Waterfall
Davis Estates
Private Reserve Zephyr Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Waterfall
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2013
Very nice recommendation by the Somm @Joshua Fisher (Thank you!). This is really showing well, especially after 40 min. This was my WOTN. — 7 years ago
Cá dei Zago
Prosecco col Fondo 2016
Ancient yeast waterfall atop a mountain. Lovely golden hewed Repunzle hair grassy old school prosecco. — 7 years ago
Kalinda
Cuvée Réserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Continuing to kick off the un-labor weekend early in the D&S Lounge.
For those of you who haven’t seen me post Kalinda, it’s a private label from K&L Wine Merchants. They buy a quality producers juice or have them make a wine for them. I don’t know who made this wine but, they are a quality Oakville producer. This bottle cost me $18.99 about eight years ago and it tastes better than some Napa Cabernets at $75 plus that I’ve had. You just have to wait on them 5-10 years. This is somewhere near its peak.
It’s a slice of blue fruit heaven. On the nose, blueberries, mulberries, olallieberries, plum, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, vanilla, sweet mixed berry cola, light cinnamon, soft dark spice, limestone minerals, dry crushed rock powder, dry top soil, black cherry licorice, a waft of dry herbs with bright dark red florals and violets.
The palate is round and full. Tannins are 80% resolved. The texture is sexy. The structure, length, tension and balance are in perfect harmony, (Seals & Croft/America on the album “Horse With No Name” style). Lush, ripe; blueberries, mulberries, olallieberries, plum, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries & strawberries. Vanilla, sweet mixed berry cola, light cinnamon, clove, touch of nutmeg, soft dark spice that penetrates the palate with some heat, tarry notes, dry stems, soft leather, tobacco with ash, graphite, limestone minerals, dry crushed rock powder, dry top soil, black cherry licorice, a waft of dry herbs with bright dark red florals and violets. The acidity is like a waterfall. The long finishes (minutes) is, round, lush, balanced, elegant harmony. It’s beautifully delicious.
Photos of; the D&S lounge lit up by candle power only and always. — 7 years ago
Pascal Jolivet
Pouilly-Fumé Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Super Fume @ £16 that’s just goes down too easy 🤪 & is incredibly well balanced 👍 buy this bugger for summer 🌞
🍷 Light straw
👃 Smokey infused lemon honey & gooseberry in wet rock minerals w/ a lemongrass waterfall & pineapple crush
👄 Med crisp smooth creamy body of citrus, green fruits in med acidity balanced lovely w/ an exotic fruit touch
🎯 Long touch dry mineral infused lemon & lime citrus fruits w/ a chalky lime smooth kicker
🧀 Paired perfectly with goats cheese — 7 years ago
Kingston Family Vineyards
Tobiano Pinot Noir 2016
On the nose; leaner, ripe fruits of; dark cherries, cherries, plum, blueberries, raspberries, lightly spiced plums, light vanilla, whiff of herbal notes, light dark turned earth and perfume purple florals.
On the palate; dark cherries, cherries, strawberries, floral blueberries, plum, herbal notes, light soft spice, dark rich soils, grainy and powdery minerals. Good round waterfall acidity with a well balanced, polished, elegant finish.
Photos of; landscaping around the property, second year planted Pinot Noir vines (had to replant as pests ate the rootstock) and a retaining wall with a waterfall type pond character. — 7 years ago
Chateau Montelena
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1986
The 86 is still in fine shape. One the nose, the fruit are slightly stewed & mashed. Dark currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, creamy black raspberries. Tarry notes, bay leaf, dark chocolate, dark spice, black turned earth, dry stones, eucalyptus and fresh & dry red flowers. The tannins are completely resolved. The body is medium and mouthfeel clean, lush & ripe. Blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, creamy black raspberries & strawberries-blue fruits come on late. Tarry notes, bay leaf, dark chocolate, mocha, dark spice with heat that intensifies and rises off the palate as it sets, mixed berry cola, black tea, rich, moist black turned earth, dry stones, dry crushed rocks, used leather, dry stems, old tobacco, mint, eucalyptus, violets, fresh & dry red flowers. There is still sound structure, great length, balance and nice complexity. The acidity is like a waterfall and the long, beautiful finish goes on and on and on. If you have the 86, it’s beautiful, but drink them now or very soon as they will start to slip going forward. The cork was in decent shape. However, I used “The Durand” corkscrew just to be safe. Always use it on 25 year plus wines just to be safe...100% removal rate getting them completely intact. Photos of, our bicycle Santa towing his wine & our color changing Christmas candles. Merry Christmas to the Delectable Community! 🎄🎁⛄️❄️🥗🎅 — 8 years ago
Château Palmer
Alter Ego Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2012
12th bottle of this beauty we can't stop drinking as so good young! @£50 - reviewed before & was a quick bottle last night so I think what I said before captures it well 😁
A proper good Margaux! Dark plummy blackened red. Aroma of plum, blackcurrant & wet stones. Thick intensive balanced smooth jammy blackcurrant, cocoa & plums on palate with med body. Long back fruit finish with little acidity.
