|
 |
Dalle Valle |
|
|
Napa
Valley |
|
|
Cabernet Sauvignon |
|
|
1989 |
|
|
Tasting Notes Journal:
Jan 15, 2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Darioush
- Winemaker gala tasting dinner -
Click |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Darius |
|
Cabernet
Sauvignon |
|
1999 |
|
|
|

 |
|
|
 |
Darioush |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Merlot |
|
2000
1999 |
|
|
|
 |
Darioush |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Shiraz |
|
2003 |
|
|
 |
Darioush |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Viognier |
|
2010 |
|
|
 |
David
Arthur |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Meritaggio |
|
2006 |
March 3, 2009 |
|
2005 |
From the Vaca Mtn range atop
Pritchard Hill - a “super Tuscan” style blend of: 70%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Sangiovese, 2% Cabernet
Franc, 1% Petite Verdot. |
|
2004 |
From the Vaca Mtn range atop
Pritchard Hill - a “super Tuscan” style blend
of: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet
Franc, 7% Petite Verdot, 3% Merlot |
|
2000 |
Tasting Notes Journal: Sept
15, 2004 |
|
1997 |
Tasting Notes Journal: 3/19/04,
2/16/03, 12/18/99,
July 20, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
David
Arthur |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Cabernet
Franc |
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
David Arthur
Three Acre
Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
2009 |
|
|
 |
David Arthur
Old Vine
Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 |
|
|

 |
David
Arthur |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Cabernet
Sauvignon |
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2005 |
From the Vaca Mtn range atop
Pritchard Hill - a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7%
Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. |
|
2004 |
From the Vaca Mtn range atop
Pritchard Hill - a blend of state fruit that varies
with each vintage: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet
Franc, 7% Petite Verdot, 3% Merlot |
|
2003 |
From the Vaca Mtn range atop
Pritchard Hill - a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10%
Cabernet Franc, 7% Petite Verdot, 3% Merlot |
|
2002 |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
1999 |
|
|
1998 |
|
|
|
|
|

|
David
Arthur |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Elevation 1147 |
|
Cabernet
Sauvignon |
|
2010 |
|
|
2006 |
WS
92 points: "Firm, dense and concentrated, tightly wound
and sharply focused. Full-blown, with rich, spicy currant,
mineral, graphite and black licorice. This firms up nicely
on the finish, where its complexity shines. Drink now
through 2016. 400 cases made." (05/09) Every year, David
Arthur makes the Napa Elevation 1147 from the vintage's best
Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. This single-vineyard wine is then
age for 23 months in 90% new French oak barrels, which
impart deep vanilla and spice character to the wine. Blue
and black fruit, garrigue and dusty earth round out the
palate, which is plush with firm tannins and nice acidity. |
|
 |
David Arthur Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007 |
|
David
Arthur |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Sauvignon
Blanc |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Davis
Family Vineyards |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Cabernet
Sauvignon |
|
2001 |
|
Russian
River Zinfandel |
|
2003 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Dehlinger |
|
Russian River Valley |
|
Chardonnnay |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Delaforce |
|
Special
White |
|
Port |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Delamotte |
|
Champagne |
|
Blanc De Blanc |
|
1990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEL DOTTO Vineyards
-
Del Dotto Vineyards
Producer Profile
-
Del Dotto Vineyards
Wine Label Library |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
DEL DOTTO |
|
Napa
Valley |
|
Rutherford |
|
Cabernet
Sauvignon |
|
2002, |
|
2001, 2000,
1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, |
|
1993 -
Wine Spectator 92 -
Packs a wallop with its
rich heart of earthy currant, mineral, spice and cedary oak
flavors. Smooth and rich, given its size and concentration
of fruit flavors... ...497 cases made. ” |
|
|
DEL DOTTO |
|
Napa
Valley |
|
Rutherford |
|
Cabernet
Sauvignon |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2003 |
|
2001 |
-
Jan 29, 2005,
October 14, 2008, -
January 30, 2010 |
2000 |
-
Jan 14, 2005 |
1999 |
-
May 30, 2008,
