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. — 22 days ago

Charlie Tapp

9.4

Remarkably fresh at 50 years old.

Black fruit, iodine, red fruit and forest floor. — 17 days ago

Rob N

9.3

Great balanced full fruit low tannin Napa cab. $130? — a month ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.3

Out of coravin…it needs to be decanted to show properly. — 15 days ago

Robert Henalt

9.3

Delicious blend Super treat for a glass with friends Red berries, smooth tannins — 17 days ago

Christopher Vaughn Messer

9.1

This is a polished, crowd-pleasing Cabernet that still shows real intent. Ripe black cherry and blackberry lead the charge, followed by notes of cocoa, vanilla, and a subtle cedar spice. The tannins are smooth and well-integrated, giving it an easy, confident structure without sacrificing depth. There’s just enough oak warmth to feel luxurious, but it never overwhelms the fruit.

I opened this during a family winter getaway in Atlantic City, one of those cold, quiet nights after the lights fade and the boardwalk winds down. It paired beautifully with a relaxed dinner and conversation, the kind of wine that elevates the moment without demanding attention. Approachable, reliable, and quietly refined. Indian Wells continues to earn its reputation as a go-to Cabernet with class. — a month ago

Heather Rostker

9.6

Excellent — a month ago

with Emmett and Brian

Dave

9.2

This really is delicious, and well worth the $21 I paid for it. Tons of berries, blue and red. Excellent structure with a firm finish that becomes so nice after a bit of airing. Making birria, which will be very good with this wine. Last time I had this I gave it 8.9 but today it's more deserving.
Listening to Hole — 15 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2013 vintage. Captures more than a bit of that old-school, 80's-90's Laurel Glen magic and oomph. Firing right now and for the foreseeable future. Medium/medium-heavy body. 2.18.26. — a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2022 vintage. One of the better Napa cab 2022's I've had. That Cade style...2.18.26. — a month ago