Napa Valley Merlot

Continuum

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

Paul J
9.1

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Overrated and overpriced. 1+hr decant, probably needed more. Very hot nose with plums. Massive tannins and hits the palate like a razor blade. Earthy with plums and prunes. Not my style. Medium depth and finish.

Anyone want my last bottle?
— 2 days ago

Brooke Weaver Jakubowski
with Brooke
Tom, Tom and 6 others liked this
Shay A

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@Paul J : Just checked my CT notes and I opened this ‘12 almost two years ago and it was corked. Was hoping I could give you some hope but my only experience was flawed!
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

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Yeah, the Continuum's always run lean and spicy. Like zero percent body fat. Nothing to grasp...a sheer red/Cabernet cliff that few can climb.
Ron R

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My experience with this wine was the complete opposite. I have a few 07’s kicking around and they were plush and dense when I last took a look…

Cakebread Cellars

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

First batch of 2021 vintage we’ve tried. We’ve been drinking a few bottles yearly since the 2015 vintage. It just never disappoint and this year is no different. Black berry, some chocolate notes, and a smooth tannin finish. I love this stuff! — 15 days ago

Ted, Paul and 1 other liked this

Chappellet

Signature Donn Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Chappellet – Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022 🇺🇸
Pritchard Hill (Mountain Fruit) – Napa Valley AVA – California, USA

Overview
A cornerstone of Chappellet for over three decades, the Signature Cabernet Sauvignon continues to define what Napa Valley mountain Cabernet is all about: power, elegance, and longevity.
The 2022 vintage carries a subtly adjusted blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 2% Merlot, featuring a touch more Cabernet Sauvignon and slightly less Petit Verdot and Malbec compared to the 2021 (see my v2021 notes).
This shift gives the 2022 an extra dimension of muscle and purity, heightening its mountain-driven character.

Aromas & Flavors
Undeniably dark and expressive. Notes of blackcurrant, dark cherry, plum, and cassis rise first, followed by cedar, sage, aged tobacco, thyme, and beautifully integrated toasted oak.
As it opens, deeper nuances emerge, espresso bean, cocoa, graphite, and subtle mountain herbs.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and impeccably structured.
The increase in Cabernet Sauvignon amplifies its power and linearity, while polished tannins deliver a glowing richness across the palate.
Flavors of black cherry, currant, chocolate, espresso, and warm spice saturate the mid-palate. The finish is long, confident, and built for aging.

Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb with rosemary, venison, black-truffle dishes, or aged gouda/cheddar.

Verdict
A formidable yet seductively elegant expression of Pritchard Hill. The 2022 is slightly more commanding than the 2021, with enhanced Cabernet purity and structural depth. A true benchmark in Napa’s hillside Cabernets, age-worthy, expressive, and unmistakably Chappellet. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Pritchard Hill’s volcanic, iron-rich soils and elevation create Cabernets known for density, refinement, and remarkable longevity, which is why so many iconic Napa producers source or plant here.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Among my personal favorites in the mountain Cabernet category. The 2022 delivers that unmistakable “whoa” moment, especially when shared with friends and family.
— 16 days ago

Bob, Matt and 3 others liked this

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018

Missed trying one last year, definitely opening up earlier than my previous bottles. 2 hour decant with a NY Strip. — 2 days ago

Somm, Shay and 22 others liked this
Somm David T

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I do love the style of the 18 Napa Cabernet vintage.
Somm David T

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@Rob Brobst III It is a pedigree estate & winemaking team. Further for me, the style of the vintage w/ really with well made Napa Cabernets are dead center of my style wheelhouse. Round & elegant. Cheers! 🍷

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Hate to be a typical wine drinker, but there was a smooth and velvety taste with a continuous bite at the end. Completely coats the tongue with flavor from start to finish. — 9 hours ago

Silver Oak

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

From a 5 Bordeaux grape blend: 81.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.8% Merlot, 1.8% Petit Verdot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc & 0.4% Malbec, aged 24 months French oak, 85% new. Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, floral and toasty spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry and plump blueberries with notes of herbs, baking spice and toasty notes. Fine soft tannins, long finish ending with cacao, toasty oak, fruit and earthy mineral tang. Very nice, aging well, but time will reward! — 16 days ago

Rob, Juan and 6 others liked this

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Somm David T
9.4

These are so good 15 yrs plus. In fact, insanely given the price point.

Again, a touch of bandaid on the nose that doesn’t affect the palate.

Grainy, fine M+ tannins.

It is rich, lush, ripe; blackberries, plum, dark cherries, raspberry hues & hints of strawberries & blueberries. Berry cola/licorice, mocha, caramel, black licorice, soft, layered baking spices, espresso, oak barrel powder, black tea, tobacco w/ ash, used/soft leather, excellent, soft, dark spices, melted dark chocolate to pudding, crushed rocks powder, dry rock, limestone/sandstone, some dry twig, candied dark, red flowers framed in violets with lavender hints, rainfall acidity, balance for days, nicely structured/tensioned, elegant & smart polish that lasts minutes and falls on fine grain minerals & dry top soil.
— 15 days ago

Rob, David and 14 others liked this
Paul T HB

Paul T HB

New bandaid or used?

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1994

Dried red fruits, baking spices, cedar, Price Albert tobacco, coco nibs, stewed tomato and leather. Maintains good acidity with softened tannins. A bit past its prime but still drinking well.

Perfect wine for watching the Las Vegas Grand Prix!
— 7 days ago

Andrew liked this