Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I corvined this last weekend and put it back in storage for tonight. I had a very different experience & thoughts on this wine last weekend un-decanted. This is wine comes from a period when I loved Caymus. After 2011 when they started picking later and at higher brix’s, they lost me but, got higher Parker scores and rave words from people that like sweeter Cabernet that drinks young.

Last weekend without a decant, very dominate bright cherries and vanilla.

Tonight, the nose reveals, dark, slightly syrupy currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, creamy, black raspberries, blueberries, black plum with lots of skin dominate, baked strawberries, black licorice, vanilla, some clove and a touch nutmeg, underbrush, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, volcanic minerals, black tea, touch of black coffee expresso, liqueur/dark berry cola, used leather, hints of graphite with ruby, fresh, dark, fresh, dark, red, blue florals with violets.

The body is full, sexy, gorgeous and voluptuous. The structure, tension, length and balance are at the start of its high point with another 7-10 years of good drinking ahead. Dark, slightly syrupy currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, creamy, black raspberries, blueberries, black plum with lots of skin dominating, baked strawberries, black licorice to deep anise, vanilla, some clove and a touch nutmeg, caramel, mocha, dark chocolate, dark spices with just a touch of palate heat, underbrush, used leather, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, volcanic minerals, black tea, touch of black coffee expresso, liqueur/dark berry cola, used leather, hints of graphite with ruby, fresh, dark, fresh, dark, red, blue florals with violets. The acidity is like a needed waterfall shower. The long finish is, deep, dark, well balanced, elegant, ruby, ripe, polished and persists endlessly.

It’s been awhile and I’ve missed it. This is a very good example of why I used to adore Caymus. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

The history of Freemark Abbey began in 1886, when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in California. The historic site where Josephine's winery, Tychson Cellars, once stood is now known as Freemark Abbey. A blend of 83.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.2% Merlot, 4.4% Malbec, & 3% Petit Verdot, dark red with dark berry fruit aromas. On the palate cherry and blackberry flavors with bits of leather, cacao and oak notes. Tannins are soft and balanced with acidity. Nice. — 9 years ago

John Browning

9.0

Great value full of rich flavor - nice finish — 9 years ago

Michelle Gracia

8.9

Very interesting, super sweet — 9 years ago

Ben Lehman

9.2

2014 vintage. Tasting great. Rich yet restrained. Lots of exotic fruit and spice — 10 years ago

Liz M

9.0

Very drinkable Pinot for every day — 11 years ago

Michael Smith

9.0

Strong stuff, bro. — 11 years ago

Chris Wallendorf

9.0

Simply delicious and a nice long finish. — 11 years ago

Jason Heller

Master Sommelier

9.7

Now that's a good quadruple! — 12 years ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.5

Bottled 24.05.06 — 7 years ago

Barb Anderson

9.2

A fantastic right bank blend of Cab Franc and Merlot! — 7 years ago

Keith Whitener WSET Diploma, CSW

8.9

13vintage. Clear light lemon color. Melon and slight grapefruit nose. Peachy lemon? Or lemony peach flavor. Nice wine from classic Napa source. — 8 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.2

Great way to start off the afternoon, paired with a Kobe burger at Huber Keller’s AWESOME burger bar! — 8 years ago

with Vanessa

Paul H

9.2

I always enjoy this wine. This is another good year. There are a lot of things going on when you take your first sniff. Cherry, rich soil, dark fruit and more. Rich blackberry and leather mix well in your mouth and linger nicely. Super finish. — 9 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.1

Crisp and delicious! — 9 years ago

Patrick Hu

9.4

Fascinatingly yeasty. — 10 years ago

Alicia

8.9

NV Josephine a 00, 01 blend still very juice. Dark, herbal, bretty. Medium plus body soft well integrated tannins. — 11 years ago

Michelle Cummings

9.8

Tyler's new favorite dinner wine! — 11 years ago

with Tyler

Matt Austin

Owner/Winemaker, Grosgrain Vineyards, Walla Walla, WA

9.2

This one threw me for a loop. Not typical Napa at all. Very Loire Cab Franc. Haven't had any Freemarks this recent, but if this is a new more restrained style (and they've already managed to stay rather old-school) I'm totally on board. — 11 years ago

Lo LM

9.3

Really nice rose — 7 years ago

John J

9.0

Nice depth of flavor, brown ale with a cocoa pinch. Great with fall food (sweet potatoes and pork). — 8 years ago

Natalya Pemberton

9.0

A little too much vanilla for me, but it was beautifully balanced by the acidity. Very delicious wine. — 8 years ago

Robert Adair

8.9

Goes really well with Stone crabs. Very nice Sav Blanc! — 9 years ago

Jay Miner

9.0

The 2015, the other half of the night's comparison. Less subtle, more floral. Jasmine, rose petal, honey. All powerful, but all a bit separate and distinct. I think this could lie down for a good while. Will be pleased to try another bottle in a few years. — 9 years ago

Mike Smith

Owner/Winemaker Myriad Cellars

9.0

More Cameron funk than normal — 9 years ago

Derek Thornhill

9.5

DELICIOUS! — 9 years ago

Joe Burkard

9.0

Supple...I shall have more. — 11 years ago

Hector Escaton

9.3

Also this. — 11 years ago

Mark Pagliaro

Winemaker Stone & Key Cellars

9.2

Nice Rhone blend from Kim McPherson in Texas. — 11 years ago

with Kristina

Robin Gerber

Partner Spotlight Brands

9.4

How Merlot should taste. Love this! — 11 years ago