Corison Winery • St. Helena, Napa Valley
In September of this year I headed to Napa to meet a few new wineries. My visit took me to the busy “HWY” side of Napa Valley as opposed to the (Silverado) “Trail” side. The HWY side is generally busier and more crowded and I don’t like crowds nor busy when tasting. However, I have […]
Red Lily Vineyards • Southern, OR
Red Lily Vineyards • Southern, OR Oregon has become an absolute wine destination. Willamette Valley has led this charge with a consistent track record for pumping our great Pinots. However, just North of the California border, in the shadow of Mount Shasta, lie the towns of Ashland and Medford. These two small towns are surrounded […]
Mettler 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Mettler 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon The nose is sneaky. It’s a Cab but the Petite Sirah won’t be denied. A lovely nose. It’s mellow on the palate despite the involved bouquet. The structure offers a relaxed experience. I found myself sucking air over it, leaving it on my tongue while the conversation in the tasting room went on […]
Melka 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Melka 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon A spicy, dark fruit jumble. The nose is alive! Plenty of currant and plum to go with the spices and oak. The palate buzzes instantly. The acidity is electric like lightening in a bottle. Definitely a wine for big kids. Young palates need not apply. The tannins are slightly dusty and […]
Madrone 2012 Yoakim Bridge Road Block
Madrone 2012 Cabernet SauvignonYoakim Bridge Road Block A wonderful nose of earthy spice and healthy cherry. Laveder tones give it a slightly floral nose. An interesting tannin structure. Starts chalky but ends silky. Neat trick. A lovely but short black licorice whip as it finishes. The finish seems likes its going to give up but […]
Fields Family 2009 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
Fields Family 2009 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon “Foresty.” Full of cedar and black cheery. It grows organically the more you smell. Hello Big Napa Cab and right here in the heart of Lodi. Go figure. Wine tasting is always an adventure. Starts easy. Effortless. The tannins reach and stretch as if woken up from a […]
Medlock Ames 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Medlock Ames 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Raspberries, rhubarb and oak. Demonstrative nose for sure. The palate is every so slightly sweet almost reminiscent of a pie. The tannins are dusty and slowly fill your palate. A bit overwhelming actually. They keep coming. I don’t think they want to leave… Solid finish. Shows big and begs for […]
D’Art 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
D’Art 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Big red fruit and leather with a hint of sage. Doesn’t make its entrance like a typical Cab. A big sweet tone is forward. Leather and fig on settles on the mid-palate. Tight tannins through the roof of your mouth. A splash of spice as it finishes. Not a typical Cab. • […]
Vina Robles 2009 Suendero Cabernet Sauvignon
Vina Robles 2009 Suendero Cabernet Sauvignon Dark berry fruit and a hint of nut carries the nose on this big Cab. The 5% Petit Verdot is always a delight for me. It’s gentle nature is not to sway this big rascal. Bold chalky tannins will grab you. As expected, the finish is quite long and […]
Outpost 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Outpost 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Brambleberry, cherry and sage. Secondary nose gets herbal in a hurry. Fairly soft tannin structure but they spread out quickly. Finishes tart and takes its time and is in no hurry to go anywhere. Well done. Showing bottle shots is one thing but I couldn’t resist showing how amazing it is […]
