Napanook 2013 Napa Valley Yountville

Den Napanook 2015 verkostet James Suckling im Mai 2018:

This is fantastic on the nose with blackberries and forest flowers. Very aromatic. Full body with soft. well-integrated and medium-grained tannins. Undertones of black olives. Love the hints of sandalwood. Drink or hold.
 

Den Napanook 2015 verkostet Jeb Dunnuck 31.01.2023:

Brought up in 20% new barrels, the 2015 Napanook is an awesome wine in its own right, offering classic cassis, tobacco, leafy herbs, and violets notes, with an almost Bordeaux-like earthiness. Full-bodied, incredibly pure and seamless on the palate as well as impeccably balanced, it’s more than worth your time and money.
 

Den Napanook 2015 verkostet Lisa Perrotti Brown im Oktober 2017:

Bottled in July 2017. Dominus’ more approachable. less tannic sister wine. Napanook. is a blend this year of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon. 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored. the 2015 Napanook Proprietary Red Wine is redolent of crème de cassis. potpourri. plum preserves and violets with hints of dark chocolate. menthol. licorice and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied. the palate is densely packed with black fruit preserves and earthy layers. supported by firm. ripe. fine-grained tannins and finishing with great length.

Christian Moueix began our tasting of the 2015 vintage with a big smile. “We loved the vintage from the beginning.” he commented simply. Dominus winemaker Tod Mostero explained why 2015 was special: “We had a lot of winter rain—15 inches in December 2014. But then we had a very dry spring—just two inches in March and April. This equated to less vegetative growth. because when you have very little rain in spring. the vegetative growth tends to be limited. This means you need less water in the summer. since the vines prepare themselves for a dry growing season. Because we dry farm. the roots grow deeper and access water that normally wouldn’t be available. We had a similar profile in 2013. The 2015 temperatures were higher than normal but not excessive. Yields were about the same as 2013—smaller than average. The grapes were small. We experienced an early budburst. flowering and harvest. with harvest starting on September 2nd and finished by September 30th."

Magnum

James Suckling im Oktober 2019:

This is so drinkable now. Savory and yummy. Lots of blackberries, blueberries and currants. Full-to medium-bodied, tight and silky with beautiful freshness and finesse. So long and caressing, yet tightly grained tannins give it tension. Lovely drinkability. Available April 2020. Drink or hold.

 

Lisa Perrotti Brown im Oktober 2019:

There was about 40% of a normal crop this year due to strict selection. Grapes were harvested from September 21 to October 3 and the wine was bottled in May 2019. The 2017 Napanook is made up of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot and was aged in 20% new French oak barrels. Deep purple-black in color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notions of warm black cherries, blackberry compote and crushed black currants with touches of dark chocolate, licorice, fertile loam, underbrush, camphor and cinnamon stick plus a waft of lilacs. Full-bodied with a firm level of grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the bold, spicy black fruit layers, it finishes on a lingering perfumed note. With further time, it begins to reveal the mineral signature of the estate, delivering a glimpse at the gravitas to come with 5-7 years in the cellar. 1,400 cases were made.

 

Antonio Galloni im Januar 2020:

The 2017 Napanook is forward, lush and quite giving - in other words, very much in keeping with the style of the year. Silky and radiant, with plenty of bright, red-toned fruit, the 2017 Napanook is one of the very finest Napa Valley Cabernets readers will find in this price range. Savory, earthy and licorice undertones add striking shades of nuance, with silky tannins that extend the finish effortlessly. This is such a gorgeous and inviting wine. When just opened, the 2017 mostly offers density and opulence, but a few hours of air brings out layers of subtlety and aromatic nuance.

 

Jeb Dunnuck im Januar 2020:

The 2017 Napanook checks in 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It offers classy notes of cassis, black currants, toasted spices, and hints of flowers. With lots of chocolately richness, medium to full body, and beautifully ripe tannins, it's layered and has impressive depth of fruit, followed by a great finish. It's going to evolve for 15-20 years. It's an incredible value in classic, impeccably made Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Magnum
 

Robert M. Parker Jr. June 2015:

This blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon. 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot (note that rarely is any Merlot utilized at the historic Napanook Estate in Yountville). The alcohol. by California standards. is a relatively modest 14.1%. Blending the best of French savoir faire with the brilliant fruit purity and ripeness of Napa Valley. Moueix has turned in another tour de force that seems far superior today than it did when it was first released. This is one of the vintage’s greatest wines. Dense purple and youthful. with a glorious nose of earth. blackcurrants. sweet black cherries and incense. the oak is pushed way in the background. as it is in all of the Moueix wines. and the result is a wine of terroir. of great originality and authenticity. This full-bodied classic from Dominus can be drunk now. but really won’t hit its prime for another 4-5 years and last at least another two decades or more.
 

