Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Most of the wines I open tell me a story w/ each sip. Most tied to my late wife Sofia. My memories of this producer precedes her.

This is a producer that flashed early in my wine journey. Generally, one you have moved on from today. That’s until, their 2013 is offered at $39 recently. A grand vintage. For me, I wanted to see the wineries progression and experience earlier memories that flood back w/ each sip. It has done that.

I have a Napa history infatuation. This one is kinda of a pleasure-pain thing. While I enjoyed this producer many years ago, the 2020 Glass Fires destroyed 90% of their vineyards, almost all their structures & their 19 & 20 vintages. I can’t express enough what a gut punch that is for its owners & staff. It is an insurance nightmare and let’s not forget that after all the time it takes to re-plant vines, it takes at least 7 years before you get useable fruit to make wine. So…a ten yr plus setback w/ nearly no revenue stream.

The wine tonight w/o a ribeye, showed excellent fruits that the 13 growing season brought. But what followed was a lean mid plate and finish. With the steak, not so.

The palate shows M+ velvety, dry tannins. Ripe, rich, lush, ruby fruits of: blackberries, black plum, baked plum, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, poached & fresh strawberries & an understated array of purple fruits. Moist, grey, volcanic clays, moist tobacco w/ ash, used leather, graphite, dry, crushed rocks/limestone-sandstone, dry brush, dark cola, black licorice to anise, dry herbs-bay leaf, sage, dark, mid spice with some palate heat, sweet tarriness, dark, fresh, candied & withering red roses, lavender & dry violets, excellent acidity with a well balanced-knitted, nicely structured & tensioned, elegant finish that lasts minutes and long sets on dry earth & spice.

This is nice on its own but so much better with a ribeye. 92 on its own with a hour decant. 92-93+ with an hour decant plus a juicy, well seasoned MR ribeye. — 4 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

I recently reviewed the 2016 Angels’ Share Shiraz, however the Gnarly Dudes packs a bigger punch. Deep and dark purple color with aromas of fresh blue/red fruits with spicy notes. The palate revealed rich ripe fruits, plum and blueberry with firm tannins and acidity to match. I noted some cacao, toasty oak, vanilla and black pepper on a lingering finish. If you open a bottle, give the wine a few minutes to let it approach it’s beauty. — 6 years ago

Adam Long

9.7

Shiraz = syrah, apparently. Incredible footwork bringing this doll from Australia, packs quite an earthy, gritty punch with a full-body blow complement that’ll bring you to your knees faster than you can say “million dollar baby” — 7 years ago

with Tara

Jeanette Bangs

9.5

Gorgeous fruity gamay that packs a punch above its weight, smooth and hedonistic. — 8 years ago

Joshua Choi

9.6

A smooth, full bodied, and easy to drink. It has that surprising punch of a whisky but not offensive or aggressive as a whisky. — 8 years ago

Boxer Briefs

10

The $50 mystery case train rolls on. Best Hundy we ever spent on wine. I paid <$5 for this wine and can’t find it online for less than $52. Committed to not looking these wines up before popping the cork. Merlot dominant, whole cluster in Demi’s that are turned every 4 hours for 6 months in lieu of punch downs or pump overs. Good stuff. — 8 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2022 vintage. May eventually clamber up to a 9.3 rating but currently coming across as slightly lacking in terms of punch and verve as compared to the last handful of vintages. Let’s give it 8-10 years. 06.18.25. — a year ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2015 vintage. Light-medium body. Silky but with just enough punch. — 4 years ago

Andrew Mecoli

9.0

Lopez de Heredia rarely fails to impress, and this 2012 Cubillo is no exception. It packs a flavor punch, with herbal, earthy, and cherry notes. The oak is in check, and the bright acidity makes this a great alternative to the darker and more austere Tondonia reds. — 5 years ago

Adam Knoerzer

9.6

So intense, so brooding, so delicious. Black fruits, olives, pepper, and flowers all combine for a knockout punch. This can chill out for a few years. — 6 years ago

Tobin Trevarthen

9.4

From the wayback machine. Left off where we started! Still packing punch. Tannins still present. Blackberry, effervescent, currents of eucalyptus, lavender and tea bag spices. Can Franc shining through. — 7 years ago

David Lincoln

9.4

I would love to retaste these Charles Perez Bergerie wines. They pack a serious punch of blood, bacon fat, olive, and red fruit. — 8 years ago

LMB

9.2

Very agreeable. Packs a punch but soft on the palette and goes with different dishes. A little tannin but not too much. Inky. — 8 years ago

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.5

Deep Rich and Polished Nose. The substance is pure, fine and Elegant then comes a punch of Power towards the end.
Really nice buddy here.
94-96 — a year ago

Martin Mazner

8.9

very nice everyday cab from a reliable producer. Enjoyed much more on second day after much airing. Balanced with nice ripe berry flavors but missing the tannins punch. — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Aged in 50% new French oak for 4 months, then in stainless, pale lemon with aromas of tropical and stone fruits with blossom notes. On the palate vibrant flavors of apple, pear and lemon with a zesty punch and a nice touch of vanilla. Savory, long finish ending with mineral and biscuit notes. Very nice. Tasting Sample! — 6 years ago

Paul J

9.2

1hr decant. Lovely nose of earth and tar. Wine lacks depth and fruit, but does have some nice Bordeaux elements. There is even some teriyaki sauce, which I know is weird. Short finish. Wish this packed more of a punch! — 7 years ago

with Brooke

Rob McCormish

9.0

This is the second bottle we had in the last few month and the 2014 is showing well. If you know the secret code found on the label you can see that the juice came from the Rutherford area. While not a powerful wine, it has substantial typical characteristics of a valley floor Napa Cab. Very enjoyable now and for at least a couple more years. Fine effort. — 7 years ago

Chris Grimm

9.2

Killer fruit, Hawiian Punch... easy to guzzle, but something to contemplate. — 8 years ago

with Jonathan

Konrad Michels

9.0

Isn’t quite as full-bodied as I had expected. Decent wine. Just doesn’t quite pack the punch I was after. — 8 years ago