Dark ruby with a dark fruit profile and cedar on the nose. Alcohol present which is the biggest detractor on score for me. Macerated blackberry on the palate, almost juicy and mouthwatering. Appropriate amount of acidity present with a moderate finish. Very nice wine that is definitely in its drinking window but certainly not over the hill for my palate.
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From magnum. Olive notes stand out on Day 1 with plenty of cherry and anise lurking. Slightly astringent. Perfectly integrated on Day 2, fruit coming to the forefront. At peak now, will easily hold for another couple of years under proper storage.
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Last bottle. It was better than some bottles I drank over the last 4 years.....over which time the experience was erratic. That contrasts with a consistent and very good experience before that. I would be a drinker of this one.
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Scents of dark fruits, one whiff and you can tell this is a mountain cabernet. At the rim, still almost purple. Taste: Blackberry, Cassis, graphite. Big mountain cabernet still at 13 years. Close resemblance to Dunn HM Cab. After 4 hours, the fruit faded, would drink sooner than later. 1st bottle of half case I bought for ~$40. What a deal.
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PNP. Nice mature cab. Deep red with paler rim and med+ stained med+ tears. Clean cassis, blackberry, and strawberry with notes of potting soil, green pepper, hint of olive, and pink flowers. Baking spice and toast. Med acidity, med+alcohol, med+ tannin. Truncated finish, med complexity. Well integrated. Strangely dark and brooding on the palate with some bright notes.
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Very dark purple/red color. From magnum. Small pour. This was huge, over ripe black fruits, blackberry liqueur, port like. Was disappointed by this showing.
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One of the few wines from Howell Mountain that I was able to purchase for $40 a bottle, and a superb example of why Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons command and get premium prices. A powerful full bodied wine highly structured by firm tannin and vivid acidity. Dark, dense, and concentrated fruits of black currants, blackberry, and black cherry. Beautifully ageworthy and readily improves for decades. At 13 years old, more integrated, smooth, seamless, and layered.
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Detailed notes not taken. Very big, rich, and now well-rounded. Will remain in perfect drinking form for 3-5 yrs and take on its pleasant older CA cab notes after that.
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From magnum, corked... maddening! Can think of no other consumer segment where this level of defects would be allowed or tolerated. 2 mags and 1 btl left.
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My last 2 bottles of this one were way off after a string of really good experiences. I have no explanation as this bottle is more or less back to where it used to be. Wine can be a real mystery.
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My earlier tastings of this one were right in line with other reviews, with number ratings us to 94 or so. This bottle and the last one have been a little off from that experience. Not as deep and complex as before. Who knows why? It is what it is.
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Sadly, this is my last bottle but after 11 years, this wine has hit its stride with a rich, structured fruit forward style that has blackberry fruit, cassis, licorice and dark chocolate. After two hours this wine explodes in complexity...hence the 95 rating. Believe this has another five years in it...if not more. Enjoy!
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I recently pulled a bottle of this one, and it was awful.....not corked, just bad. That followed a short string of spectacular tastings. This bottle was drinkable, but no where near the earlier bottles......one of which was consumed earlier this year. So, I am very confused.
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This was bottle number 6 of a case. An early bottle was tight, and not up to current ratings on CT.com. Bottles 2 through 5 were up to the current ratings. This bottle was just bad. I expect to prove out over time that the cause was a bad cork. I have have this happen several times over the years......a random bad bottle with the remainder being very good and similar to prior bottles. I hope that pattern repeats, as this has been a very good wine.
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First one of these in almost a year. Much more impressive this time. Did not leave a note last time because I suspected it was an "off" bottle - which it apparently was. Very attractive aromas of crushed dark fruits, earth, leather and sous bois on the nose. Full-bodied and rich, but not at all heavy or over-done. Plush in texture, offering a gorgeous mouthful of tangy, delicious blackberry and dark currant fruit. Shows tremendous depth and focus on the mid-palate. Nicely balanced, with a pleasant, moderate acidity and just a slight touch of oak. The long, grippy finish features alluring notes of coffee, licorice and mineral. Complex and delicious, this is very "Pauillac" in style. Has the structure to drink beautifully for several years to come. A uniquely impressive Napa Cabernet. 50+5+12+18+8=93
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PnP from a 375ml. Perhaps another example of "there are no great wines, only great bottles". This one certainly exceeded my expections.
In general, relatively moderate in profile. The Howell Mtn. influence definitely comes through. On the nose, freshly aromatic, trending almost toward floral / cut field, or at least as much as ever happens with a Cab. Nothing overt in the way of vanilla / oak.
On the palate, nicely balanced with enough acidity to keep it lively. A bit of cassis and pencil lead, and hints at some firm tannins that were probably fairly distinct in this wine's youth.
My score may be inflated by a point or two, but this the kind of Napa Cab I've come to enjoy - depth and character without becoming a caricature of itself (e.g. fruit bomb). I would seek this out on a wine list, as it has all the attributes to pair very nicely with a juicy steak.
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Fairly restrained initially with black currant, cassis and blueberry on the nose. Silky smooth and beautifully balanced with rich black currant, sweet blue fruit and an amazing herbal note of sage and thyme. Stunning!
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From magnum. This wine is right up my wheel house. Dense, layered, deep dark fruit integrated into round tannin. Licorice, spice, leather, pencil shavings. Great finish. Perfect time to drink in my opinion but can still go for years.
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Wonderfully expressive, after 4-5 hours of air, with a rich, ripe, full mouthfeel. This was a magnum, wine seems always better from magnums! Thanks to Anne Stotesbery for the amazing tour and tasting, when I got this one. (served at house party with work friends)
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Consistent with prior bottles and recent tasting notes by others. It has the deep/dark/jammy characteristics of Howell Mountain wines. Had this bottle in a restaurant.....was opened and decanted for less that an hour, and that seemed more than adequate. I completely agree with other recent tasting comments that the tannins are fading. Hence, I also plan to speed up drinking this one.
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This is an amazing wine. I gave it 3 hours to breathe, then drank it over the next two hours. The wine was at its peak between 4 - 5 hours. Deep, dark wine full of blackberry, cherry and blueberry flavors. As others have noted, the tannins are starting to drop off, so I would drink this wine within the next year or so.
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Excellent! Definitely a big powerful wine. Let sit for two hours after opening and then aerated it. Smooth blend of flavors that are well integrated and complex. Very good now, but will certainly continue to age well for several years. Maybe no need to use aerator and letting it breathe. One or the other.
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This wine is finally making good on its potential. Best bottle by far. Very smooth with tannins starting to tame. Still promise for improvement. My previous scores were a hunch but this one is based upon current experience. Worth the money.
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I truly thought this was a benchmark California cabernet sauvignon! Beautiful and straightforward, big fruit, cassis, some expresso flavors, with a very long finish and soft tannins. Blind tasting and I would have thought it was a nicely aged and matured Opus One. I think it drinks wonderfully now.
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Popped and poured. Last tasted this in mid 2011, and this has developed into something really good. Agree with the last few reviewers; this is drinking well with a good concentration of black fruits, cassis, espresso, and black cherries with a very nice finish to boot; tannins are on the light side.
