Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2012 | Oomphs… what’s wrong with me… tasted blind I was perceptive that there was a disbalance in the wine. Bummer. — 4 months ago

Elle Scorcho

9.2

Smoke, tar, licorice, ripe berries, plum, subtle cinnamon sticks, and mocha throughout. Thin bodied and light, but so flavorful. — 5 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

After reading the story of this producer, I inspired to try it. Especially, at $59.99 for a quality Napa Cabernet. These two brother’s are true pioneers of the Napa Valley. They do their own thing. Don’t follow trends and are not aggressive with their bottle price, nor do they really wish to. More rare than common in today’s Napa Cabernet market. I have a lot of respect for that and Napa Pioneers.

This also drinks pretty well for a young Napa Cabernet. I was expecting bigger/bolder based on write up. Not that this won’t benefit from cellaring.

The fruits are nicely ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries & blueberry hues. I was expecting more teeth. Think it is showing the finesse & balance of most 21’s I’ve had. Dark spice, grilled meats, light black pepper, barrel dust, dry tobacco, leather, savory herbaceousnes, moist clays, dry crushed rocks, cola, flower bouquet of red, blue & purple fresh flowers, rainfall acidity with a well balanced, softly structured, elegant finish that lasts just over a minute and lands crushed rocks and touch of spice.

It will be interesting to see if this shows more in 5 years.

Photos of; Smith Madrone vineyards and brothers Stuart and Charles Smith — 6 months ago

Jeffrey Ritterson

9.2

Touriga Nacional (40%), Touriga Franca (20%), Tinta Roriz (30%), Tinta Barroca (10%). Medium to deep purple. Medium body, medium tannin at most, medium acidity, dry. Some slight funk on the nose, in a very good way. Wet rocks, violets, light baking spices. Better after open for a day. Benchmark Duero for what I can find in the US so far. — 7 months ago

Benjamin Hickey

9.5

Super velvety, light to medium body but still very plump. Very long finish. Would drink! — 7 months ago

Mark S.

9.0

Oak, ample vanilla. Black fruits. Black pepper. Dry and Spicy. Mild tannin. Elegant body. Earthy. Not so sweet chocolate. MITOLO G.A.M. Shiraz McLaren Vale 19 @6314, Felicit, 250329-250404 — 8 months ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

A rich and intense blend from Australia. Aromas of tropical fruits and oak attributes, on the palate balance of acidity and sweetness, long finish. — 4 months ago

Jason Phillips

8.9

Spicy with lots of pepper with a hint of smoke. — 5 months ago

Brian Hearty

9.3

2007. Big, rich, dark fruits and oak! Great on its own, but I liked the Red Cap a little better. — 5 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2022 vintage. Good, not great. The 2021 with more intensity/grip and life. 06.11.25. — 6 months ago

Doug Powers

8.9

Diesel/petrol, lovely Riesling fruit, I know this is way too young to drink, but the bottle looked like it wanted to be drunk today!! — 6 months ago

with Jim

James Everhart

9.1

Outstanding value at $16. Good body and acidity with floral notes. — 7 months ago

Leslie Matheson

9.6

Brick in colour, fruit was still strong and it has been awhile but this wine gave me a very strong sense of place. Maybe it was nostalgia but I would have known it was Walla Walla blind folded. — 8 months ago

Ray

9.1

Very smooth and balanced — 9 months ago

Sagee Aran

8.9

On the jammy side. Too overwhelming — 4 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Dark purple/black color. Aromas of cooked black fruit, violets and Asian spices. Blackberry compote, huckleberry, blueberry jam and black plum fruit flavors along with notes of chocolate, black licorice, basil, tobacco, coffee and vanilla. Hint of saline on the long and drawn out finish. High, but not obvious, alcohol (16%). Velvety texture and tannin structure. Plush, bold and powerful. Thanks for sharing, James W. — 5 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2022 vintage. Last year's vintage more than justified the pricing. This one, not so much. 06.11.25. — 6 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

As you can see from my previous Delectable notes I normally drink Mollydooker reds, particularly Carnival of Love, on cold nights in Winter. This certainly worked. Aromatics of black plum and other black fruits. The palate is ripe, sweet and full bodied - quite thick and textured. Has come together somewhat after 15 years but still a very powerful McLaren Vale Shiraz. Jeb Dunnuck’s comment of “full bore and hedonistic “ sums it up. This was the #2 wine in Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2012. — 6 months ago

Taylor Brody

10

Fantastic wine. Had it in Jackson with the daughter. 10/10 — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

The light cherry red in colour belies the intensity of the palate. Cherry and raspberry flavours - some herbal notes. The Grenache grapes from a sandy terroir in McLaren Vale - most suitable. 77 year old vines. The wine was made in a natural style - fresh and young - juicy. Interesting back story: When the Rolling Stones were touring Australia in 2014 with a gig in Adelaide, Mick Jagger plus Keith’s wife and a few others decided to visit the Adelaide Hills and had lunch there with Taras Ochota and his wife. Apparently the Stones bought all of their inventory and had a memorable stay. Sadly Taras passed away a few years ago. — 8 months ago