Mrs E suggested it's like "bare breasted maidens under a blackberry waterfall!" Who am I to argue 😎😍 — 8 years ago
Château Pontet-Canet
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1996
Pontet Canet tasting and dinner with Alfred Tesseron.
The 96 is a nice surprise add from Clyde’s cellar. Thank you Clyde.
This 96 is beautifully floral. The evolution is right around its peak. The body is medium full and the tannins soft. It’s an elegant beauty.
The fruits are ripe and delicious. Leaner blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries and shades of raspberries. Soft earth; dry top soil, dry rock, limestone minerals, old tobacco, soft leather, cedar with dry and withering red & dark florals. The acidity is like a waterfall. The long finish is well balanced fruit & earth and in a sweet spot.
Photos of; our dinner group, tasting room at Pontet Canet, the horse plows they still use in the fields and Chateau Pontet Canet. — 6 years ago
Paul Lato
"Seabiscuit" Zotovich Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
Nice meeting Paul Lato and talking about his wines.
This Zotovich Vineyard offering is delicious young but, will evolve into even greater pleasure in 5-6 years.
The body is full, round with beautiful texture. There is nice mix of perfectly ripe red & dark fruits with excellent blue fruits that hover around the plate. Gentle, soft wood use and subtle baking spices. This bottling walks the tightrope of Burgundy with its perfect waterfall acidity and round, soft structure and has Californian well ripen fruits.
He is one of few Southern California producers that doesn’t over extract and brings out those wonderful blue fruits I love in good Pinot Noirs.
Paul’s cousin was also nice to pour us a glass of one of their 2011 Chardonnays that was really beautiful and drinking at its peak. I didn’t get the vineyard designation as it was at the end of the event and security was being aggressive about clearing the hall. But, again, a beautifully textured Chardonnay that was round with beautiful fruit, great acidity and just the right amount of heather-honey notes. 9.5 on the Chardonnay. — 6 years ago
Château d`issan
Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2006
Mother Mary of God! Why didn’t I buy more of this wine? It’s so good tonight with at least a decade and half ahead of it to get even better.
The 2006 a vintage that followed 2005, more than difficult, right? Not here!
The is classic good Margaux. The nose is like an aphrodisiac...fills the nostrils and runs through the whole body. Ripe, fragrant, floral; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, baked strawberries, dry cranberries with creamy raspberries. Steeped tea, limestone, dry crushed rocks, rich forest floor, sweet tarry notes, black licorice, vanilla, mixed dark berry cola, fresh tobacco, suede leather, stem inclusion, dark red florals with fresh violets.
The body is medium full and pure heaven. It glides effortlessly over the palate. The structure, tension, length & balance are pushing its peak. It’s a perfect tug of war with fruit & earth. It’s the definition of elegance. Ripe, fragrant, floral; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, baked strawberries, dry cranberries with creamy raspberries. Layered baking spices; vanilla, cinnamon, clove & a touch of nutmeg. Steeped tea, limestone, beautiful medium intensity inter-mixed Asian-Indian spices, dry crushed rocks, rich forest floor, sweet tarry notes, black licorice, mixed dark berry cola, fresh tobacco, suede leather, stem inclusion, dark red florals with fresh violets. The acidity is waterfall perfect. The finish is crazy beautiful, elegant, well balanced, rich, ripe and heaven.