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Opened in a restaurant for about 45 minutes.....no decant. Did not seem to need a decant, or much of one, as it did not improve over the next hour. Very good.....elegant, balanced, well integrated. Has lots of life left, but still agree with a comment I made in May, 2013.....that this does not seem/taste like a wine that will improve. It is great now, so enjoy it.
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Drinking beautifully. Two bottles with no noticeable differences. Plenty of fruit held in balance with notes of tobacco and earth, and a structure of tannin and acid. Long finish.
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Very complex and drinking well right now. Cherry, blueberries, spices, oak, vanilla beans and coffee. Long finish and intense. Should age for five to ten years. Excellent wine.
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very nice - could smell the nose immediately upon opening - touch of anise, black fruits - soft and silky tannins, drinking very nice now - still a bit fruit forward, could use a few more years.
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OMG! I've been drinking and scoring wine only for 7 years and this is the first time I said "this wine is too tight and astringent. I will give some time and come back to it"; then wait a few years to find the wine aged perfectly and is now the best wine in my cellar! I drank this a few years ago and thought it was bitter. Waited a few years, thought I would drink a bottle to finally get rid of it and WOW! I just turned the learned the lesson of how certain wines age into their best! ...only wish my wine snob friends were here!
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Dark fruit, medium weight with lots of structure. Mixed berries have become more restrained with age showing more. Uranyl, spice and forest floor. Much more interesting wine now with longer finish.
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This wine seems top be in its prime. Bright, powerful Howell Mountain fruit, long finish, tannins have eased to nicely balance the acid. Notes of eucalyptus, mint and red fruits. Having only two bottles and this being the first, I am not sure about its progression to this point, but it's stellar right now. I can't imagine more age wil improve this wine, and could be an issue. We'll be having our last bottle soon--and enjoying every drop.
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Boy is this wine drinking well! It makes me regret that I didn't buy more at the price that was available at the time. Others are correct about the crystalized sediment around the cork which was pristine upon opening. The wine has a huge nose that is full of tobacco and macerated dark fruit and berries which are echoed on the palate with toasted oak plum sauce. However, what's most impressive about this wine is the acidity which is why it has held together so well. Howell Mountain is arguably the best mountain fruit in Napa although Pritchard Hill dwarfs all other peaks in the right years
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2 years since my previous tasting (6/12/11), Crystallized sediment on bottom of cork, great nose of cherries and cranberries, dark garnet in the glass, smooth on the palate with nice blend of tannins and fruit, seems improved over 2011 bottle, I like this for the $55/bottle I paid.
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substantial crystallized sediment on cork...deep ruby/violet color with fair amount of clarity...ripe red plums, blackberries, tobacco, cedar, chalky minerality on the nose...great balance of fruit and terrior on entry with seductive toasted oak and refined tannins leading to a long finish...very enjoyable and better than i remember...the end of a case and drinking very well at the moment...unfortunately price has doubled but even at $100/b this is a very enjoyable napa cab with proper restraint and complexity
Excellent wine. Rich structure with deep dark fruit. Well integrated tannins after a 45 min decant. This wine is much more to my taste than many Napa Cabs. Paired with NY Strip, tomatoes and blue cheese.
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Wine opened and poured right away. Was very bright and tannic at first. After 30 or so minutes wine really began to open up and show its character. Dark colored rim and good legs. Dark fruit on the nose with a brightness from the oak. Wine needs to cellar some more for the tannins to mellow and the fruit to come forward.
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Tannins have smoothed. Dark berries. Decanted for about a half hour. Tried a bottle in 2011 and was a little disappointed. It is now ready to drink. It might improve some with a little more age, but there is no reason to hold back on drinking. While not cheap, it is still a good value for the price.
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dark ruby color, black fruits and dusty nose, fleshy plum, black cherry and pepper notes in this medium/full body effort with nice tannins/medium finish...great wine for the $ and perfect way to start evening, especially with a meal...just saw vineyard is re-releasing at $100/bottle, which is twice the original...it pays to cellar quality
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Popped and poured. Blackberries, black currants and cassis, with muted, smooth tannins. Very slight bitter grape skin finish but not overwhelming. Concentrated, juicy fruit. Flavorful.
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This bottle very smooth tannins. Opened 1 hr and decanted for 1/2 hour. All the difference in the world...smooth fruit, integrated tannins. Glad I waited a few years.
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This wine is now ready to drink. Terrific blackberry fruit with hints on spice and olive. Tannins have nicely integrated into the fruit which gives this Cab good structure. Suspect it might get better with another year or two.
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Wow. Amazingly young still. Tremendous potential here. Complex: cassis, leather, tobacco, tannin still a litle rough around the edges. Needs a couple more years to smooth out fully but really delicious.
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Delectable dark fruit, and beautifully rounded tannins, after decanting for 2 hours. Bold but smooth. Accompanied with a grilled Filet Mignon and half Lobster tail with roasted potatoes. Delicious.
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A bit awkward on open, but hits its stride after 30-45 minutes. Very rich, full of dark fruit and licorice flavors. Perfect pairing for our steak. It is a very good wine, typical of Napa valley cabs in the $30-$40 range. I would not re-buy only because, at its price point, it doesn't stand apart enough from other Napa cabs that are $10 (or more) cheaper.
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Good, unique. Can't remember too much else about this one. Was great with red meat sauce and pasta. Definitely good, but horrible QPR.. I'd like to give it another go if I didn't have to buy it.
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Great cab, but not likely to get again as it's too pricey at $70. Dark berry, currant, raisin. Tasty, not too sweet, nicely balanced. Significant amount of hard sugar rock-like sediment in the bottle.
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tasted from 50ml tasting bottle. nice cabernet profile of black currant. some riper black fruit. medium (+) acidity but a little heat creeps in on the medium finish. a decent cab.
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not too impressed, although I admit we did not decant at all... this was kind of a one dimensional fruit bomb and seemed to actually close up with time in the glass. I hope time will improve the other bottles.
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See previous notes. Long, succulent, enamoring and the expressions are at a finer stage of development. Worth following and there are so many chocolate covered cherries, currants and mineralacities at the vanguard. A backbone that gently says "watch me". Drink 2012 - 2022.
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Good CA Cab, but distinctively CA. Heavy nose laced with alcohol fumes and hints of coffee, red fruit and some plum. Creamy on the palate with little to no noticeable oak influences except, perhaps, a little vanilla on the nose. Palate is fruit forward, but not jammy or overpowering and the tannins are noticeable but not harsh. Decent, but for the price reminds me why I prefer Bordeaux.
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- Crimsom color and aromas of black currant, licorice anise and burnt toast and has flavours of bell pepper, blackberry, black currant, raisin and burnt toast with a medium/full body. Smooth texture with a medium finish - Looking young. Cellar on the nose, plenty of fruit and typical cab. A bit closed and young but opened up after an hour in the glass. Well balanced and with long finish.