Dec 25, 2003,
April 2, 2003,
Dec 25, 2002,
Aug 24, 2002 |
1998 |
-
December 20, 2008,
July 1, 2008,
April 30, 2008,
October 16, 2005,
Mar 20, 2005,
September 9, 2004,
June 17, 2004,
Feb 6, 2000 |
1997 |
-
June 20, 2009,
Sept 27, 2003,
22 Jan 2000 |
1996 |
-
Aug 27, 2002,
July 4, 1999
92 points Wine Spectator: "Revs up with lots of complex
flavors--pretty black cherry, currant, plum and spicy,
toasty oak that fold together nicely, revealing depth,
richness and concentration. Best from 2001 through 2010. 498
cases made." (10/99) According to Robert Parker: "The 1996
Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is an elegant, medium-bodied
effort with an oaky, blackcurrant, cherry, and loamy
soil-scented nose, and moderate tannin. It is monolithic and
seamless. Anticipated maturity: now-2012." (01/2000)
|
1995 |
-
July 1, 2010
-
December 23, 2010
Wine Spectator 92 - "A
well-oaked style, with smoky vanilla flavors and a core of
black cherry, plum and wild berry that's elegant and spicy,
finishing with mild, well-integrated tannins. Impressive for
its length and complexity. Best from 1999 through 2007. ” |
1994 |
RM 91 - Wine Spectator 92
- "Displays a sharply focused core of currant, plum and
black cherry, picks up pretty toasty oak and cedar and
finishes with a smooth, plush texture.” |
1993 |
Wine Spectator 92 -
Packs a wallop with its
rich heart of earthy currant, mineral, spice and cedary oak
flavors. Smooth and rich, given its size and concentration
of fruit flavors... ...497 cases made. ” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEL DOTTO |
|
Napa
Valley |
|
St Helena |
|
Cabernet
Sauvignon |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2003 |
|
|
|
 |
DEL DOTTO |
Napa
Valley |
Cabernet
Franc |
2002 |
2001 -
November 26, 2010 |
2000 |
1999 -
Aug 24, 2002
|
1998
-
April 22, 2007
-
March 9, 2008 |
1997
-
Jan 1, 2001,
11 Dec 99,
July 4, 1999,
November 27, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
 |
DEL DOTTO |
|
Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve |
|
Napa
Valley |
|
Tuscan
Blend |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2000 |
|
1999 -
June 1, 2009,
Jan 25, 2006 |
|
1998 -
June 29, 2005,
Aug 31, 2001
|
|
1997 -
May 28, 2009,
Jan 24, 2006,
July 4, 1999,
September 3, 2010 |
|
1996 -
July 4, 1999 |
|
1995 -
Dec 20, 1999,
December 11, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
DEL DOTTO |
|
Napa
Valley |
|
Sangiovese |
|
1999, 1998,
1997 |
|
Sangiovese
Marsannay French Oak
Marsannay 2000
-
November 27, 2009 |
|
2001 |
|
1999 -
Aug 24, 2002
|
|
1998 -
March 22, 2009, February
15, 2009,
November 21, 2008,
February 10, 2008,
April 22, 2007,
Aug 27, 2003,
Nov 3, 2001 ,
Mar 11, 2000
|
|
|
|
 |
DEL DOTTO Cave Blend |
|
2000
- 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 8% Sangiovese |
|
2001 |
|
Napa
Valley |
|
Cave Blend |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Dehlinger |
|
Russian River Valley |
|
Chardonnnay |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Philippe Delesvaux |
|
Coteaux du Layon |
|
Sélection de Grains Nobles |
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
Collectable bottle from 1984 |
Democratic National Convention -
San Francisco |
|
1982 |
|
Napa
Valley |
|
Cabernet
Sauvignon |
|
 |
|
|
 |
Chateau Dereszla |
|
Tokaji |
|
Eszencia |
|
2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
Chateau D'Issan |
|
Bordeaux |
|
Margaux |
|
1984 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Chateau Doisy
Vedrines |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
1990, 1988,
1985, 1981 |
|
Sauterne |
|
Bordeaux |
|
2003 -
October 20, 2006 |
|
|
|
 |
|


 |
Moet
Chandon |
|
Champagne
- We visited Moet Chandon during our
Champagne Wine Experience 2006 |
|
Cuvee
Dom Perignon |
|
2002 |
|
2000 -
December 31, 2010 |
|
1999 -
February 6, 2009 |
|
1998 - Aug 23, 2006 |
|
92 points, Robert Parker,
Wine Advocate
December 2005 - A
stronger vintage than expected, the 1998 Dom Perignon
exhibits aromas and flavors of lemon oil, orange rind,
and brioche in a medium-bodied, zesty, rich, moderately
intense style. It is far superior to either the 1993 or
1992. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon
Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the
1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were
drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how
long-lived these wines can be. Production is
confidential, but there must be hundreds of thousands of
cases of Dom Perignon since it available in most of the
world’s luxury hotels and restaurants.
93 points, Stephen Tanzer
December 2005
- Pale yellow. An enticing
blend of red berries, butter and toast on the nose; this
settled down to an earthy, smoky character that reminded
me of Batard-Montrachet. Full and rich, with flavors of
musky yellow plum and ripe pear accented by crisp
mineral notes. Really long and vibrant on the building
finish, if not as precise or elegant as the 1996. Still,
of the two vintages, this is the one I would prefer to
drink over the next five or years or so. 93 points
95 points, Wine Enthusiast - November 2006
- This is a wine that thrives on tension between its
structure, opulence, elegance and poise. It is certainly
ripe and opulent, but it is so well balanced and layered
with acidity, and flavors of almonds, orange peel and
kiwi fruits. It will certainly age. - R.V. (11/1/2006) -
95
|
|
1990 |
|
1983 |
|
1980 |
|
1976 - magnum |
|
|

 |
Domaine Serene |
|
Domaine Serene Wine Label Library |
|
Evenstad
Reserve |
|
Willamette
Valley, Oregon |
|
Pinot Noir |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 -
RM 91 - WS 92 WS
Review:
Big,
thick and brawny, this shows a substantial streak of vanilla
over firm, ripe, tasty mixed black fruits. Clean ,rich and
powerful, with substantial oak spices, it's the most
masculine of the three Domaine Serene Pinots in the current
lineup. - P.G.
Winemaker notes -
The enticing nose displays a complex array of cherry pie,
raspberry cordial, marionberry, dried orange peel, caramel,
vanilla and allspice. The palate delivers intense black
raspberry, elderberry, pomegranate, rose petal, sassafras,
oak spice and fine-grained tannins. The result is a wine
possessing incredible power, length and complexity. Aged 16
months in French oak barrels of which 74% were new. Unfined
and unfiltered. |
|
2001 -
December 08, 2009 |
|
Tasting
Notes Journal:
July 10, 2005 |
|
|
|
 |
Domaine Tissot |
(Andre & Mireille now
Stephane) |
|
Cotes du Jura |
|
|
PMG "pour ma
gueule"i |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
Dominus
Estate |
|
Napa Valley |
|
|
Red Wine |
|
|
1998
-
91 points and a Cellar Selection designation from the Wine
Spectator: "Earthy, elegant and refined Cabernet blend,
delivering layers of currant, tar, black cherry, cedar,
coffee and anise, all sharply focused and framed by just the
right amount of tannin. Drink now through 2009. 6,000 cases
made." (07/01) Accoridng to Robert Parker: "The 1998
Dominus's dark ruby/plum color is accompanied by aromas of
licorice, earth, plums, black fruits, and underbrush ...
possesses good depth, a spicy, open-knit complexity, and
ripe tannin, it does not have the size, depth, or dimension
of the previous eight vintages. Nevertheless, it is an
elegant, Bordeaux-styled red for drinking over the next
decade." (08/02) |
|
|
3000 |
|
|
|
 |
Dominus Estate |
|
Napa Valley |
|
|
Red Wine |
|
|
1990 |
|
|
In 1990, for the first time
in the history of Dominus, all four classic Bordeaux
grape varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,
Merlot and Petit Verdot) were included in the final
blend. |
|
1990 Wine Label:
Wayne Thiebaud is an American artist, born in 1920. Mr.
Thiebaud is considered one of America's most important
painters. He has been described as the most accomplished
realist working today. |
|
eRobertParker, February 1997 (95
points) (Robert Parker, 02/01/1997) Rating: 95 Drink
from: 1997
"...cedary, spicy, tobacco,
blackcurrant-scented nose, sweet, full-bodied flavors,
high tannin, and low acidity...
Rich and powerful, it is capable of lasting for 20+
years." |
|
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine
Cellar, July/August 1999 (93 points)"...Knockout,
Bordeaux-like aromas of cherry syrup, plum, chocolate,
mocha and brown spices, plus a faint vegetal complexity.
Sweet, smooth and ripe...lovely clarity. Finishes firmly
tannic and very long. Extremely suave wine."
Steven Tanzer, 07/01/1999)Rating:
93 |
|
|
|
 |
Dominus Estate |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Cabernet Sauvignon |
|
1988 - The
1988 Wine Label:
Peter Blake is an English artist, born in 1932. Mr. Blake
became famous as a leader of Pop Art in Europe. His works
are displayed in major museums throughout the world. |
|
1988 -
Earlier |
|
|
 |
Dominus Estate |
|
Napa Valley |
|
|
Red Wine |
|
|
1986 - The
1986 vintage marks the first wine produced in the
“second series” of Dominus Estate. Cabernet Franc was
added to the final blend for the first time, introducing
a floral character and a complexity that was not found
in the previous wines. |
|
91 points from Parker: "Along with the 1988 and 1984, the
1986 is one of the more precocious and flattering
vintages of Dominus. 6,500 cases were produced. The wine
offers a nose of black fruits (black cherries in
particular), spices, cedar, and Provencal herbs. In the
mouth, the wine exhibits excellent opulence, is slightly
lighter and less concentrated than either the 1987 or
1985, and finishes with a clean, satiny mouthfeel.
Approachable now, this wine should continue to evolve
for another 12-15 years. Drink 1996-2016." (08/96) |
|
1986 Wine Label:
Jim Dine was born in 1935. He has had numerous
one-man-shows throughout the United States and Europe.
Among the many museums exhibiting his works are The
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; The Museum of
Modern Art, New York; Le Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris
and the Tate Gallery, London.
December 16, 2007,
Sept 21, 2002,
Earlier, |
|
|
|
 |
Dominus Estate |
|
Napa Valley |
|
|
Red Wine |
|
|
1985 - The
Wine Advocate 91 pts - "The 1985 Dominus stands out
for its smoky, ripe cassis, earthy nose, sweet,
full-bodied, concentrated flavors, and opulently long,
chewy finish. It was the most forward, precocious
example of this wine I have yet tasted. Most recent
tastings have suggested the wine needed further aging.
This bottling exhibited the plush, velvety texture that
proprietor Christian Moueix achieves in top Pomerol
vintages." |
|
|
|
|
 |
Dominus Estate |
|
Napa Valley |
|
|
Red Wine |
|
|
1983 -
Robert Parker 90 pts - "'The nose offers damp
woodsy aromas intermingled with rich, jammy cassis,
cedar, licorice, and even some oriental spice notes.
Full-bodied with considerable tannin, this highly
extracted, rich wine should prove to be extremely
long-lived...." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

 |
Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou
Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou Wine Label
Library |
|
Bordeaux |
|
|
St
Julien |
|
|
2001 |
Oct 16, 2005 |
|
2000
|
|
|
1996 |
June 4, 2002 |
|
1995 |
|
|
1990 |
|
|
1989 |
Dec 11, 2001,
July 3, 1998 |
|
1988 |
Dec 11, 2001,
July 3, 199 - 92
(Wine Spectator, 10/01/1992) |
|
1986 |
WS 95 -
A
monster in its infancy. Almost black in color, with intense
cassis, herb
and mint aromas and superrich, dense cassis and licorice
flavors. May last
forever. 95 pts Wine Spectator |
|
1985
1983 |
|
|
1982 -
March 14, 2010 -
94 points Robert Parker: "It is unquestionably the finest
Ducru-Beaucaillou following the 1961. I do not think the
estate has produced any wine since that can be said to be as
complete and concentrated as the 1982... The wine offers a
classic St.-Julien/Pauillac aromatic profile - intense
cedar, some blackcurrants, a touch of oak, and good spice.
Rich and more full-bodied than normal, this chewy,
concentrated, moderately tannic Ducru can be drunk with
considerable pleasure, but ideally it should be cellared for
another 3-4 years . It should last through the first two
decades of the next century." (Bordeaux Book, 1998) Deep
cherry color; soft cherry and cedary flavors combined with
hint of black fruits; plump, certainly behaving like an '82,
yielding a Ducru that is actually evolving at less than a
glacial pace. Round, beautifully balanced, even showy (God
forbid from this Château); dusty quality. Fairly fine
tannins. |
|
1981 |
Jan 15, 2006 -
Rating:
89
(Wine Spectator, 10/15/1994)
"One of the Medoc's more successful wines...nose of minerals
and jammy cranberry fruit intermixed with black currants. In
the mouth, this wine has lost its baby fat, revealing medium
body, and an elegant, measured personality...a stylish,
graceful Ducru-Beaucaillou..."
(88 points) Robert Parker, Bordeaux
Book, 3rd Edition (1998)
(Robert Parker, 01/01/1998)
Nov 12, 2006,
May 12, 2007,
April 16, 2010 |
|
|
 |
Duckhord
Vineyards |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Howell Mountin |
|
Merlot |
|
1990 |
|
|
|

 |
Duhart Milon Rothschild |
|
Grand Cru
Classe |
|
Pauillac |
|
Bordeaux |
|
2004 - Magnum |
|
2003
-
92-94 points Wine Spectator:
"Lots of blackberry, mineral and cedar aromas follow through
to a full-bodied palate, with firm tannins and a licorice,
berry and light spice finish. Very tight, yet round. One of
the best I have tasted from this estate." (04/04)
92 points Robert Parker: "Consumers should take note as this
estate is clearly benefiting from increased attention from
the Rothschilds. The 2003 may be the finest Duhart-Milon
made ... ever! A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27%
Merlot, it boasts a deep ruby/purple hue in addition to a
big, sweet perfume of black fruits interwoven with roasted
herbs and meat juice offered in a muscular, full-bodied
style. Full-bodied, dense, and well-structured, this
stunning cuvee is best consumed between 2010-2030." (04/06) |
|
1982 |
|
1981 -
Jan 15, 2006 |
|
|
 |
Duluc de
Branaire Ducru |
|
St
Julien |
|
Bordeaux |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|


 |
|
|
|
 |
Dunham Cellars
Columbia Valley
Trutina Red
Wine
2009 |
|


|
Dunn Vineyards
Dunn Vineyards
Wine Label Library |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Cabernet Sauvignon |
|
2005 |
Stephen Tanzer 91
Wild, inviting aromas
of blackcurrant, blueberry, pepper, spices and game. Sweet
but not particularly fleshy, offering a juicy character to
the flavors of crushed berries, pepper and spices. Nicely
suave cabernet with a firm edge...” |
|
2003 |
90-92 points Robert Parker:
"The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, which all comes from
Howell Mountain, possesses deep, dark, primordial,
blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with notes of flowers
and minerals. It is impressively built, rich, and intense
with the gorgeous fruit purity evident in all the Dunn
Cabernets. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020+. (Feb 2005)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International
Wine Cellar):
"Good bright ruby. Rather inky aromas of cassis, iron
filings, graphite, licorice root and minerals.Ripe flavors
of dark berries, sassafras and minerals; not particularly
sweet but more accessible today than the Howell Mountain
bottling. Finishes with serious, slightly dry tannins and
very good length. (Jan/Feb 2007)" |
|
2002 |
2002 Dunn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 90 points Stephen
Tanzer: "Full ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, graphite, mint and
chocolate, plus a whiff of band-aid. Then surprisingly
pliant and creamy for a Dunn cabernet, with accessible
flavors of currant, licorice and milk chocolate. Finishes
with rather suave tannins and some juicy acidity. Suppler
than it appeared to be last spring when I tasted it from
barrel, and considerably softer than the Howell Mountain
bottling." (Jan/Feb 06) 89-91 points Robert Parker: "Sweet
black currant, floral, blueberry, and cassis characteristics
emerge from the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa. With medium
body, and not the power and depth apparent in other Napa
bottlings, it is a more elegant, restrained effort that will
be ready to drink in 3-5 years. It should last for 15+
years." (02/05) |
|
2001 |
2001 Dunn
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley: "Deep ruby-red. Vibrant
aromas of cassis, black cherry, licorice and violet. Juicy,
supple and sweet, with an intense cassis and tart red berry
fruitiness complicated by cocoa powder, licorice, fresh
herbs and tree bark. Bright acids give this highly
concentrated, very pure cabernet a lovely light touch.
Finishes with firm but suave tannins and excellent length."
93 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,
Jan/Feb 2005
2001 Dunn
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley: "Deep, extracted and loaded
with fruit, this substantial and very well-constructed
Cabernet mixes the sweet, creamy notes of rich oak with the
slightly jammy yet lively scents of black currants in its
young and fairly generous aromas. In the mouth it boasts the
same exciting mix of fruit and oak as well as hints of cola,
pencil lead and black walnuts. Superbly balanced and nowhere
near a "ready" wine despite its obvious fruit, this one will
easily reward a half decade and more of aging. 91 points,
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine Volume 29 Issue 6:
April 2005 |
|
2000 |
|
|
1999 |
|
|
1998 |
Connoisseurs
Guide to California Wines - Dec 02 - Rating 90 -
Adhering
to the tougher lines, firm structure and tannic frame that
collectively typify Dunn's Howell Mountain Cabernets, this
very young, deeply cast offering still manages to reveal
plenty of tightly wound varietal fruit. A bit more obvious,
however, are the rich loam and earth and mineral qualities
that lend the wine considerable complexity. Its tannins may
be a little confining just now, but there is little about
the wine that is out of proportion, and, if not among the
flashiest of Cabernets, it may well be one of the longest
lived. |
|
|
|
|
1997 - RP 92 |
|
1995 - |
|
1991 - |
|
1990 - RP 93 - "The 1990 Cabernet Sauvignon-Napa is an opaque,
awesomely concentrated, tannic wine with little aromatic
development. Anticipated Maturity: 1996-2008." (93
points) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate #89, October 1993
(Robert Parker, 10/01/1993) |
|
1989 |
|
1988 - RP 91
WS 94 - "Intense and
concentrated, packed with ripe cassis, cherry and currant
flavors that are rich and elegant. The acidity and tannins
are crisp and juicy, offering great potential for the
cellar. A real mouthful of Cabernet." Wine Spectator
(Wine
Spectator, 09/15/1988) |
|
1987 - WS
93 - "Attractive for its deep, rich fruit and spicy aromas,
this is very young, intense and complex, with tiers of
currant, plum and black cherry flavors and toasty oak notes.