Photos of, the Chateau at sunset, Emmanuel Cruse, the owner and director of Chateau d'Issan, their barrel room, and Estate vines.
— 7 years ago
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1988
The 88 out of 6 liter.
On the nose; sweet mid red fruit with a pruny character. Cooked blackberries, dark cherries, old plum, rhubarb, vanilla, stones, dry minerals and withering red florals.
On the palate, the body is lean and tannins well resolved. Fruits show a pruny quality. Blackberries, dark cherries, cherries, strawberries, rhubarb, cola, fine powdery minerals, used leather, underbrush, limestone, waterfall acidity and a leaner sort of water back fruit finish. Such a treat to drink these wines these old wines out of big formats.
Photos of the Phelps party.
— 7 years ago
Bodegas Ondarre
Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010
On the nose, fresh, ripe floral; blackberries, black raspberries, blueberries & plum. Black raspberries cola, big vanilla, cinnamon, some clove & nutmeg, caramel, black licorice, dark rich soils, soft, dry, powdery minerals and lots of purple flowers & violets.
On the palate; the body is medium. The tannins are dark, slightly tarry and gently sticky. The fruits are ripe & juicy; blackberries, mulberries, plum, blue fruits & black raspberries with strawberries coming on late as it opens. Black raspberry & raspberry cola, soft baking spices of; vanilla, cinnamon, clove & nutmeg in that order of intensity, soft, black licorice, dark spice, soft powdery minerals and fine, dusty, dry rock powder, some rich, moist, dark semi-sweet earth, some leather, fresh, bright, purple flowers & violets, waterfall acidity and ripe, ruby, elegant, juicy, fruit finish with notes of earth. Delicious & very easy to drink.
Photos of, an amazing shot of Rioja. Ondarre barrel room. The library cellar at Ondarre. Bodega Ondarre.
@Delta One — 7 years ago
Flora Springs
Trilogy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1993
They should have called the Winery Floral Springs based on the nose. Beautiful; blackberry, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, dry cranberries and plum floral fruits. Nice spice, vanilla, touch of clove & cinnamon, used leather, dark rich soil, crushed volcanic minerals, black fruit tea, black raspberry cola and dark fresh florals with violets. The tannins are 95% resolved. The body is lush & ripe. The length, tension & structure are nearing the end. Just a few years left of being worthwhile. However, the balance is stereo tuned. The fruit on the palate shows even more elegant & ripe floral fruits than the nose. Blackberry, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, dry cranberries and plum floral fruits. Nice spice, vanilla, light clove & cinnamon, used leather, dark rich soil, crushed volcanic minerals, black fruit tea, black raspberry cola and dark fresh florals with violets for days. The acidity is like a waterfall. The beautiful, long, elegant finish is a little lean yet has a nice richness. Beautiful wine that just missed 9.2. Photos top to bottom and left to right. The Winery; which is separate from the other tasting room only on Hwy 29. The tasting room on Hwy 29 in St. Helena, Flora Spring caves and the front of their tasting room along Hwy 29. Producer notes and history...the stone winery on the grounds were built in 1885 by two immigrant brothers from Scotland, James and William Rennie. They were in construction, built the winery and planted 60 acres of grapes. The brothers had some bad fortune when phylloxera consumed the vines, and then a fire in 1900 destroyed their wine press and cooperage. In 1904, they sold the winery and fifteen years later Prohibition started. The winery was then closed until 1933. That year, Louis Martini, looked into their magic eight-ball and saw Prohibition collapsing and bought the Rennie property. They built a new stone house and also made a reserve wine from the hillside vineyards. However, the old winery remained empty until the Komes family bought the property, 325 acres, the old farm house, the newer stone house and 60 acres of vineyards. The son thought he’d persuade his dad to restore the old winery and proposed to call it Chateau Jerome. Although it had been designed by Hamden McIntyre an architect of several other classic 19th-century Napa wineries, by 1977, the place was a wreck. The tin roof of the building had so many holes in it. They called it the starlight roof. His father looked at it and stated, “I’ve worked all my life for my good name. I don’t want to squander it now.” John’s mother, Flora, however, sided with her son on the potential of the property. Carrie Komes suggested they could name the winery for her mother-in-law. Combined with the abundant springs