James Suckling im Oktober 2019:

This is so drinkable now. Savory and yummy. Lots of blackberries, blueberries and currants. Full-to medium-bodied, tight and silky with beautiful freshness and finesse. So long and caressing, yet tightly grained tannins give it tension. Lovely drinkability. Available April 2020. Drink or hold.

 

Lisa Perrotti Brown im Oktober 2019:

There was about 40% of a normal crop this year due to strict selection. Grapes were harvested from September 21 to October 3 and the wine was bottled in May 2019. The 2017 Napanook is made up of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot and was aged in 20% new French oak barrels. Deep purple-black in color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notions of warm black cherries, blackberry compote and crushed black currants with touches of dark chocolate, licorice, fertile loam, underbrush, camphor and cinnamon stick plus a waft of lilacs. Full-bodied with a firm level of grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the bold, spicy black fruit layers, it finishes on a lingering perfumed note. With further time, it begins to reveal the mineral signature of the estate, delivering a glimpse at the gravitas to come with 5-7 years in the cellar. 1,400 cases were made.

 

Antonio Galloni im Januar 2020:

The 2017 Napanook is forward, lush and quite giving - in other words, very much in keeping with the style of the year. Silky and radiant, with plenty of bright, red-toned fruit, the 2017 Napanook is one of the very finest Napa Valley Cabernets readers will find in this price range. Savory, earthy and licorice undertones add striking shades of nuance, with silky tannins that extend the finish effortlessly. This is such a gorgeous and inviting wine. When just opened, the 2017 mostly offers density and opulence, but a few hours of air brings out layers of subtlety and aromatic nuance.

 

Jeb Dunnuck im Januar 2020:

The 2017 Napanook checks in 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It offers classy notes of cassis, black currants, toasted spices, and hints of flowers. With lots of chocolately richness, medium to full body, and beautifully ripe tannins, it's layered and has impressive depth of fruit, followed by a great finish. It's going to evolve for 15-20 years. It's an incredible value in classic, impeccably made Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
 

Verkostungsnotiz von Lisa Perrotti-Brown vom 31. Oktober 2019:

Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. 13,400 cases were made.

 

Verkostungsnotiz von Lisa Perrotti-Brown vom 13. Dezember 2018:

A barrel sample made up of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec to be aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, the 2016 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine has a deep garnet-purple color and is a little reticent at this still nascent stage (to be bottled in January 2019), opening out to reveal chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries and black raspberries with touches of underbrush, cedar chest and bouquet garni plus a hint of grilled meat. Medium to full-bodied, the palate springs forth with exciting energy, offering loads of red and black fruit layers and compelling herbal sparks, featuring a firm, fine-grained backbone and bags of freshness lifting the finish. 13,500 cases are expected to be made.

 

Verkostungsnotiz von James Suckling vom 03. Mai 2019:

Lovely density and intensity with dark berries, blueberries and inky undertones with hints of spice, chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. The texture and length are fantastic here. Complex. Hints of smoky wood at the end. This needs three to five years more in bottle age. Exciting wine. Try after 2022.

 

Verkostungsnotiz von Antonio Galloni vom Januar 2020:

The 2016 Insignia has turned out beautifully. Silky, layered and positively striking, the 2016 is magnificent. In this vintage. Insignia is especially silky. refined and understated, which is unusual for this wine that has often been more bombastic. Readers will have to be patient with the 2016, as it needs at least several years in bottle to be at its very best, but this is all finesse and class.
 

Lisa Perrotti Brown 14.01.2021:

Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the 2018 Cardinale was aged in French oak barrels for 22 months, 81% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it prances out of the glass with gregarious notions of warm cassis, black cherries and wild blueberries, followed by emerging earth scents with a tobacco and garrigue undercurrent. Medium to full-bodied, gracefully styled and refreshing, the vibrant black and blue-fruited palate offers a wonderfully fine-grained texture and bags of energy, finishing long with a skip in its step. 5,107 cases were made.

Antonio Galloni:

The 2018 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and sumptuous right out of the gate. Soaring aromatics and silky tannins add finesse to the dark mountain fruit. It's hard to remember a vintage with this much sheer appeal in the early going. As always, Cardinale is a blend of choice hillside blocks. In 2018, the core is built around Stags Leap, Atlas Peak and St. Helena. Winemaker Chris Carpenter has backed off some of the overtness of the past years, and that is a huge benefit in allowing the wine to be more natural, more relaxed. The 2018 spent 21 months in 80-90% new oak, and clearly has the stuffing to handle the oak. It is one of the most refined Cardinales I can remember tasting.