Stylish, very complete and firmly tannic on the finish, but
it should reward cellaring until 1997 to 2001. 2,300 cases
made." Wine Spectator
(Wine Spectator, 11/15/1990)
Rating:
93
RP 91 - "The 1987 Napa Cabernet reveals an opaque dark
purple color, and a strong yet unevolved bouquet of cassis,
minerals, and toasty oak. Rich, but very tannic and full,
this wine should be at its best between 1998-2010."
(91 points) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate #89,
October 1993
(Robert Parker, 10/01/1993)
ST 90 - "...aromas of redcurrant, meat,
leather and mint. Dense, concentrated and chewy, with its
muscular aspect leavened by deep sweetness. Offers lovely
vinosity. Finishes with substantial but ripe tannins and
very good length."
(90
points) Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,
September/October 2002
(Steven Tanzer, 09/01/2002)
|
|
1986 - RP 92 - "...more openness, and gobs of sweet,
mineral-laden, black-raspberry, and cassis fruit. The fruit
dominates the wine's structure, a positive sign given all
the wine's tannin and body. Rich, pure, and youthful...a
profound, well-balanced Cabernet with well-integrated
acidity and tannin." (92 points) Robert Parker's Wine
Advocate #106, August 1996
(Robert Parker, 08/01/1996) |
|
1985 - WS 94 - "Intense and concentrated, packed with ripe
cassis, cherry and currant flavors that are rich and
elegant. The acidity and tannins are crisp and juicy,
offering great potential for the cellar. A real mouthful of
Cabernet." Wine Spectator 94 pts
RP 88 - "...extremely dark, saturated purple
color(s), full body, and frightfully high tannin
level(s)...unquestionably impressive wine(s)...built for the
long term..." (88 points) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
#98, April 1995 (Robert Parker,
04/01/1995) |
|
1982 |
|
1981 |
|
|

Vertical Selection of Dunn Cabernet
Sauvignons
|
|



 |
Dunn Vineyards |
|
Napa Valley |
|
Howell Mountain |
|
Cabernet Sauvignon |
|
2006 |
|
|
2003 |
92-94 WA - "The powerful, strong
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain may turn out to
be richer and fuller than either the 2001 or 2002, an
atypical scenario. Its dense blue/purple color is
followed by a big, rich nose of cassis, blueberries,
minerals, and flowers. Rich, full-bodied, and powerfully
tannic, it is classic Dunn stuff. Anticipated maturity:
2012-2030." - by Robert
Parker, Issue #157, February 2005
--The Wine Advocate
93 ST - "Bright ruby. Very tight
and high-pitched on the nose, hinting at cassis,
minerals and graphite. Then lush, sweet and impressively
concentrated, with densely packed flavors of kirsch,
currant and minerals and noteworthy inner-palate energy.
