Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

First a note about the 2012 Napa vintage. Good, right? Yes. While the fruit was abundant & nicely fruity, for me, lacked tannins, skin/juice ratio out of balance which created a lack of tannic depth and will not cellar like 13 or 14 etc..

When I visited w/ The Stag’s Leap Winery Winemaker, he told me, they normally make 75,000 cases of Artemis. In 12, they made 100,000 cases. They grow their own fruit but also contract fruit. While there are terms in their contracts w/ growers to refuse fruit, they could not refuse any. The fruit was that good. They even had to take Artemis out of tank early so they could finish their higher-end Cabernets.

This 12 JC Muds Kitchen was made by Charles Hendricks. His second to last vintage at JC. One of the more unknown & underrated Napa Winemakers. James & Coleen misstepped in the separation but understand Coleen’s reasons. Charles Hendricks Apprentice, went his own way. Can’t say I blame him, just not a fan of his post work. Ok, but not the follow up I wished.

Nose; a dark core of currants/cassis, ripe/lush, blackberries, both plums, mulberries, dark, sweet cherries, black raspberries, strawberries and haunting blueberries, softly, layered baking spices, anise to black licorice-liqueur, sandstone/limestone, steeped fruit tea, melted, dark chocolate baking bar, sweet tarriness, French espresso, withering/candied/slightly floral, dark & red flowers framed in lavender/violets.

The palate fruits are; ripe, juicy, fresh, dark core of; currants/cassis, ripe/lush, blackberries, both plums, mulberries, dark, sweet cherries, black raspberries, strawberries, haunting blueberries & pomegranate high tones. Softly, layered baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, dark, mid spice intensity w/ heat, anise to black licorice-liqueur, sandstone/limestone, steeped fruit tea, melted, dark chocolate baking bar, sweet tarriness, French espresso, dry leather/tobacco, graphite, dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dry river stone, dry crushed limestone rocks, dry oak barrel shavings, withering/candied/slightly floral, dark & red flowers framed in lavender/violets, near perfect acidity with a well knitted/toned/balanced, elegant finish w/ great length that lasts two-minutes and long sets on spice & dry minerals. — 2 months ago

David Smisek

8.9

12/31/24 toast (total wine $24). Enjoyable and refreshing. Light bubbles, citrus light — a year ago

Ming L

9.3

At 20 years of age, this shows graceful maturity. Aromas of dried plum, fig, cedar, and mocha unfold alongside leather and warm spice and hint of purple floral. The palate is supple and harmonious, with resolved tannins and a gentle acidic lift that keeps the wine poised. Savory hints of olive and earth add complexity. The smooth finish feels settled and complete.

A bottling from Langhorne Creek and one Two Hands no longer produces. Would be fun to taste all the Garden series bottling side by side. — 3 months ago

Pooneet K

9.1

Very solid zin. Definitely more on the elegant side, though still over 14.5%. Haven’t had before and enjoyed. — 7 months ago

Steve Mitchell

9.3

Paired well with our steelhead trout and salad. — 10 months ago

Stuart Pollack

9.2

Powerful wine that went well with my Georgian lamb. Too strong to drink alone. But perfect with steak or lamb. Powerful nose with strong brooding flavors. — 3 years ago

Irina Georgieva

9.3

Very well made Riesling! Very fresh and string petrol flavours. Really long aftertaste. — 4 months ago

Brian S

9.0

Dried flowers, red currant, cranberry, cherry, minerals — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Blend of equal amounts of local red grapes; Caino, Espadeiro and Loueiro, Ruby red color with aromas of red fruits, herb, floral and cigar box notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and raspberry with tobacco, oak and garden herbs. Medium+ finish, chalky tannins, savory, ending with herbs, spice, cedar and slight fruit, savory. Nice, will continue to age. — 9 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

8.9

Medium ruby in color; oregano, green bell pepper, and black cherries on the nose; medium minus acidity; medium plus tannins; tastes like cherries, eucalyptus, and wet gravel with a long finish. Nellie says it's ok. I'm enjoying the unique aromas and flavors. — 3 years ago

with Nellie