Jay Kline

9.2

Presented to me double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and dried, mixed fruits: brambles, plum, blueberry, purple flowers, leather, earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and rich. Alcohol is medium+. Pretty tasty stuff.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Merlot (or blend thereof), Cabernet Franc (or blend), Cabernet Sauvignon (or blend), Shiraz (or blend) Tempranillo or Syrah from the United States, France, Australia or Spain. The fruit is the star here so I’m taking this to the “new world”. Plus, there is a generosity and elevated alcohol that gives me Aussie vibes (though I find the wine balanced). I also think this has 15-20 years of age. Final conclusion: this is a Shiraz blend from Australia, Barossa, 2005. Daaaaaang. Andrew Will! I don’t hate my call but I should have probably done better with this one since I’m very familiar with these wines. Still much to learn. Drink now through 2037. — a month ago

Paul J

9.4

1hr plus decant. Dark red color. Cassis and dark fruit on the palate. Very sweet, like candy in a glass. Huge depth. Different style than most Napa Cabs but who doesn’t like candy! — 4 years ago

with Brooke and Geoff

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.0

A safe island during an ongoing shipwreck
Still primary character
Elegant and enjoyable — 6 years ago

Jay Eagan

9.3

Really well made! — 6 years ago

with Kristine

Jeremy Reuling

9.0

Good Cab, full body without being overbearing in terms of fruit. — 7 years ago

Donald Williams

9.3

Nice Rosé. — 19 days ago

with Bonnie

K Brooks

9.1

Delicious with Christmas turkey ($33). — 6 months ago

Galen Hasler

9.1

Rich style — 2 years ago

Joe Estrada

9.3

A beautiful Syrah paired with Braised Beef Short Ribs — 5 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Deep ruby color. Aromas of blackberry, plum, violets, vanilla and baking spices. Delicious red and black fruit on the palate with a black tea finish. Paired nicely with some steaks and baked potatoes. — 5 years ago

Greg Gosselin

9.1

2017 is fab. Great QPR. Intense with backbone. Give it a few more years. it doesn’t get much better at this price-point. — 6 years ago

Robert Evans Jr

9.0

Giants Packers. — 7 years ago

Henry Fuseler

9.2

5/2026. Very nice Washington Cab. Good fruit, nice on the palate and lingers. Paired well with the various seafood appetizers at Mr. Friendly’s.

My 3rd vintage. — a month ago

Jody Scharf

9.2

nice value franc big fan. ready now. 👏 to the wine maker. — a month ago

Marisa Sullivan

9.2

Christmas Eve pre-dinner wine (there will be more). Loved it for a lighter evening warm up wine. 🎅 🎄 — 6 months ago

Steve Cunneen

9.0

Very light, a bit dry, good partner for chips and salty snacks. — 5 years ago

Steven Schnoor

9.2

Classic Washington Cab from this great producer. Consistently great — 5 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Pale yellow color. Aromas of orange pith, orange blossoms and wet slate. Bursting with flavor- pineapple, dried apricot and melon.

79% Chardonnay, 14% Viognier and 7% Albariño — 6 years ago

Lisa Edwards

9.4

Deep red juicy fruits with smoke. Delightful. — 6 years ago

Tina Cox

9.0

Another great astor wines suggestion. I served chilled. Very cool label/bottle — 7 years ago