Tom Casagrande

9.2

PNP way too young I know. But holy cow what a funky nose right out of the gate. All sorts of green and brown vegetation, very weedy, but tons of dark fruit underneath. So soft in the mouth — which surprised me since I was expecting it to be way too tannic. Deep savory flavors. Great balance. So much character packed and stuffed into this one. Will update as it gains air.

UPDATE: As this gains air, the initial vegetative, weedy notes are being replaced with very pure blackberry liqueur scents and whiffs of smoky sandalwood.

Several wineries take fruit from the old, sandy vineyards in Contra Costa. Some make wines over 15% and the jammy fruit overshadows the other complex earthy notes. Others try to pick artificially early to get dry cranberry juice cocktail. This wine nails the sweet spot. Balance, complexity, and drinkability. — 2 months ago

Ira Schwartz

9.2

As expected petrol nose. Time in the decanter did not provide much relief. Some folks would not even taste given the nose. Once you get past the gasoline lots of material. A concentrated wine with tons of citrus fruits . Concentrated and powerful with many years to go. Singular! — 5 months ago

Raul Puga

9.5

Zin is my happy place 🍷 — 9 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Cassis and oak - the latter quite noticeable. From a ripe year where the fruit should be apparent but at the moment the oak dominates - mocha notes, but then again still has a huge future. Amazing what a solid core of self contained full body this has for 16 years of age, but still of profound intensity - dark chocolate and black currant. Will go on for literally decades - only have 2 left. Penfolds “Rewards of Patience “ say through to 2050! That is not as crazy as it sounds. This wine is close to immortal Next one in 10 years. — 9 days ago

Henry Fuseler

9.2

3/2024. Full of flavor and nice on the palate. A little “chewy”. Would like to try it again in 5 years. — 4 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Still mostly primary that will need more time. Great future — 7 months ago

Skip Smyser

9.7

Visiting an old friend. Now I'm down to 2 bottles in my cellar . I bought a case 25 years ago and every once in awhile I enjoy this ageless wine. It still has a soft mid pallet lingering red berry and tannic flavor. The richness of this Cabernet has done nothing but improve over the years. I dare say it will not further improve but hopefully it will linger at this quality level.the mouth feel is an experience in and of its self. What a wonderful treat🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 9 months ago

Big Wave Dave

9.3

Lived up to their reputation. Tannins were prominent but fine and integrated and not overbearing due to the fruit intensity. Balanced and long once it breathed for 1+ hr — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2015 vintage. Decanted and tasted immediately. Very little sediment. Medium-medium-heavy body. Structure and both ample grip and fruit in a beautiful balance currently and for the foreseeable future. No rush to crush. Revisit in a decade. Wowzers. 5.17.24. — 2 months ago

Willie Carter

9.1

Deep purple with a garnet core. The nose is absolutely ridiculous with jammy fruit and earth. Blue and black berries with just a touch of cranberry for kicks. It’s so pretty.

Warm and inviting, there’s a good bit of finesse and personality here. It takes around an hour for the heat to blow off and once it does it becomes silky and more refined than you’re probably assuming. More berries and earth on the palate with some really nice spice on the finish. A fun surprise of a wine. — 6 months ago