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Not like most '06 Napa cabs in that the tannins are more subtle. I have had two bottles now (first, popped & drank), and the second I put through the Vinturi and let sit in the decanter for about an hour -- it really seemed to bring the wine together into a more smooth well-balanced drink. Deep purple color, nice early ripe dark fruit, oak is there in just the right amount, not as much heat as would be expected at close to 15% EtOH, and a pretty nice lingering slightly tangy finish.
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Decanted for 5 1/2 hours. Very dark purple that stains the glass. The smell of black fruits and cassis are right there in front of the nose. Concentrated black fruits, black cherries and currants on the palate. Tannins are still prevalent but I think the decanting helped. Great mountain fruit and should get better through the years. My type of cab and would've scored it much much higher if I could've gotten a good deal on the bottles. {Note: I originally put this in the wrong section/moved here}.
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I like the Ladera Napa Valley so wanted to try their higher priced Howell Mountain appellation. Opened for a taste, dark color, berries and cherries on the nose with medium finish but seemed tight, decanted for 1 hour, some improvement. Nice wine but nothing special. At $55 / bottle I paid I need more than this delivered. I think this wine has potential, will try it again in a year.
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Grabbed a taste right after opening. A little heat from the 14.8% but real promise. Two hours with the bottle open and another sitting in the glass. Distinct tannins with the alcohol still in evidence. Dark fruit really showing through with a very long finish. I have 5 more to spread out over the next few years and I think this will get better with each of them. Still young! I predict my score will go up in the future.
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Decanted for three hours, utilizing a funnel. Deep violet and garnet. Chocolate covered cherries, asphalt, currant, loam, red pepper and vanilla bean. Stunning Cabernet fruit that is focused and proportioned in a balanced way. Round and polished tannins, with a little grip. This is more Red Mountain than Napa, in that there's fruit and subtle concentration, showing tannin. Similar on some levels to the Col Solare '05 and Quilceda Creek - Galitzine '06. Very impressive. Inviting structure. This is actually a wonderful Cabernet; not high-octane. Drink 2013 - 2023.
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We opened this a couple hours before drinking then poured through a vinturi. Really nice, big nose of black fruits with some hints of minerals. Palate reflected the nose - blackberry, black currant and some mineral on the long finish. Great with grilled steaks and mushrooms in red wine demi-glace reduction. A fantastic value at $50.
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Opened for a couple hours then poured through a vinturi. Great nose of black fruit and some mineral notes. Palate of that same black fruit - blackberry, black currant, black cherry - and some minerality on the long finish. Really nice with grilled ribeyes. A fantastic deal at $50.
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Think this wine is not ready to drink. While there is good dark fruit that is nicely concentrated, it has super strong tannins that need to calm down. The finish ends with an intense Indian spice which takes away from the wine. Think this will be much better in a few years.
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Dark garnet to perhaps purple color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of rose petals, smoke, currants, black cherries and dark plums. Flavors of black currants, black raspberries, dark plums and black berries. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, full bodied. Drink now with some air or hold about 2-3 years and then drink for about 5-7+/- years thereafter.
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Tasting at Ladera Winery on Howell Mountain 1/26/2011: By now we know that 2006 was a struggling year for the gape growers and wine makes. Although this is a very decent wine, when tasted following it's 2007 Napa Valley designated sibling, this easily shows some of the difficulties of the vintage. True this is more of a single vineyard wine that may take a little more time to come around than a blend, but still this one is more earthy, austere and tannic. There is still lots to like with this one. Only medium dark in color. The nose is kind of meaty. I really like the cranberry flavor this vineyard must tend to produce. There is dark cherry, blueberry, and black currant. Pretty harsh tannins. There is some cocoa on the finish.
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WAY too young. Tons of tannin and a bit of astringency. I look past these and note that mountain fruit will need more time to come out. Glad I tried it and very pleased with the wine and more importantly with it's potential. Try again in 2013.
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Same as last -- another partly compromised bottle from TWTB. Cork bled and wine was affected, though not ruined completely. Looks and tastes like wine was exposed to excessive heat.
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Dark purple and the nose reveals black currents, oak, vanilla and spices. On the palate this wine features firm tannins, blackberries, cherry, oak, vanilla and spice and an intense, medium finish. This will cellar for more than a decade. Enjoy this with aged cheddar and a rib eye steak.
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Had it for a second go around, and really very impressive. Worth drinking the whole bottle and then some. The lightness on the mid palate that I believe I was sensing in my last note is actually quite a bit of structure holding the wine up, giving it the power it needs. Deft, if you will. Quite a bargain at $70 or so.
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First Impression after pop and pour: delicate floral nose. young green fruit (blackberryies, cherries, bell peppers) on mid palate with very balanced good oak integration. medium bodied. Very long but astrigent finish. ...after 3 hours in the decanter: became smoother and displayed more ripe friut. Still has the long astrigent finish, although with less of the bite than before. At 60 bones, I expect something easier to go down. 88 based on my opinion of value. ...Next day: the bottle showed no (zero, nata) sign of deterioation and went very well with grilled fillet. Greater ripe fruit and a marked smoother finish. For my palate, this is not a a wine for drinking stand-alone but with proper food. Upping score to 89
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Everything is estate grown and this is the best of thier best stuff.
Again, very moutainious fruit, 100% cabernet. They make a touch of the lone canyon at 100%. Mountainious fruit to the taste of the wine. Tastes tight and harder on the palate, again probably needing a touch of time to broaden out the back end. The palate certainly finishes well. Hmmm. Much to think about actually, unresolved on this bottle. I can see it at $65, but want to think about it a touch more.
Comes across very well balanced.
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Full body with young acid and sturdy tannins. Zesty cranberry, black currant, black cherries and berries, crushed smoky volcanic rock with a lengthy yet tightly wound finish. Superb specimen will age well. Needs decanting. Good use of oak.
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Tons of life left in this wine. Black currents, oak, vanilla, spices and cherry on the nose. Palate shows great structure and the tannins are firm. Medium and concentrated finish. Should age nicely for 10 years.
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Nice Howell Mountain wine with cherry, earth, oak, vanilla and plum. Good concentration and firm tannins. Medium finish and I see this aging for 5 plus years.
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Wine Warehouse Grand Tasting. Tasted side by side with the 2004. This is nice on the nose, cassis, cherry fruit, Howell Mountain terroir but much softer than the 2004, more of the same on the palate, needs the cellar for 2 years, almost elegant and smooth, medium/big body, and long finish.
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Too early to tell for sure but I think this wine has potential. It has great balance and excellent viscosity. It is a wonderful Napa Cab and excellent value.
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I believe this bottle was overrated by Wine Spectator. I understand that this is a mountain Cab and will be more austere than a Napa floor Cab. However I believe there is a unbalanced flavor. Too much of a minerally vegetative taste for my palette. It takes a long time to open and leaves an unpleasant astringent taste that lingers and tends to overpower any food I paired with it. I can taste the potential so I just put the balance of 3 bottles to bed for a couple of years. I also think at $70 a bottle the producer is taking advantage of the WS rating of 94. If you go on the Website they are promoting the wine using this rating. Very skeptical to me.
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Pop and pour. Dark coloring, typical mountain fruit, a little heavy at first but opening up within an hour to a fruit-driven but well-balanced wine. Some of the bottle held overnight developed a slight astringent note, but the bottle wasn't gassed off, just restuffed with its cork.
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12/25/2023 - JKbfdd Likes this wine: 94 Points
Very nice. Unfortunately our last bottle of this vintage.
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10/16/2023 - Alfaro wrote: 96 Points
Outstanding!
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3/31/2023 - Tym4wine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Soft subtle aromas. Dark fruit with plummy hints. On the other side of the curve. Recommend drink now.
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12/21/2022 - JKbfdd Likes this wine: 94 Points
This has aged very well. While excellent now, likely nearing the ‘far side’ of the optimal drinking window.
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5/7/2022 - spectrumphoto Likes this wine: 95 Points
I love Howell Mtn. If you do to then just drink
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6/13/2021 - cob Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark ruby with a dark fruit profile and cedar on the nose. Alcohol present which is the biggest detractor on score for me. Macerated blackberry on the palate, almost juicy and mouthwatering. Appropriate amount of acidity present with a moderate finish. Very nice wine that is definitely in its drinking window but certainly not over the hill for my palate.
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12/24/2020 - Smetherd wrote:
Family Christmas 2020
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11/29/2020 - vfrdirk wrote:
2020 Thanksgiving dinner with Barb and Larry
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8/29/2020 - TampaMark Likes this wine: 91 Points
Over the hill. Short finshing..but still was good juice. Got better after 2 hour decant.
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8/16/2020 - Michigan Mostberg Likes this wine: 91 Points
From magnum. Olive notes stand out on Day 1 with plenty of cherry and anise lurking. Slightly astringent. Perfectly integrated on Day 2, fruit coming to the forefront. At peak now, will easily hold for another couple of years under proper storage.
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4/15/2020 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 93 Points
Last bottle. It was better than some bottles I drank over the last 4 years.....over which time the experience was erratic. That contrasts with a consistent and very good experience before that. I would be a drinker of this one.
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9/17/2019 - WineGuyFL wrote: 92 Points
Good, but not quite as good as it once was.
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9/6/2019 - SCM Fan Likes this wine: 94 Points
Scents of dark fruits, one whiff and you can tell this is a mountain cabernet. At the rim, still almost purple. Taste: Blackberry, Cassis, graphite. Big mountain cabernet still at 13 years. Close resemblance to Dunn HM Cab. After 4 hours, the fruit faded, would drink sooner than later. 1st bottle of half case I bought for ~$40. What a deal.
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8/30/2019 - knorthrip Likes this wine: 91 Points
PNP. Nice mature cab. Deep red with paler rim and med+ stained med+ tears. Clean cassis, blackberry, and strawberry with notes of potting soil, green pepper, hint of olive, and pink flowers. Baking spice and toast. Med acidity, med+alcohol, med+ tannin. Truncated finish, med complexity. Well integrated. Strangely dark and brooding on the palate with some bright notes.
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8/10/2019 - rocknroller wrote: 88 Points
Very dark purple/red color. From magnum. Small pour. This was huge, over ripe black fruits, blackberry liqueur, port like. Was disappointed by this showing.
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6/29/2019 - Mossrose wrote: 94 Points
One of the few wines from Howell Mountain that I was able to purchase for $40 a bottle, and a superb example of why Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons command and get premium prices. A powerful full bodied wine highly structured by firm tannin and vivid acidity. Dark, dense, and concentrated fruits of black currants, blackberry, and black cherry. Beautifully ageworthy and readily improves for decades. At 13 years old, more integrated, smooth, seamless, and layered.
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6/22/2019 - globulen wrote: 89 Points
Opened, decanted for two hours. Enjoyable enough but I found the alcohol overwhelming on this one.
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5/5/2019 - Michigan Mostberg Likes this wine: 93 Points
Detailed notes not taken. Very big, rich, and now well-rounded. Will remain in perfect drinking form for 3-5 yrs and take on its pleasant older CA cab notes after that.
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4/25/2019 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Last of these and a treat as always.
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3/24/2019 - cadamson Likes this wine:
Very good. Nicely balanced. Very pleasant to drink. Went well with Prime Tenderloin. At peak I would guess.
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3/16/2019 - SudeshB wrote:
Still a very balanced wine
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2/11/2019 - Michigan Mostberg wrote: flawed
From magnum, corked... maddening! Can think of no other consumer segment where this level of defects would be allowed or tolerated. 2 mags and 1 btl left.
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1/5/2019 - tfharris Likes this wine: 92 Points
Big reward for waiting for this gem. Big mountain cab. Enjoy if you got some.
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12/9/2018 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 93 Points
My last 2 bottles of this one were way off after a string of really good experiences. I have no explanation as this bottle is more or less back to where it used to be. Wine can be a real mystery.
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3/14/2018 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 92 Points
My earlier tastings of this one were right in line with other reviews, with number ratings us to 94 or so. This bottle and the last one have been a little off from that experience. Not as deep and complex as before. Who knows why? It is what it is.
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12/15/2017 - Schiffy Likes this wine: 95 Points
Sadly, this is my last bottle but after 11 years, this wine has hit its stride with a rich, structured fruit forward style that has blackberry fruit, cassis, licorice and dark chocolate. After two hours this wine explodes in complexity...hence the 95 rating. Believe this has another five years in it...if not more. Enjoy!
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9/11/2017 - epmeehan Likes this wine:
great wine, opened up nicely
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6/8/2017 - WineGuyFL wrote: 90 Points
I recently pulled a bottle of this one, and it was awful.....not corked, just bad. That followed a short string of spectacular tastings. This bottle was drinkable, but no where near the earlier bottles......one of which was consumed earlier this year. So, I am very confused.
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6/4/2017 - WineGuyFL wrote:
This was bottle number 6 of a case. An early bottle was tight, and not up to current ratings on CT.com. Bottles 2 through 5 were up to the current ratings. This bottle was just bad. I expect to prove out over time that the cause was a bad cork. I have have this happen several times over the years......a random bad bottle with the remainder being very good and similar to prior bottles. I hope that pattern repeats, as this has been a very good wine.
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4/2/2017 - Bam_Man wrote: 93 Points
First one of these in almost a year. Much more impressive this time. Did not leave a note last time because I suspected it was an "off" bottle - which it apparently was. Very attractive aromas of crushed dark fruits, earth, leather and sous bois on the nose. Full-bodied and rich, but not at all heavy or over-done. Plush in texture, offering a gorgeous mouthful of tangy, delicious blackberry and dark currant fruit. Shows tremendous depth and focus on the mid-palate. Nicely balanced, with a pleasant, moderate acidity and just a slight touch of oak. The long, grippy finish features alluring notes of coffee, licorice and mineral. Complex and delicious, this is very "Pauillac" in style. Has the structure to drink beautifully for several years to come. A uniquely impressive Napa Cabernet.
50+5+12+18+8=93
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2/21/2017 - vanpe003 wrote: 95 Points
PnP from a 375ml. Perhaps another example of "there are no great wines, only great bottles". This one certainly exceeded my expections.