Finer-grained than the Napa bottling, with better
integration of acids and tannins. Finishes sappy and
very long, with a chewy, palate-staining texture. This
has delivered on the promise it showed from barrel." 93
points - By Stephen
Tanzer, Stephen
Tanzer's International Wine
Cellar, Jan/Feb 07, -
International Wine Cellar
|
|
2000 |
RP 88 -
"Telltale aromas of violets,
blackberries, blueberries, and crushed stones are apparent
in this medium to full-bodied, slightly lean 2000 Cabernet
Sauvignon Howell Mountain. Tasty and expressive, it needs
3-4 years of cellaring, and should drink well for a
decade..." (88 points) Robert
Parker's Wine Advocate #150, December 2003 (Robert Parker,
12/01/2003) |
|
1998 |
RP 88-90 -
Robert
Parker: Dunn's normal policy is to select the Napa Cabernet
Sauvignon from his barrels right before bottling. Hence what
I tasted was a trial blend of this wine. This year produced
extremely small crops characterized by extremely cool
growing seasons as well as unusually late harvests. Randy
Dunn dropped 40% of his crop in 1998 in order to attain
ripeness. Consequently, this wine does not possess the
herbaceousness or weediness found in many 1998 Howell
Mountain Cabernets. The wine reveals plenty of sweet black
currant fruit infused with minerals. While light, it is a
successful effort. It may last only 20-25 years, rather than
fifty! The 1998 displays excellent intensity along with pure
black currant/cassis notes intermixed with earth, spice, and
smoke. |
|
1997 |
RP 95 -
Robert
Parker: Offers remarkable purity of blackberry/cassis jam
intermixed with minerals, earth, and oak. Preposterously
rich and backward, this massive, gargantuan Cabernet
Sauvignon will require 10-15 year of Cellaring (even though
1997 was a sweet, ripe year). It is a candidate for 50+ year
of aging, and I would not be surprised if it still possesses
its fruit and intensity at age 100. Extremely full-bodied
and super-extracted, its is built to age like a glacier.
WS 90-94
Wine
Spectator: Earthy, racy, but quite complex and concentrated,
with wild berry and floral aromas. An intense, deply
concentrated wine that packs in lots of flavor. |
|
1995 |
Magnum - RP 96
-
Robert
Parker: It possesses mineral-tinged blackberry and cassis
fruit, massive body, and extraordinary purity and length. It
should not be touched for 12-15 years. Again, it will
undoubtedly live through the first half of the next century.
Wine Spectator: 93/100 -
Austerely
styled, with firm tannins, this tightly wound California Cab
unfolds slowly, revealing as it does its layer of dense
flavors-currant, anise, mineral, sage and spice-before
tightening up again on the finish. Will reward cellaring.
Best from 2001 through 2007. |
|
1991 |
RP 93:
The 1991 Howell Mountain Cabernet is noticeably thicker and
more highly extracted than the 1992 and 1993 vintages. It is
a huge, rich, powerful wine with great depth, as well as a
boat-load of tannin. Drink 1999 and after.
WS 91:
Dark,
dense, tannic and earthy, but it works its way into a rich
and concentrated core of currant, mineral, cedar and anise
flavors. An outstanding California Cabernet that finishes
with thick, dry tannins, so it's best to age this into 2001. |
|
1990 |
RP 96 -
Robert
Parker: The massive 1990 Howell Mountain exhibits huge
tannin, but immense concentration. The richest Dunn Cabernet
since the 1984s? Anticipated maturity: 1999-2020. At this
early stage, it does not appear to be as super-concentrated
as Dunn's wines from the early and mid-eighties. It is
slightly more tannic. It does possess a tell-tale mineral,
cassis, flowery nose, and a rich, full-bodied, dense, highly
extracted, tannic personality.
WS 91 -
"Still dark, immense and ruggedly tannic, rich with earthy
currant, black cherry, mineral, clay, anise and sage flavors
that are deep and persistent. Drink now through 2015." |
|
1988 |
WS 89 - "Among
the best in depth, richness, concentration, complexity and
length. Classic Dunn Howell Mountain in its core of rich,
earthy currant, mineral and raspberry. Finishes with chewy
tannins, but also the fruit to match.--1988 California
Cabernet retrospective. Drink now through 2008." Wine
Spectator (Wine Spectator,
11/15/1998)
Rating: 89 |
|
1987 |
|
|
1986 |
WS 96 -
Wine
Spectator: Bold, deep, rich and concentrated; tight and
sharply focused, with layers of ripe plum, black cherry,
earth and spice flavors. High-extract style; thick and
powerful.--Dunn vertical. Best from 1995 through 2004.
RP 95
-
Robert
Parker - Two of the most impressive wines in these tastings,
both of Dunn's 1986s tasted like 3-4-year old Cabernets
rather than 10-year old adolescents. The opaque
purple-colored 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
offers awesome richness, mindboggling intensity, huge
tannin, a massive mouthfeel, and a closed yet formidably
long, well-endowed finish. This wine could be put in a
tasting of 1994 California Cabernets and not stand out as a
10-year old wine. Give it another 5-7 years of cellaring and
drink it over the subsequent 25-30 years ... amazing! |
|
1985 |
91 points Wine
Spectator: "Tight, firm and well structured, with compact,
deeply concentrated currant, anise and floral flavors. The
taut structure remains intact through the slightly dry,
somewhat rustic finish, where it gains a wonderful
complexity." (09/96) 90 points Robert Parker: "Since my
barrel tastings, I have never had as much enthusiasm for the
1985 regular bottling and the Howell Mountain. However, both
are at least a decade away from maturity, with the Howell
Mountain needing an additional 15 years, especially if it
has been stored in a cool cellar. Both wines exhibit
extremely dark, saturated purple colors, full body, and
frightfully high tannin levels. They remain as closed and
tightly knit as any Cabernet Sauvignon I have tasted. The
Napa bottling was more attractive and easier to understand.
