Much better than Reynold’s Napa bottling. Maybe it’s Stags Leap, maybe block selection, but it’s a true reserve, richer, denser, and more concentrated, complex and rewarding. Deep in cassis and plum fruit, it’s quite a tannic wine. Hold until 2007 and beyond.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
This is a fine, posh, if a little immature Cabernet. It seems to reflect its southerly Oak Knoll origins in an acidity and tannic structure not found in Oakville. With its core of cassis and cocoa fruit, it should age well. Try holding until after 2007.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
These grapes are sourced from the relatively cooler region of Orange, and it shows in the wine's pear and citrus flavors. Hints of nuts (cashews, perhaps?) add complexity and style not often found in this price range. Crisp and clean on the finish, with refreshing citrus notes.
— J.C.
(7/1/2002)
Dry, tart, and electric in its intense acidity, this wine features pure, bright flavors of limes, grapefruits, gooseberries and vanilla. It’s long on taste, and the acidic freshness carries the citrus flavors through a long finish. Best Buy. —S.H.
— S.H.
(3/1/2003)
This wine reveals its cool-climate origins in its aromas of black pepper and cranberries, then bolsters those credentials by adding berry flavors and bright acidity. Creamy vanilla notes help balance out the crunchy fruit. Doesn’t appear to be an ager.
— W.E.
(9/1/2003)
Packs in plenty of plump, pineapple fruit framed by smoky, toasty oak. Maybe it’s just the power of suggestion, but are there some orange scents in among the lightly buttered peach aromas? Could use more elegance, but it’s rich, fullbodied and flavorful.
— W.E.
(9/1/2003)
Made in a very dry, early-picked style, this wine shows a firm structure of acids and even some dusty tannins, framing tobacco, apple and spice flavors. Everything about it, including the oak, has been modulated.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
A straightforward but solid Chardonnay, with pleasing honey and yellow pear flavors and a hearty helping of toasty oak. Its formula is one that might ring familiar to you, but it works, and it won’t set you back too many bucks, either.
— D.T.
(12/31/2003)