In general, relatively moderate in profile. The Howell Mtn. influence definitely comes through. On the nose, freshly aromatic, trending almost toward floral / cut field, or at least as much as ever happens with a Cab. Nothing overt in the way of vanilla / oak.
On the palate, nicely balanced with enough acidity to keep it lively. A bit of cassis and pencil lead, and hints at some firm tannins that were probably fairly distinct in this wine's youth.
My score may be inflated by a point or two, but this the kind of Napa Cab I've come to enjoy - depth and character without becoming a caricature of itself (e.g. fruit bomb). I would seek this out on a wine list, as it has all the attributes to pair very nicely with a juicy steak.
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1/21/2017 - dzoned1 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Fairly restrained initially with black currant, cassis and blueberry on the nose. Silky smooth and beautifully balanced with rich black currant, sweet blue fruit and an amazing herbal note of sage and thyme. Stunning!
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1/3/2017 - Vietty Likes this wine:
From magnum. This wine is right up my wheel house. Dense, layered, deep dark fruit integrated into round tannin. Licorice, spice, leather, pencil shavings. Great finish. Perfect time to drink in my opinion but can still go for years.
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12/17/2016 - Shaver30 wrote: 92 Points
Good fruit and mouthfeel, medium tannins, really opened up after a couple hours after being decanted.
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12/3/2016 - winetennis wrote: 92 Points
Wonderfully expressive, after 4-5 hours of air, with a rich, ripe, full mouthfeel. This was a magnum, wine seems always better from magnums! Thanks to Anne Stotesbery for the amazing tour and tasting, when I got this one. (served at house party with work friends)
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9/10/2016 - Zunga Does not like this wine:
Just not my style, but not a bad bottle.
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9/5/2016 - RJ Gordon Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delicious Howell Mt. Cab. Nicely balanced, and drinking beautifully right now.
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8/18/2016 - armenm72 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fantastic Howell Mountain cab still flashing great fruit and structure
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8/4/2016 - vinodolphin wrote: 93 Points
Wonderful, drank as second bottle after 2006 Cask 23. Some liked this better. Plenty of years left on this one.
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7/23/2016 - brianofthevine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Blackberry, blueberry, and dark chocolate, very smooth wine at this point, and yes the tannins have mellowed out but still a nice long finish.
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1/16/2016 - pvewino Likes this wine: 94 Points
Drink this one now. Give it two hours of breathing time. Deep, dark, cherry, blueberry and blackberry. Lots of sediment, so be sure to pour carefully.
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12/22/2015 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 94 Points
Consistent with prior bottles and recent tasting notes by others. It has the deep/dark/jammy characteristics of Howell Mountain wines. Had this bottle in a restaurant.....was opened and decanted for less that an hour, and that seemed more than adequate. I completely agree with other recent tasting comments that the tannins are fading. Hence, I also plan to speed up drinking this one.
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12/6/2015 - pvewino Likes this wine: 94 Points
This is an amazing wine. I gave it 3 hours to breathe, then drank it over the next two hours. The wine was at its peak between 4 - 5 hours. Deep, dark wine full of blackberry, cherry and blueberry flavors. As others have noted, the tannins are starting to drop off, so I would drink this wine within the next year or so.
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11/22/2015 - Mbpollac wrote: 93 Points
Excellent taste. Lots of berry fruit and very smooth. Tannin almost gone. Nice but not long finish.
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11/2/2015 - MXL wrote: 92 Points
Black Loam, blackberry, cassis, graphite, cocoa powder, long finish.
Mineral strength all black fruit, bit of spice
Still got some grip.
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9/11/2015 - AlexHop Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice. Very round and ready to drink. Really nice finish.
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7/22/2015 - Sugarb Likes this wine: 92 Points
Needs at least 2 hours of decanting.
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5/17/2015 - jcasey555 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking really well right now.
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4/22/2015 - tfharris Likes this wine: 92 Points
Exceptional. Rewarded for cellaring for a few years. It is drinking very well right now.
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1/5/2015 - bootsdomino Likes this wine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2KcJR2F_2E
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12/24/2014 - cucycling Likes this wine: 93 Points
Loved it...
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11/1/2014 - beej Likes this wine: 87 Points
dark dried fruit. Still tannic and full bodied.
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10/20/2014 - 1961Vintage Likes this wine: 93 Points
Simply killer. Enjoy!
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10/15/2014 - pvewino Likes this wine: 94 Points
Excellent! Definitely a big powerful wine. Let sit for two hours after opening and then aerated it. Smooth blend of flavors that are well integrated and complex. Very good now, but will certainly continue to age well for several years. Maybe no need to use aerator and letting it breathe. One or the other.
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8/23/2014 - peeno wrote: 94 Points
One of the best cabs I have tasted this year coming close to the 1984 Dunn Howell Mt. Smooth, full body, mild spice, black fruits, at its peak.
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7/10/2014 - uncle al Likes this wine: 90 Points
a very well structured Howell Mtn. Cab. Very smooth with just enough fruit.
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6/9/2014 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 93 Points
This wine is finally making good on its potential. Best bottle by far. Very smooth with tannins starting to tame. Still promise for improvement. My previous scores were a hunch but this one is based upon current experience. Worth the money.
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5/3/2014 - George C ATLANTA Likes this wine: 95 Points
I truly thought this was a benchmark California cabernet sauvignon! Beautiful and straightforward, big fruit, cassis, some expresso flavors, with a very long finish and soft tannins. Blind tasting and I would have thought it was a nicely aged and matured Opus One. I think it drinks wonderfully now.
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4/25/2014 - BDWine Likes this wine: 94 Points
decanted for hour and drank over 2 hours. Amazing. Great mouth feel and concentration.
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4/12/2014 - AMC Eagle wrote: 94 Points
Popped and poured. Last tasted this in mid 2011, and this has developed into something really good. Agree with the last few reviewers; this is drinking well with a good concentration of black fruits, cassis, espresso, and black cherries with a very nice finish to boot; tannins are on the light side.
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3/15/2014 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 94 Points
Opened in a restaurant for about 45 minutes.....no decant. Did not seem to need a decant, or much of one, as it did not improve over the next hour. Very good.....elegant, balanced, well integrated. Has lots of life left, but still agree with a comment I made in May, 2013.....that this does not seem/taste like a wine that will improve. It is great now, so enjoy it.
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3/10/2014 - pc2006mg wrote: 94 Points
Wow!
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2/23/2014 - Reblin Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking beautifully. Two bottles with no noticeable differences. Plenty of fruit held in balance with notes of tobacco and earth, and a structure of tannin and acid. Long finish.
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2/14/2014 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 94 Points
Very complex and drinking well right now. Cherry, blueberries, spices, oak, vanilla beans and coffee. Long finish and intense. Should age for five to ten years. Excellent wine.
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2/11/2014 - AngryPrez Likes this wine: 91 Points
very nice - could smell the nose immediately upon opening - touch of anise, black fruits - soft and silky tannins, drinking very nice now - still a bit fruit forward, could use a few more years.
