Bob McDonald

9.8

Still a very dense crimson with no tawny rim, at 28 years of age but the tawniness is beginning. A certain feral, Animale, earthy note. Palate is ultra smooth, medium bodied / very savoury yet with a sweetish earthy note with a hint of raspberry. Jancis Robinson was invited by Stephen Henschke to a vertical tasting at the winery in May 2013 to cover vintages back to the late 1950’s. She described the 1996 as “pure hedonism “ and gave it 19/20. Medium plus intensity on the delicious palate with those gnarled old 160 year vines showing through. An absolutely stunning wine - one of the best we’ve had this year. — 18 days ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Deep purple in color with a purplish rim.

Nose of blueberries, black plums, currents, oak, licorice, spices, dark chocolates, light bell pepper, dark coffee, herbs and black pepper.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity and log legs.

Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, plums, licorice, light oak, spices, dark chocolates, earth, peppercorn, herbs and light vegetables.

Spicy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa valley. Nicely balanced and muscular, with a soft mouthfeel.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after 90 minutes in the decanter. Once it opens up, more earth notes show up, and it gets more interesting.

This 5-year-old is already showing nice complexity with good structure. Spicy and tangy.

Easy drinking right out of the bottle, good by itself or with food. This is not the 'in your face' kind of Napa Cab. Feels like a fruit forward Left Bank Bordeaux.

Still young, and needs a few more years in the bottle to mature properly. Would be nice to revisit it in 5 years.

Wine Advocate 91 points.

Will pair nicely with BBQ Meats. I paired it with a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were aged in French and American Oak barrels (33% new) for 20 months.

14.3% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$68. — a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2019 vintage. Less body (light-medium vs medium/medium heavy) than the 2018 effort. Absolutely phenomenal nose. Wowza. Starts off decently demonstrative, then dovetails into Subtletown. Catching this on the relatively youthful side so anticipating variability/changes but drinking beautifully now for the price. You could easily throw this into a Bordeaux tasting and get away with it. Full disclosure...massive Mount Eden honk but a Domaine Eden (2nd label) sceptic. Laying on the horn here as I did with the 2018. Beep beep n beep beep, beep beep n beep beep, yeah. 5.5.24. — 4 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2011 vintage. Opened-not decanted-and tasted after three hours. Medium body. Nearly as much stuffing as a holiday fowl and the nose was replete with orange citrus and baking spices. Has at least another decade of excellent enjoyment if not two. 4.18.24. — 21 days ago

Brett Royer

9.0

Drank at Contessa Boston — 19 days ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.1

Revisiting an old friend. The ‘19 Merlot doesn’t disappoint. Keenan is always solid. Layers of red fruit, long finish. Nice acidity. — a month ago

Tom Garland

9.3

Inspire Napa for Alzheimer research Wine Seminar at Round Pond Estate

Moderator: Ray Isle, Wine Editor, Food & Wine
Panelists:
Antonio Galloni, Vinous founder
Carissa Mondavi, Continuum Estate
Michael Silacci, Opus One Winery
Jason Lede, Cliff Lede Vineyards
Jason Smith, Schrader Cellars

WINES: wines that inspired each person
1977 Mondavi cab reserve...Carissa birth yr
2018 Rinaldi Barolo Brunate...Antonio
2022 Hirsch Estate chard.....Jason Smith
2017 Mas Doix Costers de Vinyes..Jason Lede
2005 Mario Bazan cab....Michael Silacci
2018 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill...Ray Isle — 5 days ago

with Brenda

Gladys Xiques

9.3

An exquisite Syrah with balance and ripened dark fruit. — 7 days ago

Brent Clayton

9.2

Dark and brooding. — 7 days ago

Amanda Ellinger

9.4

Found at Publix — 25 days ago