on the land, they decided the name would be Flora Springs. It was a sure way to their mom’s heart and father’s wallet. Komes put his construction expertise to work on renovating the old winery, which still had scorch marks on the walls. So skeptical was his father about his son’s wine-making project, they divided the winery building. John rented half where he put his first fermenting tank, which he named R2D2. He invited a couple of friends from his wine-making class to help make wine at the new place. He also hired Mary Ann Graf, who in 1965 had been the first woman to graduate from the viticulture and enology department at UC Davis to help manage the project. She told John, “if you don’t hire a winemaker, I’ll quit.” He did and the 1979 Flora Springs chardonnay won a gold medal at the Los Angeles County Fair. In those days, it was fairs, not ratings. This was his first lesson in marketing as they sadly sold all the wine before they won the medal. Fairs were the big news instead of ratings as Parker had not yet risen to fame as he was the only one to call the grand 1982 Bordeaux vintage correctly. They submitted their 1981 Cabernet to eight fairs and won seven gold medals. From there, the winery just kept growing. They were the 67th winery in the county. Over the years, they had their ups and downs, but kept growing. One of their highlights was the creation this wine, Trilogy. It was one of the first Meritage blends in the valley. By 1984, they planted all the Bordeaux varietals; Malbec, Merlot, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. They wanted to create a blend “by taste”, not by formula for a nice smooth wine that goes deep into the palate. They worked with a little of this and little of that. The first Trilogy was Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc. It was dubbed as velvet in the mouth. A lot of what they do is taming the tannins. One man who bought Trilogy by the case said, “it’s the only red wine his wife would drink young.” From the leftovers, they began making single-varietal estate wines. Another highlight was the discovery of a unique clone of Sauvignon Blanc in vineyards his father bought in Oakville. UC Davis could identify nothing like it in their vast library of clones. They were a bit ahead of the times, but this clone showed Flora Springs how different in that time period what Sauvignon Blanc could be like as it took all the grassiness out of Sauvignon Blanc. — 8 years ago
Saxum Vineyards
James Berry Vineyard Grenache Blend 2012
Our wine pairing with Kentucky Bourbon marinaded chicken skews.
The blend is; 43% Ganache, 29% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah and 10% Goundise.
The nose reveals; ripe; spiced, blackberries, black plums, purple fruit blend, dark currants/cassis, dark poached cherries, anise to black licorice, dark Asian spice, sweet, syrupy tarriness, dark chocolate, steeped fruit tea, crushed, dry rocks, dark, rich soils, blackberry jam, incense, limestone minerals, black & white pepper, candied; dark, red, blue and purple florals.
The body is medium, rich and gorgeous. The fruits are perfectly ripe. The structure, tension, length and balance are just hitting their stride. Still has 10 years plus of good drinking ahead. The fruits on the palate are bright, juicy and ripe. It’s drinking beautifully and has that gorgeous/sexy sensation. Spiced, blackberries, black plums, purple fruit blend, dark cassis, dark poached cherries, creamy raspberries, mixed berry fruit cola, cherry kirsch, anise to black licorice, dark Asian spice with just a touch of heat, sweet, syrupy tarriness, dark chocolate, coco powder, steeped fruit tea, vanillin notes, crushed, dry rocks, dark, rich soils, blackberry jam, incense, limestone minerals, dry top soil, dry underbrush, softer black & white pepper than the nose, leathery, some fresh tobacco, candied & bright; dark, red, blue and purple florals. The acidity is waterfall perfect. The long, elegant, ripe, juicy, well balanced fruit & earth finish is delightfully persistent for several minutes. Another all-star blend from Justin.
Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone. Cheers! 🍷
Photos of, Saxum winery, James Berry Vineyard and Owner-Winemaker, Justin Smith. — 6 years ago
Luciano Sandrone
Le Vigne Barolo Nebbiolo 2006
Our pizza wine tonight.
The nose shows; dark currants, sweet & a touch sour dark cherries, blackberries, stewed black plum, kirsch cherries, notes of blueberries, poached strawberries on the edge of the glass, dark liqueur, dark tarriness, tobacco, leather, saddle-wood, limestone minerals, sandy, dry top soil, dark turned soils, black olive, dry herbs, steeped fruit tea, mid fruit cola with a hillside of florals and a dominance of lavender at the end.