The Howell Mountain offers a huge mouthful of highly
extracted, sweet, chewy fruit buttressed by a formidable
tannin level. These are unquestionably impressive wines that
have been built for the long term. In retrospect, it seems
to me that Dunn's Cabernets hit the highest peaks in the
hottest vintages, such as 1982, 1984 and 1992." (04/95) |
|
1984 |
Robert Parker, - 94 -Last
Tasted 10/93 Extremely backward, closed, hard, tannic, and
unyielding, this behemoth of a wine exhibits a saturated
purple color, a nondescript bouquet, enormously rich,
concentrated flavors, and a boat load of tannin. Unless you
are a masochist, do not touch a bottle before the turn of
the century. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Issue 94
James Laube WS 87 - Immense
and dark ruby-black in color, the nose offers mature currant,
coffee, sage and dusty berry and anise flavors that have
some youthful nuances. Complex and concentrated, it's
well-focused and appealing, though it veers into tannic
territory on the finish. |
|
1982 |
RP 95 - "...lavish
quantities of sweet cassis fruit...a nice touch of oak, and
vividly pure cassis and black-raspberry fruit...splendidly
opulent, fleshy, chewy wine...stunning richness and
length..." (95 points) Robert
Parker's Wine Advocate #84, December 1992 (Robert Parker,
08/01/1992) |
|
1981 |
RP 90 pts. WS 93 pts -
"Intense, with mature anise, mineral, dried plum and cedar
notes that are complex and well-focused. Turns austere and
tannic on the finish.--'81/?91 California Cabernet
retrospective. Drink now." Wine Spectator
(Wine Spectator, 01/01/2002) |
|
|
Dunn
Vineyards
Howell Mountain Cabernet
Sauvignon 2004 -
August 15,2008
Dunn
Vineyards
Howell Mountain Cabernet
Sauvignon 2003 -
August 15,2008
Dunn
Vineyards
Howell Mountain Cabernet
Sauvignon 2002 -
August 15,2008
Dunn
Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 -
Feb 18, 2005
Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1995-
July 3, 1999 √ Dunn Vineyards Howell
Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1991- May, 1993 √
Dunn Vineyards
Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon 2000 -
September 04, 2010 √
Dunn Vineyards
Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon 1989 -
Jan 27, 2003 √
Dunn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1988 -
Dec, 17, 2002 √
Dunn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1987 -
Sept 21, 2002
Dunn Howell Mountain Trailer Vineyard Cabernet
Sauvignon 2006 (from barrel) -
August 15,2008
Dunn Howell Mountain JK Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
(from barrel) -
August 15,2008 |
|
|
 |
Chateau du Domaine De L'Eglise |
|
Pomerol |
|
Bordeaux |
|
1996
1989 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dow's |
|
Vintage
Port |
|
|
1997 |
"Super.
I love the nose of this young Port, which shows raisin,
spice and a little stemminess. Full-bodied,
medium-sweet, with loads of ripe tannins and a long,
long finish. Really racy and exciting. Even better than
when tasted from barrel.
Best after 2006. " -- Wine Spectator (95
points) |
|
1990,
1985, 1982 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

 |
John
Duval |
|
Barossa
Valley |
|
Entity |
|
Shiraz |
|
2004 |
|
95 pts
Robert Parker: "The 2004 Entity (100% Shiraz) is even more
profound than the Plexus. Its opaque purple color is
accompanied by a magical, sweet creme de cassis, blackberry,
camphor, espresso roast, and subtle wood-scented perfume. A
fabulous attack, voluptuous, full-bodied mid-palate,
multi-layered texture and finish suggest this brilliant
Shiraz should drink beautifully for 12-15+ years." (10/06)
|
|
92 points
Wine Spectator: "Distinctive stuff, with a gamy edge to the
vibrant blackberry and plum flavors, broad and generous, but
not heavy. It picks up a floral note as the open-textured
finish sails on and on... Best from 2008 through 2015. 750
cases imported." (09/06) |
|
|
|
|