To me, this smells and tastes like a late-70s, old school Napa Cab. Very dark color. Nose charges out of the gates with cassis, olives, dark green pungent herbs, gravel, and a little iodine. Approachable (and enjoyable) already on the palate. Sure, it’s a bit tannic but they’re soft, with mouth-coating savory flavors. None of that damn chocolateyness I don’t like (which seems near-ubiquitous now in Napa Cabs), and zero jamminess. What a value (I got it for $39) for a very tasty and true-to-type Napa Cab. — 9 months ago
Consistently one of Bedrock's best blends. Decant for 30min and enjoy. — 6 years ago
Classically speaking, La Jota is my favorite Howell Mountain producer. I’ve tasted so many treasures from this producer in the 1985-2005 span here in the past few years. Beautiful integration and expression of Cabernets on volcanic soils at elevation. But what do I love most about Howell Mt wines at their best? - Their ability to smell like Howell Mt itself. Being a 2003 this wine finds itself in a good place now though I wish I had others to try again in 3-5 years — 8 years ago
The 2021 Bedrock Heritage Wine is a great expression of this site. Black cherry, chocolate, spice, leather and tobacco are front and center. This dark, virile Zinfandel-based field blend packs a serious punch. There's plenty of detail and nuance behind all of that intensity. The 2021 is a big wine, but also less monolithic than some previous editions. There's a bit more whole cluster in the 2021 than in the past, so perhaps that explains the wine's nuance. The 2021 is one of the best wines I have ever tasted from the Bedrock vineyard, and I say that as someone who is not yet fully convinced of the potential here. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — 3 years ago
Nose has mashed blackberry, ripe black current, ripe black cherry, wet saddle leather, horse barn, dried mint, fried green herbs, chopped bacon, muddy garden soil, constantly developing...
Palate has mahogany shavings, black cherry 🍒, dried garden soil, day old bacon bacon 🥓, over-ripe black currant, warm dark chocolate, (minor) baking spice with a very long and intense finish. This wine has at least a decade in front of it tonight. Perfect, supple cork on extraction.
Still quite tannic, decanted 4h, needs much more time to reveal it's true self.
My retailer commented this was not a standard CA Cabernet, more Bordeaux-like, and he was fully on point. The stink on the nose really pointed us away from CA right away.
Paired to some expertly grilled, medium-rare Delmonico steaks from my favorite, local farmer in Columbia Co. NY (Kinderhook Farm), well salted (in advance). Finished with Maldon smoked sea salt, best which exists in the world, IMHO. Also roasted beets with goat feta from VT, where I can only image goats listen to Phish and eat Ben & Jerry's ice cream daily, because only a stress free life like that could yield cheese this good.
I'd like to know the blend on this, should anyone know, I can't believe it's 100% Cab based on the stinky nose, which we appreciate. — 6 years ago
Speechless. The best Syrah I’ve tasted in years, maybe forever. I spoiled my friends forever on Syrah — 8 years ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2023 vintage. Medium body. Always nice. Possibly Matt's best wine year in, year out. This could use another year to knit. Hoping to taste again down the road. Definitely believe in his abilities and the authenticity of this vineyard. 3.23.26. — 2 months ago