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2/5/2014 - mreinhard74@gmail.com wrote: 95 Points
Really damn good wine. Taste the Howell Mountain dust.
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1/31/2014 - communion wrote: 97 Points
OMG! I've been drinking and scoring wine only for 7 years and this is the first time I said "this wine is too tight and astringent. I will give some time and come back to it"; then wait a few years to find the wine aged perfectly and is now the best wine in my cellar! I drank this a few years ago and thought it was bitter. Waited a few years, thought I would drink a bottle to finally get rid of it and WOW! I just turned the learned the lesson of how certain wines age into their best! ...only wish my wine snob friends were here!
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1/17/2014 - Schiffy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark fruit, medium weight with lots of structure. Mixed berries have become more restrained with age showing more. Uranyl, spice and forest floor. Much more interesting wine now with longer finish.
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1/12/2014 - gf2182 Likes this wine: 95 Points
HOME RUN!!
Delicious dark fruits, smooth & deep. Tannins provide backbone but don't overwhelm. Still years left.....but why wait, freaking great cab!!
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1/10/2014 - SABRCW Likes this wine: 92 Points
Outstanding Howell Mountain appellation cabernet. Soft on the pal lent with some black cherry and blackberry fruit. Enjoy!
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11/30/2013 - foneil Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine seems top be in its prime. Bright, powerful Howell Mountain fruit, long finish, tannins have eased to nicely balance the acid. Notes of eucalyptus, mint and red fruits. Having only two bottles and this being the first, I am not sure about its progression to this point, but it's stellar right now. I can't imagine more age wil improve this wine, and could be an issue. We'll be having our last bottle soon--and enjoying every drop.
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10/27/2013 - jarche wrote:
Great wine. This bottle was corked.
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10/13/2013 - What I'm Drinking Now wrote: 92 Points
Boy is this wine drinking well! It makes me regret that I didn't buy more at the price that was available at the time. Others are correct about the crystalized sediment around the cork which was pristine upon opening. The wine has a huge nose that is full of tobacco and macerated dark fruit and berries which are echoed on the palate with toasted oak plum sauce. However, what's most impressive about this wine is the acidity which is why it has held together so well. Howell Mountain is arguably the best mountain fruit in Napa although Pritchard Hill dwarfs all other peaks in the right years
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9/26/2013 - GaryHOhio wrote: 92 Points
2 years since my previous tasting (6/12/11), Crystallized sediment on bottom of cork, great nose of cherries and cranberries, dark garnet in the glass, smooth on the palate with nice blend of tannins and fruit, seems improved
over 2011 bottle, I like this for the $55/bottle I paid.
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9/24/2013 - BUBBA DAWG Likes this wine: 92 Points
substantial crystallized sediment on cork...deep ruby/violet color with fair amount of clarity...ripe red plums, blackberries, tobacco, cedar, chalky minerality on the nose...great balance of fruit and terrior on entry with seductive toasted oak and refined tannins leading to a long finish...very enjoyable and better than i remember...the end of a case and drinking very well at the moment...unfortunately price has doubled but even at $100/b this is a very enjoyable napa cab with proper restraint and complexity
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8/12/2013 - Reblin Likes this wine: 92 Points
A lovely Howell Mtn cabernet. Great, bold fruit and structure.
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8/5/2013 - brianofthevine wrote: 92 Points
Thick and rich dark cherry and chocolate with firm tannins and long finish.
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8/4/2013 - Venturifan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent wine. Rich structure with deep dark fruit. Well integrated tannins after a 45 min decant. This wine is much more to my taste than many Napa Cabs. Paired with NY Strip, tomatoes and blue cheese.
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7/17/2013 - Pthein wrote: 91 Points
Wine opened and poured right away. Was very bright and tannic at first. After 30 or so minutes wine really began to open up and show its character. Dark colored rim and good legs. Dark fruit on the nose with a brightness from the oak. Wine needs to cellar some more for the tannins to mellow and the fruit to come forward.
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5/10/2013 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 93 Points
Tannins have smoothed. Dark berries. Decanted for about a half hour. Tried a bottle in 2011 and was a little disappointed. It is now ready to drink. It might improve some with a little more age, but there is no reason to hold back on drinking. While not cheap, it is still a good value for the price.
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4/11/2013 - BUBBA DAWG Likes this wine: 91 Points
dark ruby color, black fruits and dusty nose, fleshy plum, black cherry and pepper notes in this medium/full body effort with nice tannins/medium finish...great wine for the $ and perfect way to start evening, especially with a meal...just saw vineyard is re-releasing at $100/bottle, which is twice the original...it pays to cellar quality
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4/8/2013 - ELH wrote: 92 Points
Popped and poured. Blackberries, black currants and cassis, with muted, smooth tannins. Very slight bitter grape skin finish but not overwhelming. Concentrated, juicy fruit. Flavorful.
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3/10/2013 - Reblin Likes this wine: 92 Points
The magnum aged well. Tannins were integrated. Plenty of aged fruit and a long finish. Drank well on its own and paired with beef short ribs.
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2/23/2013 - 1964vintage wrote: 92 Points
Well balanced, ripe fruits, cassis, olives, silky and smooth with a nice grassiness on the finish after opening up for an hour.
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2/18/2013 - jcasey555 wrote: 92 Points
This bottle very smooth tannins. Opened 1 hr and decanted for 1/2 hour. All the difference in the world...smooth fruit, integrated tannins. Glad I waited a few years.
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2/1/2013 - maderay wrote: 95 Points
VG-DEL. Liqueur, dark berries, tobacco
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12/28/2012 - Schiffy Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine is now ready to drink. Terrific blackberry fruit with hints on spice and olive. Tannins have nicely integrated into the fruit which gives this Cab good structure. Suspect it might get better with another year or two.
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11/29/2012 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 93 Points
Well liked by all. Opened for 5 hours. Dark fruit with smooth developed tannins.
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11/17/2012 - BMG Wine wrote: 93 Points
2 hour decant made this wine sing!
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10/22/2012 - BK29 wrote: 93 Points
Really great cab. So deep and so concentrated, yet also quite balanced.
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10/7/2012 - BMG Wine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wow. Amazingly young still. Tremendous potential here. Complex: cassis, leather, tobacco, tannin still a litle rough around the edges. Needs a couple more years to smooth out fully but really delicious.
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10/5/2012 - Curt Jacques wrote: 93 Points
solid howell mountain selection, drinking great right now... opens very slowly... may be best in day two
dark fruit, nice acidity, good weight
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8/19/2012 - ENSXE wrote: 93 Points
Delectable dark fruit, and beautifully rounded tannins, after decanting for 2 hours. Bold but smooth. Accompanied with a grilled Filet Mignon and half Lobster tail with roasted potatoes. Delicious.
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8/12/2012 - RBOND wrote: 91 Points
Smooth, dark and rich. Light Tannins
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5/21/2012 - awise45 wrote: 93 Points
Rich and fruit-forward but without being overbearing. Very nice and ready to roll after open for 15 minutes.
