Opened to celebrate my birthday. Bought a few bottles at an auction a few years ago but never had a chance to drink this. When I was searching for a birthday wine, this bottle caught my attention and wow it was a good choice. Perfectly balanced and fully mature. Drinking at peak but could easily go a few more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I was expecting more based on the past ratings. This was a typical California cab which was, imo, not well integrated at all. There wasn't much noticeable fruit due to the tannins and alcohol being very present and somewhat "in your face". Acidic and sharp. Paired with a steak and potato and even that didn't help cut the bite. I don't think more time in the bottle is going to change it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark and inky, shows a hint of mint and leather on the nose. This is very concentrated and rich, with sweet currant, blackberry, pepper, and sage. Tannins are still relatively prominent, suggesting a younger wine, but this is complex and decadent.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine unfolded beautifully over about four hours, and still really is a baby at 9-years old.
Nose: Deep Blackberry, Currants, Black Cherry, Sage, Graphite and some spices. Tarragon and Bell Pepper notes as well. Palate: Voluptuous and large without the weight of many wines that reach this ripeness. Palate feel was gorgeous and there were layers upon layers of Black Fruit, Earth, Spice and Berries. Some earthy tobacco early on as well. Finish: Long and penetrating leaving cassis and blackberry jam.
Best Napa cab this year.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Medium full ruby color with just a hint of bricking at the edges leads to a nose of currant, black and red cherry with touches of chocolate and cigar box. Silky smooth medium plus body shows both red and black fruit, current, Asian spice and hints of bell pepper and chocolate. Seamless finish lasts 45 seconds. This is a Bordeaux drinkers kind of Napa Cab. Drinking at or very near peak, I expect to hold at this level for another decade. Worth seeking out!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Enjoyed after a quick decant. Deep, dark color with a rich nose of plum and blackberry. More dark fruit on the palate, also some raspberry, chocolate, and a hint of cinnamon. Drinking well with plenty of potential.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
5/12/2020 - Rbtrage wrote: 95 Points
Opened to celebrate my birthday. Bought a few bottles at an auction a few years ago but never had a chance to drink this. When I was searching for a birthday wine, this bottle caught my attention and wow it was a good choice. Perfectly balanced and fully mature. Drinking at peak but could easily go a few more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/24/2017 - whybuyone wrote: 88 Points
I was expecting more based on the past ratings. This was a typical California cab which was, imo, not well integrated at all. There wasn't much noticeable fruit due to the tannins and alcohol being very present and somewhat "in your face". Acidic and sharp. Paired with a steak and potato and even that didn't help cut the bite. I don't think more time in the bottle is going to change it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/4/2015 - kgh wrote: 96 Points
Dark and inky, shows a hint of mint and leather on the nose. This is very concentrated and rich, with sweet currant, blackberry, pepper, and sage. Tannins are still relatively prominent, suggesting a younger wine, but this is complex and decadent.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/29/2014 - Cadby Likes this wine: 97 Points
2005 Cliff Lede Songbook Stags Leap +++++ $100
Napa incarnate...tobacco, eucalyptus, menthol, spicebox, currant. Stunning!
http://8wordsonwine.blogspot.com/2014/11/2005-cliff-lede-poetry-stags-leap-225.html?_sm_au_=iVVjs5QD0F5JRQsq
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/20/2014 - RockinCabs wrote: 96 Points
This wine unfolded beautifully over about four hours, and still really is a baby at 9-years old.
Nose: Deep Blackberry, Currants, Black Cherry, Sage, Graphite and some spices. Tarragon and Bell Pepper notes as well. Palate: Voluptuous and large without the weight of many wines that reach this ripeness. Palate feel was gorgeous and there were layers upon layers of Black Fruit, Earth, Spice and Berries. Some earthy tobacco early on as well. Finish: Long and penetrating leaving cassis and blackberry jam.
Best Napa cab this year.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/13/2013 - flashvictor Likes this wine: 95 Points
Medium full ruby color with just a hint of bricking at the edges leads to a nose of currant, black and red cherry with touches of chocolate and cigar box. Silky smooth medium plus body shows both red and black fruit, current, Asian spice and hints of bell pepper and chocolate. Seamless finish lasts 45 seconds. This is a Bordeaux drinkers kind of Napa Cab. Drinking at or very near peak, I expect to hold at this level for another decade. Worth seeking out!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/1/2012 - KeithSurg wrote: 95 Points
Enjoyed after a quick decant. Deep, dark color with a rich nose of plum and blackberry. More dark fruit on the palate, also some raspberry, chocolate, and a hint of cinnamon. Drinking well with plenty of potential.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment