Explore Napa Valley Wines

Tasting Notes

The 2002 SLOAN Proprietary Red reveals a deep, saturated ruby hue and an expressive bouquet of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, interwoven with notes of cedar, graphite, and floral undertones. On the palate, it is full-bodied and layered, offering a harmonious balance of ripe black fruit, refined tannins, and vibrant acidity. Hints of mocha, tobacco, and baking spices emerge as the wine opens, leading to a long, persistent finish marked by freshness and finesse. The wine’s structure and complexity promise continued evolution in the cellar, while its elegance and concentration make it a standout among Napa Valley reds from this exceptional vintage[2][3][5].

Tasting Notes

The 2003 David Arthur Vineyards Cabernet opens with an elegant, floral nose reminiscent of a classic Margaux, yet delivers the boldness expected from Napa Valley. On the palate, it reveals concentrated notes of cassis, blackberry, and sour cherry, complemented by hints of cedar, chocolate, and a touch of earthiness. The wine is complex and layered, with well-integrated tannins providing structure and a lingering, harmonious finish. Subtle minerality and spice add further intrigue, making each sip a discovery of new nuances.[1][2][4]

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes

The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with expressive aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and subtle notes of cedar and tobacco. On the palate, it reveals layers of dark cherry, cassis, and hints of mocha, framed by well-integrated oak and supple tannins. The wine’s structure is both robust and graceful, offering a harmonious balance of fruit, acidity, and earthy undertones. As it evolves in the glass, nuances of graphite, dried herbs, and baking spice emerge, leading to a long, persistent finish marked by elegance and depth. This vintage showcases the complexity and age-worthiness that define classic Napa Valley Cabernet.

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep garnet hue with aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and hints of cedar and tobacco. On the palate, layers of dark cherry, cassis, and blackberry unfold, complemented by notes of graphite, baking spice, and a touch of earthy minerality. The wine’s structure is firm yet supple, with finely integrated tannins and vibrant acidity providing balance and length. The finish is persistent and elegant, leaving impressions of dark fruit, cocoa, and subtle oak. This vintage demonstrates remarkable complexity and depth, rewarding both immediate enjoyment and further cellaring.

Tasting Notes

The 2006 Kenzo Estate Murasaki opens with a bouquet of blackberry, mocha powder, and subtle aniseed, layered over hints of slate and stone. On the palate, it reveals concentrated dark fruit—blackberry and plum—interwoven with earthy undertones, fine tobacco spice, and a touch of espresso. The structure is robust yet elegant, with supple, integrated tannins and a dry, persistent finish. The wine’s complexity unfolds with time in the glass, offering a harmonious interplay of fruit, oak, and savory nuances that linger gracefully.[1][2][3]

Tasting Notes

The 2006 Sloan Proprietary Red displays a dense ruby-purple hue and an aromatic profile layered with white chocolate, burning embers, crème de cassis, coffee, and scorched earth. On the palate, it reveals tiers of black cherry, plum, currant, berry jam, cedar, cigar box, black licorice, and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied and well-structured, the wine is both powerful and graceful, with melted, well-integrated tannins and a persistent, focused finish. Floral notes of violets and orchids add further complexity, while the signature 'Rutherford dust' tannin finish underscores its Napa Valley pedigree. The wine is fresh, lively, and balanced, offering both immediate pleasure and the promise of further evolution in the cellar.[1][2][4]

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes

The 2007 Herb Lamb Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an expressive bouquet of blackcurrant, wild blackberry, and crushed violets, underscored by graphite, cedar, and subtle hints of dried herbs. On the palate, it delivers a seamless integration of ripe dark fruit, fine-grained tannins, and vibrant acidity. The wine’s complexity unfolds with notes of cocoa, tobacco leaf, and a touch of earthiness, leading to a long, persistent finish marked by freshness and mineral lift. This vintage showcases both the power and finesse that define Colgin’s style, offering exceptional depth and age-worthy structure.

