Drink the Bottles
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Penelope Havana Straight Bourbon Finished Whiskey
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
2022 Pine Ridge Vineyards The Traveler's Series Cabernet Sauvignon
Monday, March 10, 2025
2020 O'Brien Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
When Barb and Bart at a charity event a few decades ago, their love of wine was a bond that they shared that ultimlately led them to opening their owe winery in Napa. A quarter of a century ago the duo purchased 33 acres of prime Napa real estate and eventually they began producing Bordeaux and Burdundian styles of wines that promote their sustainably farmed vineyard. These "estate only" exclusive wines promote not only traditional styles, but also the passion that Barb and Bret share for each other after all of these years.
Today we are tasting the 2020 O'Brien Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. As one would expect, it is memorable from cork pop to the finish with it's beautiful bottle and striking darker mulberry color in the glass. Ripe berries, granite, wet stone, cigar paper and spice swim in the nose, creating a mouth-watering introduction that delivers. Dark fruit, plum, spice cabinet, pencil shavings, cedar smoke and a hint of milk chocolate dance on the tongue, creating a persistent finish against sophisticated tannins. This wine has only begun to show it's potential and we regret not decanting this prior to tasting. It is a wine that you need to add to your cellar, not only to lay down for fifteen or more years, but to prove to yourself what a fine Napa Valley Cabernet should taste like. It's beautiful!
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
2021 Ackerman Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Estate
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
2021 Pope Valley Winery Reserve Merlot
Thursday, December 19, 2024
2021 Starmont Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Seacrets Distiling Company Bourbon Whiskey
Monday, December 16, 2024
2019 Prager Winery Aria White Port
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vigne
Monday, December 9, 2024
2018 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
In 1996, Switzerland navtive Jack Schlatter, who became a partner just 5 years prior, became the sole owner of Merryvale, along with his family and son René. Eventually René would marry Laurence, whose family had been making wine in Switzerland for six generations. This story would travel half way around the world and end up in St. Helena where the Schlatter family continues to produce distinctive wines at the historic property.
This expression is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Cabernet Franc (17%), Petit Verdot (2%) and Malbec (2%) and the combination is married in wonderful unison. Medium ruby red color with subtle blueberry pie, tobacco leaf, dried herbs and earthy undertones. The mouthfeel is very much in balance with the medium acidic brightness against the ripe plum, oak, blueberry and savory finish. The micro tannins are very welcoming and this wine is a stand out of the vintage. Drink now or cellar this for 5-10 years; either way it is classic Napa and it is very lovely!
ABV: 14.5%
Napa Valley AVA
Winery: Merryvale
Suggested retail price: $74.00
Drink The Bottles score: 93/100
Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon
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