 6 years ago

MLP

9.2

Great purity of fruit. Nicely integrated oak with very modern style. Light tannin for a cab. None of the jam pursued by past vintners but still great bright fruit. Perhaps best with a few more years in bottle. — 7 years ago

Stacks

9.1

Very smooth but I will see how hungover I am tomorrow before I give it a proper rating — 5 months ago

sm

9.2

Shiraz at home for Christmas week — a year ago

Michael Chelus

9.4

Blackberry, black cherry, raspberry jam, cassis, vanilla, licorice and oak. Great structure and velvety tannins. — 5 years ago

Jason and Jennie

9.2

Girlfriend brought gifts from Gallo and poured a blind tasting for me.

Rankings

1) 2006 Clarendon hills blewitt springs Grenache
2) 2006 Clarendon hills Clarendon Grenache

3) 2010 Edna valley winemaker series meritage (this tasted like a mount George merlot from napa)

4) 2013 Renata ratti Nebbiolo

5) 2007 Clarendon hills hickinbotham cab
6) 2014 Renato ratti barbera — 7 years ago