Tasting Notes

The 2007 Harlan Estate The Maiden opens with alluring aromas of graphite, plum, black cherry, and black currant, layered with hints of sage, cedar, and dried herbs. On the palate, it is full-bodied and intense, displaying a harmonious blend of ripe red and black fruits, accented by notes of earth, leather, and subtle tobacco. The texture is silky, with well-integrated oak and sweet tannins providing structure and depth. The finish is persistent and complex, revealing nuances of mineral and spice that linger gracefully. This wine’s balance of fruit and tertiary flavors makes it both immediately appealing and capable of further evolution in the cellar.[1][2][3]

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 2007 Rubicon Estate Inglenook Cabernet Franc reveals a deep, dark color and an expressive nose of ripe dark fruit, black cherry, and subtle spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied, offering layers of dark cherry, licorice, and smoky undertones, complemented by firm yet polished tannins. Notes of spice and earth add complexity, while the wine’s balanced acidity ensures freshness. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering flavors of dark fruit and a touch of savory minerality, making it both immediately appealing and suitable for further aging.[4][5]

Tasting Notes

Opaque garnet core with a narrow ruby rim. Exquisite nose of crème de cassis, graphite, and sandalwood. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and concentrated black fruit, mocha, and forest floor notes. Seamless, lingering finish.

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes

The 2008 Kenzo Estate Ai Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an expressive bouquet of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and cassis, layered with notes of violet, graphite, and subtle cedar. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of dark berry fruit, mocha, and hints of licorice, framed by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine’s mountain origins impart a sense of freshness and minerality, while the extended aging in French oak adds depth and complexity. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, spice, and a touch of earthiness, promising further evolution with cellaring.

Varietal

Syrah

Tasting Notes

The 2008 RC Reserve Syrah opens with rich, expressive aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry liqueur, accented by hints of white pepper, licorice, and exotic spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and layered, showcasing ripe dark fruit, well-integrated oak, and a touch of smoky complexity. Firm yet polished tannins provide structure, while a lingering finish reveals notes of spice and subtle earthiness. The wine’s balance of fruit intensity, savory undertones, and refined acidity makes it both immediately appealing and capable of graceful aging[2][4].

Varietal

Syrah

Tasting Notes

The 2008 Rubicon Estate Inglenook RC Reserve Syrah presents a deep, inky hue in the glass, hinting at its concentration. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and plum are layered with notes of violet, cracked pepper, and smoked meat. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and richly textured, offering flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and espresso, complemented by hints of leather and savory herbs. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while vibrant acidity lends balance and freshness. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of spice and mineral, showcasing the wine’s complexity and aging potential.

Appellation

Napa Valley

Tasting Notes

The 2009 Anthology Red Blend opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe black cherry, cassis, and plum, accented by notes of mocha, cedar, and subtle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and richly textured, offering layers of dark fruit, blackberry compote, and hints of licorice. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while vibrant acidity keeps the wine lively and balanced. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and a touch of sweet tobacco, showcasing the wine’s complexity and age-worthiness.

Appellation

Napa Valley

Tasting Notes

The 2010 Anthology Napa Valley Red Wine offers a captivating bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, layered with notes of mocha, cedar, and baking spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied and richly textured, with velvety tannins and a vibrant core of dark fruit. Hints of graphite, tobacco, and vanilla emerge as the wine opens, adding further complexity. The finish is long and persistent, marked by a harmonious balance of fruit, oak, and refined acidity. This wine’s depth and structure promise continued evolution in the cellar, making it both immediately enjoyable and worthy of aging.

