Gorgeous, opulent, intense, a really impressive Cabernet right out of the bottle. Feels softly tannic and very dry, with enormously complex flavors of blackberries and cassis, cola, violets, minerals, cedar and unnameable tastes from the earth. A wine to savor now and cellar for a decade.
— S.H.
(2/1/2011)
Here’s one for the cellar, guaranteed. It shows all the classic hallmarks of an ageworthy Napa Cabernet. Dry, tannic and closed, with massively concentrated blackberry and cassis flavors, and a firm grounding of minerals. Very fine and complex, very impressive. Hold for at least six years, and should develop in the bottle for far longer.
— S.H.
(2/1/2011)
A thoroughly good Cabernet that represents a welcome return to form after a disappointing period for the winery in the mid-2000s. Dry, rich and dramatically structured, this cellarworthy wine has impressive flavors of blackberries and cassis, with earthier notes of black olive tapenade and cedarwood. Could easily score even higher down the road.
— S.H.
(2/1/2011)
Kuleto muscles itself into the top ranks with wines like this well-made, serious Cabernet. It’s dry and balanced, and shows elegant restraint in how the blackberry and cassis fruit has been reined in but still allowed to express itself. Oak plays a supporting role. Drink now through 2008.
— S.H.
(12/15/2005)
A good, richly tannic, ripe, balanced wine, impressive for its depth of cassis and cherry fruit and complex finish. It has a good 10-year future ahead.
— S.H.
(7/1/2007)
Quite successful, with its complex array of pepper, cherry, mocha and vanilla aromas and flavors and rich, sweet tannins. Has the finesse of a Cabernet, with Zin’s wild, spicy edge. The elaborate finish is sweet and very long.
— S.H.
(12/15/2004)
This is a really beautiful example of how Napa ripens Zin so well, especially in a warm vintage. The wine is exuberant in black currant, chocolate and coffee fruit flavors that are complexed with smooth, firm tannins and a gentle backbone of acidity.
— S.H.
(12/1/2005)
A deeply satisfying Syrah from a hot vintage in a cool climate. You’ll find good tannic structure and soft acids backing up the lush, ripe blackberry, cappuccino and melted milk chocolate flavors, and the finish is cinnamon-spicy and dry. But it’s not an ager. Drink now or soon.
— S.H.
(7/1/2007)