Cimarossa
Rian Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Knowing this was 2013 + mountain fruit, I knew even at 8yrs this was going to be young, so I hoped an hour and a half double decant would help. It did, as this wine came and went in waves, but this really blossomed on day two. To me, these wines consistently show a red clay type character to them. It’s very dark fruit dominant on the nose, with charcoal, mocha, and herbal spice. On the palate the red clay comes out with added notes of char-grilled black cherry pie, dark chocolate, mineral core, and a savory tobacco leaf finish that popped up on day two. Dense on the mid palate but the finish has so much going on here. I’d hold for another 3yrs, but it’s pretty solid now if you can double decant for a few hours.
Knowing this was 2013 + mountain fruit, I knew even at 8yrs this was going to be young, so I hoped an hour and a half double decant would help. It did, as this wine came and went in waves, but this really blossomed on day two. To me, these wines consistently show a red clay type character to them. It’s very dark fruit dominant on the nose, with charcoal, mocha, and herbal spice. On the palate the red clay comes out with added notes of char-grilled black cherry pie, dark chocolate, mineral core, and a savory tobacco leaf finish that popped up on day two. Dense on the mid palate but the finish has so much going on here. I’d hold for another 3yrs, but it’s pretty solid now if you can double decant for a few hours.
Aug 3rd, 2021Thanksgiving wine number 3. The first wine of the meal, decanted about 3 hours ahead of time. This is a blackberry and black licorice monster, with hints of blueberry and pie spice. Even despite decanting, the amount of tannin here is incredible. Young oak tannicity is very present on this wine. Turns dark and smoky to the middle and finish. Full bodied and definitely complemented a majority of foods here. But.... along comes Dyer to steal the show. I believe this wine will be a lot better in about five years. But, still not a bad showing whatsoever with a solid 94 presentation today.
Thanksgiving wine number 3. The first wine of the meal, decanted about 3 hours ahead of time. This is a blackberry and black licorice monster, with hints of blueberry and pie spice. Even despite decanting, the amount of tannin here is incredible. Young oak tannicity is very present on this wine. Turns dark and smoky to the middle and finish. Full bodied and definitely complemented a majority of foods here. But.... along comes Dyer to steal the show. I believe this wine will be a lot better in about five years. But, still not a bad showing whatsoever with a solid 94 presentation today.
Nov 23rd, 2018Fruit forward. Dark purple almost black. Not as dark as the ‘11 Riva di Levante. Blueberries, blackberries, jammy. Incredible mouth feel and soft tannins. Drank after 1 hour decant.
Fruit forward. Dark purple almost black. Not as dark as the ‘11 Riva di Levante. Blueberries, blackberries, jammy. Incredible mouth feel and soft tannins. Drank after 1 hour decant.
Oct 24th, 2018Quite different on day 2 as well. Still more "typical" for Howell Mountain, this wine developed a cola note towards the finish. My favorite note in a bottle of wine. This one just might bankrupt me!
Quite different on day 2 as well. Still more "typical" for Howell Mountain, this wine developed a cola note towards the finish. My favorite note in a bottle of wine. This one just might bankrupt me!
Feb 10th, 2017Mike Kolbeck, had this 7 years ago
Mike Kolbeck, had this 7 years ago
Dec 4th, 2016