Appellation

Napa Valley

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 2010 Anthology Napa Valley Red Wine reveals a deep garnet hue. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of black cherry, cassis, and ripe plum, interwoven with notes of cedar, tobacco, and baking spices from oak aging. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and richly textured, with layers of dark fruit, mocha, and hints of graphite. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while vibrant acidity lends balance and freshness. The finish is long and persistent, echoing the wine’s complex bouquet with lingering notes of dark chocolate and spice. This is a wine that evolves beautifully in the glass, rewarding patience and contemplation.[3]

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation

Napa Valley

Tasting Notes

The 2010 Bressler Cabernet Sauvignon opens with expressive aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and dark cherry, layered with notes of graphite, cedar, and subtle baking spices from French oak aging. On the palate, it is full-bodied and richly textured, showcasing flavors of blackberry, cassis, and hints of mocha. The wine’s fine-grained tannins provide structure without overpowering the fruit, leading to a long, elegant finish marked by lingering notes of dark chocolate and tobacco. The complexity and balance of this vintage reveal both the pedigree of the vineyard and the skill of the winemaking team, promising further development with cellaring.[1][2][4]

Varietal

Merlot

Tasting Notes

The 2010 Winemaker Series Merlot opens with generous aromas of ripe plums and red fruits, accented by notes of toffee, nutmeg, and tobacco. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a juicy mouthfeel and supple tannins. Flavors of dried cranberry and hints of clove emerge on the long, lingering finish, adding layers of complexity. The wine’s balance of fruit, spice, and subtle oak creates a profile that is both inviting and sophisticated, making it a standout example of Napa Valley Merlot.[1]

Varietal

Merlot

Tasting Notes

The 2010 Winemaker Series Merlot opens with generous aromas of ripe plums and red fruits, accented by inviting notes of toffee, nutmeg, and tobacco. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a juicy, vibrant mouthfeel and supple tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long and layered, offering lingering flavors of dried cranberry and subtle hints of clove. This Merlot displays impressive complexity, balancing ripe fruit with savory and spice-driven nuances, making it both immediately appealing and rewarding with further cellaring.[4]

Varietal

Merlot

Tasting Notes

The 2010 Winemaker Series Merlot opens with generous aromas of ripe plums and red fruits, complemented by notes of toffee, nutmeg, and tobacco. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a juicy mouthfeel, featuring supple tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long and layered, revealing dried cranberry and hints of clove, while subtle oak influences add depth and complexity. This Merlot is both approachable and age-worthy, offering a harmonious balance of fruit, spice, and earth.

Varietal

Zinfandel

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 2010 Zinfandel reveals a deep ruby hue and an expressive bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, and wild berry, layered with notes of baking spice and a hint of pepper[4]. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, offering a harmonious blend of ripe red and black fruit, subtle oak, and lively acidity. The wine’s texture is plush yet structured, with fine tannins supporting a lingering finish marked by touches of cocoa and sweet spice. The complexity and balance make it both approachable now and capable of further development with age.

Tasting Notes

The 2011 Animated Red reveals a vibrant ruby hue and an inviting bouquet of red currant, black cherry, and subtle baking spice. On the palate, it offers layers of ripe plum, cranberry, and a hint of dried herbs, underscored by supple tannins and lively acidity. The wine’s structure is elegant yet approachable, with a medium body and a lingering finish that echoes notes of cedar and cocoa. The cool vintage imparts a freshness and finesse, making this wine both complex and food-friendly.

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep garnet hue with aromas of blackcurrant, dried cherry, and subtle hints of cedar and graphite. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of ripe dark fruit, savory herbs, and earthy undertones, complemented by well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. The cooler vintage imparts a refined elegance, with layers of plum, tobacco, and baking spice unfolding across a medium-bodied frame. The finish is long and persistent, marked by notes of cocoa and a touch of minerality, inviting further exploration with each sip.

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes

The 2011 Peacock Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon opens with expressive aromas of black cherry, cassis, and wild mountain herbs, layered with hints of graphite and cedar. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, offering a harmonious blend of dark berry fruit, plum, and subtle floral notes. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while vibrant acidity lends freshness and lift. As the wine evolves in the glass, nuances of cocoa, tobacco, and earthy minerality emerge, leading to a long, elegant finish marked by lingering spice and a touch of savory complexity. This vintage captures the cool-climate elegance and layered depth that define Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.