The body is medium full but, puts on weight as it decants. The tannins are nicely rounded but grab the palate on the long set. The structure, tension, length and balance are farther along than I would expect but, in a great spot. It is pure elegance on the palate. Dark currants, sweet & a touch sour dark cherries, blackberries, lean black raspberries, stewed black plum, kirsch cherries, notes of blueberries, hints of rhubarb, poached strawberries on the edge of the glass, dark liqueur, dark tarriness, softly layered, dark spice, tobacco, leather, saddle-wood, expresso roast, limestone & sandstone minerals, sandy, dry top soil, dark turned soils, black olive, dry herbs, steeped fruit tea, mid fruit cola,dark roses for days, a hillside of bright florals with a dominance of lavender at the end. The acidity is like a waterfall. The long finish is; soft, round, ripe, well balanced fruit & earth and persists several minutes.
Photos of; Sandrone, Owner-Winemaker, Luciano Sandrone, the pink bicycle out in front of Sandrone-I think the Italian Tour went by there the year we were there and the Le Vingne Vineyard. — 6 years ago
Davis Estates
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015
Chardonnay pairing with Saffron Fettucine with Saffron Cream, Pancetta,
Summer Corn, Parsley and Pecorino Romano.
Green apple, juicy pineapple flesh, green melon, cream, butter, light honey notes, some lime candy, rich, waxy and well polished. One of a handful of CA Chardonnay’s I enjoy because of their light wood influence. At steal at $36 member price.
Not the best pair I’ve had but, it worked ok.
Photos of, their terrace view, Saffron Fettucine with Saffron Cream, Pancetta, Summer Corn, Parsley and Pecorino Romano, the rotating ball waterfall and hand blown glass that decorated their cellar halls.
— 7 years ago
Domaine Tempier
Bandol Rosé Blend 2016
It’s officially Summer! Time for Rosé. Tempier is one of my favorite Rosés. They’re even better when you let them round out a year in bottle before enjoying. The color darkens to a slightly rustic orange color.
On the nose, some sour notes with a little funk. Sweetness and sourness in the fruits. Strawberries, tangerine, cherries, Georgia peach, nectarine skin, juicy watermelon near the rhine, unbelievably just a touch of petrol, gummy character, chalkiness and fresh pink spring flowers and pink roses.
The body is round and full for Rosé. Sweetness and sourness in the fruits. Strawberries, tangerine, oranges, cherries, Georgia peach, nectarine skin, juicy watermelon near the rhine, well ripened rhubarb, just a touch of petrol, gummy character, spice, chalkiness, perfect intensity of crushed volcanic minerals with fresh pink spring flowers and pink roses. The acidity is like a waterfall. The length, structure, tension and balance are excellent. The long, rich, elegant finish is beautiful and lasts minutes. It’s delicious!!!
Photos from our 2016 visit. Domaine Tempier tasting room and cellars, shot of our barrel tasting w/ their assistant Winemaker (a sweetheart), the digging for their additional cellar; which I imagine is now complete and the view from the Domaine entrance — 7 years ago
Hiedler
Thal Grüner Veltliner 2016
Clear yellow, Meyer lemon, bruised apple, ripe peach and tons of tropical notes. Subdued white pepper, prominent mushroom/forest floor/clay and white rocks by waterfall... Vegetal and herbal undertone: celery, parsley, thyme, and sage. Dry with perceptible residual sugar. Medium (plus) acid. Phenolic bitterness on the medium finish. 13% abv. — 7 years ago
Hendricks Wines
Gold Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
On the nose, ripe, ruby, fruits of; mulberry, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, black cherries, blueberries & creamy raspberries. Vanilla, hints of sweet tarriness, black licorice, whiff of spice, soft understated limestone minerals & crushed rock powder, fruity black tea, hint of fresh herbaceousness, rich, black turned earth, fresh dark floral bouquet and fields of lavender & violets.
The body is rich, ripe & full. The tannins are a little sticky but well softened, round and a touch chewy. The structure, tension, length, balance, tension and balance are very close to perfect and harmonious. Fruits are; mulberry, huckleberry, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, black cherries & creamy raspberries. Vanilla, hints of sweet tarriness, black licorice, whiff of spice, soft understated limestone minerals & crushed rock powder, fruity black tea, hint of fresh herbaceousness, rich, black turned earth, fresh dark floral bouquet and fields of lavender & violets. The acidity is round and rains like a waterfall perfectly over the palate. The very long, ruby, rich, well balance lasts minutes and is absolutely heavenly. Gorgeous, elegant, stunning wine.