James Suckling:

Aromas of blackberries, plums and spice with some pine needles and fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied with very fine, round tannins and a juicy sophistication and flavorful profile. Dark and thought-provoking. So approachable. 90% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot. Drink or hold.



 

 

James Suckling bewertet den Opus 2015 am 07. Juli 2018 wie folgt:

Purity and brilliance on the nose with so much currant and flower character. Roses. currant bush and fresh leaves. too. Brightness is the word that comes to mind. Full-bodied and broad-shouldered. Juicy and so gorgeous now. Balance is so wonderful here. All about harmonious fruit and tannin balance. I like it slightly better than the excellent 2014. 81% cabernet sauvignon. 4% petit verdot. 7% cabernet franc. 6% merlot and 2% malbec. Drink or hold.

Unsere Interpretation:
Bei James Suckling ist es ebenfalls nur der 2013er Jahrgang der mit seinen perfekten 100 Punkten den 2015er Opus One übertrifft. Vorjahrgänge wie 2012 und 2014 des Opus One sind beide mit 97 Punkten ausgelobt und sortieren sich in der Reihenfolge leicht unter dem 2015er Opus One ein.
 

Antonio Galloni bewertet den Opus One 2015 im März 2018 wie folgt:

The 2015 Opus One is just as fabulous from bottle as it was from barrel. Dark. sumptuous and voluptuous in the glass. with no hard edges. the 2015 captures all the essence of the vintage while retaining a good bit of aromatic freshness. At this stage. the new oak is still a bit prominent. but that should not be an issue as the wine ages. There is more than enough depth for the 2015 to develop positively for 20-25 years. perhaps more. Just bottled a month prior to this tasting. the 2015 is naturally a bit more reticent than it has been in the past. Winemaker Michael Silacci add that the 2015 will. in his view. follow a similar trajectory to the 2008. which he later opened for the sake of comparison. In my view. the 2015 will always be more extroverted. although it does need time to be at its most expressive. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon. 7% Cabernet Franc. 6% Merlot. 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec.

Unsere Interpretation:
Bei Vinous / Antonio Galloni ist zwar noch kein Opus One als perfekter Wein bewertet worden. doch auch hier ist es neben dem Opus 2010 der Opus One 2013 (beide 97 Punkte) die das Feld anführen. Mit der Bewertung des 2015er Opus One könnte sich aber ein neuer Spitzenreiter in Stellung bringen.
 

Lisa Perrotti Brown bewertet ihn am 31. August 2018 wie folgt:

Composed of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon. 4% Petit Verdot. 7% Cabernet Franc. 6% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Opus One's 2015 Proprietary Red Wine is truly an iron fist in a velvet glove. delivering a powerhouse of flavors and structure with a seductively plush texture. It opens with a deep garnet-purple color and wonderfully spicy notes of cinnamon stick. cloves and fenugreek with a core of cherry preserves. redcurrant jelly. blackberry pie and warm plums plus hints of camphor. lavender and cigar box. Full-bodied. rich and bold in the mouth. it fills the palate with exotic spice-laced black and red fruits. framed by firm. beautifully ripe. grainy tannins and great freshness. finishing with epic persistence. Although it is already approachable. allow it another 3-5 years in bottle for its myriad of subtle accents to fully blossom and then drink it over the next 30+ years.
Call it a hat trick: Opus One knocks it out of the park with three excellent. if very different. takes on the the last string of vintages: 2015. 2016 and 2017. Already previously reviewed as a barrel sample. the 2015 was a show-stopper from barrel and is equally impressive in bottle. The last of the "drought" years and a rather warm one at that. the resolute nature of these impeccably tended Oakville vines is apparent in the complex layers. beautiful freshness and rock-solid frame of this wine. 2016 is the vintage winemakers can't remember because it was so uneventful. "We had plenty of rain in the early part of the year." commented Opus One winemaker Michael Silacci. "followed by an early budbreak. We were able to pick fairly regularly with an even flow in the cellar." The more 2016s I taste. the harder it is to fault this decadent. rich. blue and black-fruited vintage. 2017 was. of course. another vintage story altogether and one that I will cover comprehensively in my full Napa report at the end of October. It was a year that started with a deluge. got blasted with heat during Labor Day weekend and then suffered the most devastating wildfires this area has seen just at the tail end of harvest. After all is said and done. I only judge what's in the glass. and what I've tasted so far (admittedly from some of the very best wineries in the Valley) is not too shabby at all. Readers can generally expect elegant. refreshing. medium-bodied wines—like this 2017 Opus One—with pretty perfumes. red fruit signatures and subtle dried herbs in the background. Tannins generally aren't as plush and ripe as in previous vintages. but it's nothing that judicious extractions can't manage. Smoke taint? I certainly didn't pick up any in this Opus One sample. although Opus One had nearly finished harvest (90%) by the first night of the fires.