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5/11/2012 - Decanthor wrote: 91 Points
A bit awkward on open, but hits its stride after 30-45 minutes. Very rich, full of dark fruit and licorice flavors. Perfect pairing for our steak. It is a very good wine, typical of Napa valley cabs in the $30-$40 range. I would not re-buy only because, at its price point, it doesn't stand apart enough from other Napa cabs that are $10 (or more) cheaper.
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1/24/2012 - awise45 wrote: 94 Points
Exceptional -- best bottle yet. Really coming into its full best, rich fruit with a beautiful and long finish, streak of vanilla.
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1/15/2012 - jcasey555 wrote: 90 Points
- Brick color with fast forming legs. It's balanced and has flavours of alcohol with a full body. Round texture with a long finish.
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1/5/2012 - uncle al wrote: 93 Points
A very fine Napa Cab. Nice fruit and finish. Had with Osso Buco and pasta. A very well balanced smooth wine
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12/30/2011 - JCaress wrote: 92 Points
Very solid cab. Beautiful color, full flavor throughout. Berry, tobacco and a rosemary note top end. Steak wine.
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12/26/2011 - tjdripper wrote: 91 Points
Good, unique. Can't remember too much else about this one. Was great with red meat sauce and pasta. Definitely good, but horrible QPR.. I'd like to give it another go if I didn't have to buy it.
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12/24/2011 - JenXH wrote: 91 Points
Great cab, but not likely to get again as it's too pricey at $70. Dark berry, currant, raisin. Tasty, not too sweet, nicely balanced. Significant amount of hard sugar rock-like sediment in the bottle.
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12/6/2011 - ews3 wrote: 89 Points
tasted from 50ml tasting bottle. nice cabernet profile of black currant. some riper black fruit. medium (+) acidity but a little heat creeps in on the medium finish. a decent cab.
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11/21/2011 - uncle al wrote: 92 Points
Excellent Napa Cab. Lots of dark fruit and a mouthful but not over powering.
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11/4/2011 - awise45 wrote: 93 Points
Excellent, rich wine, full and fruity, with a lingering finish of vanilla.
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10/14/2011 - jinks wrote: 87 Points
not too impressed, although I admit we did not decant at all... this was kind of a one dimensional fruit bomb and seemed to actually close up with time in the glass. I hope time will improve the other bottles.
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9/26/2011 - bobpsi wrote: 93 Points
Big black fruit , licorice and earth nose. Black and blue fruits, vanilla and spice palate. Firm tannins and a long mocha finish
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9/17/2011 - Matt Scott wrote: 94 Points
See previous notes. Long, succulent, enamoring and the expressions are at a finer stage of development. Worth following and there are so many chocolate covered cherries, currants and mineralacities at the vanguard. A backbone that gently says "watch me". Drink 2012 - 2022.
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9/4/2011 - andrewshi wrote: 90 Points
Could probably benefit from some more time
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8/31/2011 - Fateful Destiny Likes this wine: 90 Points
Good CA Cab, but distinctively CA. Heavy nose laced with alcohol fumes and hints of coffee, red fruit and some plum. Creamy on the palate with little to no noticeable oak influences except, perhaps, a little vanilla on the nose. Palate is fruit forward, but not jammy or overpowering and the tannins are noticeable but not harsh. Decent, but for the price reminds me why I prefer Bordeaux.
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8/16/2011 - JoakimSternberg wrote:
- Crimsom color and aromas of black currant, licorice anise and burnt toast and has flavours of bell pepper, blackberry, black currant, raisin and burnt toast with a medium/full body. Smooth texture with a medium finish - Looking young. Cellar on the nose, plenty of fruit and typical cab. A bit closed and young but opened up after an hour in the glass. Well balanced and with long finish.
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8/10/2011 - MusignyBlanc wrote: 92 Points
Great structure resulting in a wonderful balance of tannins and fruit. Quite delicious.
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7/24/2011 - Mel-o-Vino wrote: 92 Points
I didn't take formal notes, but was impressed by the elegance and balance of this wine. I allowed to decant to 2 hours. Beautifully done!!
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7/9/2011 - Lou wrote: 89 Points
This wine gets better if you open it for a couple of days.
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7/6/2011 - ilm-pape wrote: 93 Points
Not like most '06 Napa cabs in that the tannins are more subtle. I have had two bottles now (first, popped & drank), and the second I put through the Vinturi and let sit in the decanter for about an hour -- it really seemed to bring the wine together into a more smooth well-balanced drink. Deep purple color, nice early ripe dark fruit, oak is there in just the right amount, not as much heat as would be expected at close to 15% EtOH, and a pretty nice lingering slightly tangy finish.
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7/1/2011 - ImacCab wrote: 90 Points
Great nose, typical dark fruits, oaky, well balanced. Not a strong finish but just enough tannins and Howell Mountain bite.
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6/25/2011 - AMC Eagle wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for 5 1/2 hours. Very dark purple that stains the glass. The smell of black fruits and cassis are right there in front of the nose. Concentrated black fruits, black cherries and currants on the palate. Tannins are still prevalent but I think the decanting helped. Great mountain fruit and should get better through the years. My type of cab and would've scored it much much higher if I could've gotten a good deal on the bottles. {Note: I originally put this in the wrong section/moved here}.
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6/12/2011 - GaryHOhio wrote: 89 Points
I like the Ladera Napa Valley so wanted to try their higher priced Howell Mountain appellation. Opened for a taste, dark color, berries and cherries on the nose with medium finish but seemed tight, decanted for 1 hour, some improvement. Nice wine but nothing special. At $55 / bottle I paid I need more than this delivered. I think this wine has potential, will try it again in a year.
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5/30/2011 - vinodolphin wrote: 92 Points
Grabbed a taste right after opening. A little heat from the 14.8% but real promise. Two hours with the bottle open and another sitting in the glass. Distinct tannins with the alcohol still in evidence. Dark fruit really showing through with a very long finish. I have 5 more to spread out over the next few years and I think this will get better with each of them. Still young! I predict my score will go up in the future.
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5/15/2011 - Matteo's wrote: 93 Points
Very nice. Decant for atleast an hour and you will be very happy.
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5/6/2011 - Matt Scott wrote: 94 Points
Decanted for three hours, utilizing a funnel. Deep violet and garnet. Chocolate covered cherries, asphalt, currant, loam, red pepper and vanilla bean. Stunning Cabernet fruit that is focused and proportioned in a balanced way. Round and polished tannins, with a little grip. This is more Red Mountain than Napa, in that there's fruit and subtle concentration, showing tannin. Similar on some levels to the Col Solare '05 and Quilceda Creek - Galitzine '06. Very impressive. Inviting structure. This is actually a wonderful Cabernet; not high-octane. Drink 2013 - 2023.
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3/26/2011 - Scotty2Thumbs wrote: 92 Points
We opened this a couple hours before drinking then poured through a vinturi. Really nice, big nose of black fruits with some hints of minerals. Palate reflected the nose - blackberry, black currant and some mineral on the long finish. Great with grilled steaks and mushrooms in red wine demi-glace reduction. A fantastic value at $50.