Photos of; the vertical tasting we attended of all Hendricks Cabernets; 04, 05, 09 & 12 at the time w/ one of our favorite paintings in the background, Charles Hendricks working in the cellar, very old rootstock from the Stag’s Leap Vineyard where the fruit to make this wine normally comes from and a wide shot of the Stag’s Leap Vineyard.
Producer notes and history...Hendricks Cabernet Sauvignon is consistently sourced from a few of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards. In those near perfect vintages, Charles only makes a small production wine of around 250-300 cases. Charles only produces it when he has exception fruit. He’s made Hendricks Cabernet in; 2004, 2005, 2009, 2012 & 2014. Notice he didn’t make Hendricks Cabernet in a great vintage year like 2013. He wasn’t happy enough with his fruit in 2013 to put his name on it. That says a lot and maybe all you need to know about his standard for quality. I do know what wine his 13 fruit made as I’ve had and it’s an unbelievable wine for far less money.
Charles also makes a fantastic Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands that is really quite amazing. Especially, if you give it 5 or 6 years in bottle. All his wines are sold exclusively through the Hope & Grace tasting room in Yountville as he is also the Hope & Grace Winemaker.
Charles graduated in 1982 from UC Davis in viticulture. He was also able to tailor his own curriculum and was one of the earliest to integrate winemaking and viticulture course work. Having knowledge of both viticulture and enology forms the basis for his well-rounded winemaking.
Over the years Charles has worked in both Napa and Sonoma Counties, gaining hands on experience in all aspects of winemaking. He has a strong reputation for excellence. In his career, he’s been a consulting winemaker for many wineries; Viader, Barnett Vineyards, Paoletti Vineyards, Regusci Winery, James Cole, T-Vine and Tamayo family Vineyard.
I asked Charles, “how does he make wines that are amazingly good in their youth but will age effortlessly for 15-20 years?” His answer was simply this, “its not that hard, you just have to know the perfect time to harvest fruit.” I would agree with that to a degree. But, you also have to know how to gently guide fruit onto it’s path into the barrel and not get in the wine’s way or overwork the process. — 7 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Certainly a very good Napa producer that still largely flies under the radar. This is delicious.
The nose is a 95. Ruby currants & cassis, dark chocolate wrapped in bright & withering dark, purple, red flowers laid on violets with baking & dark Middle Eastern spices dashed on top. Boysenberries, mulberries, slightly, candied & ruby raspberries, black raspberries, baked, black plum, strawberries on the high nose, star anise, black licorice, mocha, caramel, limestone, dry sage, thyme, touch of rosemary, dry top soil, black, rich earth, slightly moist clay with light notes of dark berry cola & dark fruit roll-ups.
The palate is; round, ripe, lush, juicy and simply delicious. The round tannins are; slightly tarry, meaty with cocoa powder. This is a good check on the 12 which, is still ascending. The structure & tension are just get to their good drinking point. The length & balance are really good with better things ahead. She is an elegant beauty. This has another 15 plus years of good drinking ahead of it. However, the 12 vintage has always drunk well young. Dark cassis & currants, boysenberries, mulberries, slightly, candied & ruby raspberries, black raspberries, baked, black plum, strawberries, star anise, black licorice, mocha, melted caramel, dark spices with lots of palate heat, vanillin, clove, nutmeg, light cinnamon, limestone, dry sage, thyme, touch of rosemary, dry tobacco, wood shavings, graphite, dry underbrush, dry top soil, black, rich earth, slightly moist clay with light notes of dark berry cola & dark fruit roll-ups. The acidity is round, voluptuous & holds the slightly elevated alcohol level. The finish is all you want in a wine; ripe, ruby, juicy, balanced with warm earthiness that slides into spices that persist endlessly.
Photos of; the rotating waterfall/ball as viewed from their amazing terrace patio, the Estate with their signature windmill, tasting room and kitchen and their patio with views of the Estate and valley floor. — 6 years ago