92
points
Neal Family 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
-
$50
Don’t even think of opening this Cab now. The tannins are hard, and they lock down the considerable blackberry, black currant, anise and dark chocolate flavors. It’s a very fine wine. The 100% Cab grapes come from Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, Mt. Veeder, Rutherford, St. Helena and Coombsville, making this a sort of international citizen of Napa Valley. 2011–2016.
— S.H.
(5/1/2010)
92
points
Neal Family 2005 Rutherford Dust Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
-
$90
Made in a flashy, fleshy, flamboyant style, with ripe flavors of cherry tart, cocoa, licorice and cedar. The structure and mouthfeel is firm and dry, with well-articulated tannins. Classically elegant. Now through 2013.
— S.H.
(6/1/2009)
92
points
Neal Family 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
-
$18
Maybe it’s the 100% certified organic grapes that make this wine so pure, or the fact that it never saw oak. Probably both. The fruit stands front and center, with flavors of lemons, limes, Asian pears, lemongrass and gooseberries. A superior Sauvignon Blanc, at a great price, but production unfortunately was less than 1,000 cases.
— S.H.
(11/1/2011)
91
points
Neal Family 2008 Zinfandel (Napa Valley)
-
$24
Great Zinfandel, easily worth the price. Napa Valley still makes the most balanced, claret-style Zins, and this polished beauty is right up there. It’s dry and elegantly constructed despite its considerable power, showing rich flavors of wild raspberries and cherries, sweet concentrated red currants, mocha, licorice and scads of peppery spices. Drink now…
— S.H.
(12/31/2010)