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3/26/2011 - Scotty2Thumbs wrote: 92 Points
Opened for a couple hours then poured through a vinturi. Great nose of black fruit and some mineral notes. Palate of that same black fruit - blackberry, black currant, black cherry - and some minerality on the long finish. Really nice with grilled ribeyes. A fantastic deal at $50.
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3/24/2011 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 93 Points
Young wine and needs some cellar time. Features spice, cherry, floral and spices. Good concentration and firm tannins. Cellar for 3 to 5 and retry.
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3/16/2011 - Schiffy wrote: 90 Points
Think this wine is not ready to drink. While there is good dark fruit that is nicely concentrated, it has super strong tannins that need to calm down. The finish ends with an intense Indian spice which takes away from the wine. Think this will be much better in a few years.
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3/13/2011 - wineismylife wrote: 92 Points
Ladera Winery Tasting (Ladera Winery, outside Angwin, CA): WIML92-93+/-?
Tasted non blind at the winery.
Dark garnet to perhaps purple color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of rose petals, smoke, currants, black cherries and dark plums. Flavors of black currants, black raspberries, dark plums and black berries. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, full bodied. Drink now with some air or hold about 2-3 years and then drink for about 5-7+/- years thereafter.
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1/26/2011 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 88 Points
Tasting at Ladera Winery on Howell Mountain 1/26/2011: By now we know that 2006 was a struggling year for the gape growers and wine makes. Although this is a very decent wine, when tasted following it's 2007 Napa Valley designated sibling, this easily shows some of the difficulties of the vintage. True this is more of a single vineyard wine that may take a little more time to come around than a blend, but still this one is more earthy, austere and tannic. There is still lots to like with this one. Only medium dark in color. The nose is kind of meaty. I really like the cranberry flavor this vineyard must tend to produce. There is dark cherry, blueberry, and black currant. Pretty harsh tannins. There is some cocoa on the finish.
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1/16/2011 - BMG Wine wrote: 93 Points
WAY too young. Tons of tannin and a bit of astringency. I look past these and note that mountain fruit will need more time to come out. Glad I tried it and very pleased with the wine and more importantly with it's potential. Try again in 2013.
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11/18/2010 - jeffm_fla wrote: 91 Points
good
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10/9/2010 - awise45 wrote:
Same as last -- another partly compromised bottle from TWTB. Cork bled and wine was affected, though not ruined completely. Looks and tastes like wine was exposed to excessive heat.
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10/5/2010 - awise45 wrote: 88 Points
Not clear if the bottle was compromised -- cork was bleeding. Hints of sour throughout and lighter in color than expect. Overall a bit disappointing.
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9/28/2010 - awise45 wrote: 92 Points
Very rich and full -- needs an hour open to really show its various levels.
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9/26/2010 - hutch wrote: 93 Points
Softer then the Lone Canyon, but more blackberry fruit. And completely delicious. 92-94
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9/26/2010 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 94 Points
Dark purple and the nose reveals black currents, oak, vanilla and spices. On the palate this wine features firm tannins, blackberries, cherry, oak, vanilla and spice and an intense, medium finish. This will cellar for more than a decade. Enjoy this with aged cheddar and a rib eye steak.
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9/22/2010 - mcfarner wrote:
At Bacchus Quail Hill Irvine
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9/7/2010 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Had it for a second go around, and really very impressive. Worth drinking the whole bottle and then some. The lightness on the mid palate that I believe I was sensing in my last note is actually quite a bit of structure holding the wine up, giving it the power it needs. Deft, if you will. Quite a bargain at $70 or so.
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8/28/2010 - communion wrote: 89 Points
First Impression after pop and pour: delicate floral nose. young green fruit (blackberryies, cherries, bell peppers) on mid palate with very balanced good oak integration. medium bodied. Very long but astrigent finish. ...after 3 hours in the decanter: became smoother and displayed more ripe friut. Still has the long astrigent finish, although with less of the bite than before. At 60 bones, I expect something easier to go down. 88 based on my opinion of value. ...Next day: the bottle showed no (zero, nata) sign of deterioation and went very well with grilled fillet. Greater ripe fruit and a marked smoother finish. For my palate, this is not a a wine for drinking stand-alone but with proper food. Upping score to 89
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8/18/2010 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Everything is estate grown and this is the best of thier best stuff.
Again, very moutainious fruit, 100% cabernet. They make a touch of the lone canyon at 100%. Mountainious fruit to the taste of the wine. Tastes tight and harder on the palate, again probably needing a touch of time to broaden out the back end. The palate certainly finishes well. Hmmm. Much to think about actually, unresolved on this bottle. I can see it at $65, but want to think about it a touch more.
Comes across very well balanced.
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6/18/2010 - GreatLibations wrote: 93 Points
Full body with young acid and sturdy tannins. Zesty cranberry, black currant, black cherries and berries, crushed smoky volcanic rock with a lengthy yet tightly wound finish. Superb specimen will age well. Needs decanting. Good use of oak.
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6/11/2010 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 93 Points
Tons of life left in this wine. Black currents, oak, vanilla, spices and cherry on the nose. Palate shows great structure and the tannins are firm. Medium and concentrated finish. Should age nicely for 10 years.
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5/8/2010 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 93 Points
Nice Howell Mountain wine with cherry, earth, oak, vanilla and plum. Good concentration and firm tannins. Medium finish and I see this aging for 5 plus years.
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5/5/2010 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wine Warehouse Grand Tasting. Tasted side by side with the 2004. This is nice on the nose, cassis, cherry fruit, Howell Mountain terroir but much softer than the 2004, more of the same on the palate, needs the cellar for 2 years, almost elegant and smooth, medium/big body, and long finish.
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4/17/2010 - jcoughlon wrote: 92 Points
Excellent
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4/17/2010 - rralls wrote: 90 Points
I'd give it some more time. Good potential. 90+
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3/26/2010 - awise45 wrote: 93 Points
Excellent, and ready to go now although probably better with time. Jammy and full bodied, needs a little time open.
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3/13/2010 - wm3395 wrote: 92 Points
Too early to tell for sure but I think this wine has potential. It has great balance and excellent viscosity. It is a wonderful Napa Cab and excellent value.
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3/7/2010 - Lou wrote: 88 Points
I believe this bottle was overrated by Wine Spectator. I understand that this is a mountain Cab and will be more austere than a Napa floor Cab. However I believe there is a unbalanced flavor. Too much of a minerally vegetative taste for my palette. It takes a long time to open and leaves an unpleasant astringent taste that lingers and tends to overpower any food I paired with it. I can taste the potential so I just put the balance of 3 bottles to bed for a couple of years. I also think at $70 a bottle the producer is taking advantage of the WS rating of 94. If you go on the Website they are promoting the wine using this rating. Very skeptical to me.
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12/10/2009 - davidandrose wrote: 90 Points
Pop and pour. Dark coloring, typical mountain fruit, a little heavy at first but opening up within an hour to a fruit-driven but well-balanced wine. Some of the bottle held overnight developed a slight astringent note, but the bottle wasn't gassed off, just restuffed with its cork.
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