December 30, 2020 at 2:57 92 2018 Thacher Valdiguie
Shell Creek Vineyards, Paso Robles Highlands District, 14.2%, 165 cs. $36
The nose is a dusty sachet perfume of cherry and Mexican chocolate. The palate entry is poised, supple, low-acid red fruit with a wax-like core of plum and spice box. The commonality of Thacher wines is an approachability that makes the wines so seductive. They practically beg to be in your mouth. Drink 2020 - 2025.
April 19, 2016 at 22:26 94 2014 Beekeeper Zinfandel
Sonoma County, Montecillo Vineyard, 14.4%, 95ZN|5PS, 242 cs., $55
The nose is bright red berry with notes of sleek spice, gravel, pepper overlayed beautiful ripe cherry. The palate shows beautiful texture, weight and definition. Polished blueberry, accented with cranberry and currant. Drink 2016 – 2023. www.beekeepercellars.com
January 9, 2016 at 20:56 93 2012 Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, Estate, 13.5%, 3328 cs., $52
The nose is dense chocolate, carbon, dried lavender and note of black tea. The palate is firm, poised and lean with an herbal undercurrent and notes of coffee mixed into the velvety tannins and floral notes. Beautiful stuff. Drink 2015 – 2024.
December 21, 2015 at 20:41 95 2012 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, Estate, Kronos Vineyard, 13.7%, 800 cs., $165
A wine that immediately shows a sleek vibrancy with fresh blueberry, graphite, concentrated resinous core of bright stone fruit. The palate is textbook Corison – delicately formed layers of florals – violet and lilac with ethereal balance finishing with a fully integrated acid backbone. Drink 2015 – 2035. Spring 2016 release. www.corison.com
December 13, 2015 at 0:02 93 2013 Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, 14.8%, $85
Shows a deftly polished nose of sandalwood, blueberry and mint with a dense underlying liqueur of dark berry and chocolate. The palate entry is full-bodied and polished leading to a solid core of currant, tobacco and blackberry. Supple and well balanced, it grows in lushness after 24 hours. Drink 2016 – 2024.