 

Den 2014er Othello Napa Valley von Dominus beschreibt James Suckling wie folgt:

A rich and fruity red with currant and black tea aromas. Full body. firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows tension and structure. Second wine of Dominus. Drink or hold.

 

Der Othello 2014 Napa Valley ist der Einstieg in die Welt der Dominus - Weine. Er ist so etwas wie der "Le Volte" bei Ornellaia. Ein Drittwein der schon einiges von seinen grösseren Brüdern verrät und so manches gemeinsam hat. Der Othello ist noch relativ jung auf dem Internationalen Markt, der Othello wird seit dem Jahrgang 2006 produziert, ursprünglich auf dem Asiatischen Markt vermarktet. wird er nun auch bei uns viel Freude bereiten. Der 2012er Othello ist der erste Jahrgang der auch auf dem Euroäischen Markt verfügbar ist. Mit dem Kracherjahrgang 2013 erhielt er einen super Nachfolger. der allerdings etwas Zeit brauchen wird um seine Kanten zu glätten. Er geizt nicht mit seinen Reizen.

Wie im Bordeaux auch verwendet Christian Moueix die klassischen Bordeauxrebsorten in dieser Blend. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon mit etwa 8% Petit Verdot. Der Jahrgang 2014 gilt im Napa Valley als recht kühles Jahr. Die macht die Weine eher elegant und früher zugänglich. Die Trauben werden per Hand gelesen, bei behutsamen überpumpen findet die schonende Extraktion statt. Der Ausbau erfolgt dann über 14 Monate iin Französischen Fässern.

Christian Moueix beschreibt den Jahrgang wie folgt:
"2014 is a very good vintage for the valley. A summer without severe heat waves allowed us to produce wines with good balance."

"2014 ist ein sehr guter Jahrgang für das Tal. Ein Sommer ohne starke Hitzewellen erlaubte uns Weine mit guter Balance herzustellen."

Climatic conditions
2014 was characterized by a very dry early winter with heavy rains in February and continued rainfall in March and April (February 11.7 inches | March: 4 inches | April: 2 inches).

Average temperatures were higher than historical averages with minor heat spikes in June (38°C) and in July (39°C). No heat spikes were recorded in August or September.

Tasting notes
Othello 2014 is a refreshing and straightforward wine expressing its bountiful fruit with bright aromas of wild strawberries and soft tannins. Pleasant to drink in its youth. Othello
will nonetheless improve with a few years of cellaring.
 

Benannt nach dem malerischen Tal von San Lorenzo - geprägt von Finesse, Eleganz, Intensität, Länge und Frische
 

Monica Larner im Februar 2023 zum Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2019:

The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo draws its fruit from various sites selected throughout the estate, and for that reason, it is often the most representative wine from Castello di Ama (despite its more approachable price). This vintage is especially interesting, showing a more formal quality of tannins for longer aging potential and softly extracted dark fruit that sets it apart. Vintner Marco Pallanti likens 2019 to 2004 or 2016, some of the best vintages in recent memory. The wine is partially aged in new oak, and the percentage of new barrels used depends on the vintage conditions. This edition sees 20% new oak, medium toast and fine grains. The team is working with lower temperatures during fermentation with more numerous pump-overs for the first couple of weeks, then the wine is left alone. Fresh cherry fruit, blackberry, spice and grilled herb emerge. This is a production of 80,000 bottles.

 

Ebenfalls mit 95 Punkten von James Suckling bewertet (Dezember 2022):

Perfumed and beautiful with flowers, cherries and raspberries. Forest fruits, too. Full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that run the length of the wine and are wonderfully integrated, spreading across the palate. Lasts for minutes. Better after 2025, but already fantastic.


 

Und schließlich Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler für den Falstaff Wine Guide Italien 2023:

Leuchtendes, schimmerndes Rubinrot. In der Nase zunächst etwas verhalten, dann nach gerösteter Haselnuss, Waldbeeren, Unterholz, sowie feines Harz und Wachs. Am Gaumen geschliffen, mit feinmaschigem Tannin, dazu schöne süße Frucht, kommt ständig wieder, hallt lange und saftig nach.

Der Paleo 2017 Rosso aus der Region Bolgheri ist eine weitere Schöpfung im Le Macchiole Sortiment. Der Paleo Rosso 2017 von Le Macchiole ist ein aus 100% Cabernet Franc vinifizierter Rotwein, der stets ein paar Jahre brauch um zu voller Grosse aufzusteigen. Als erstes Weingut in der Bolgheri wagte es damals Le Macchiole einen reinen Cabernet Franc zu kreieren, den Paleo Rosso. Es passt sehr gut in die Philosophie des Weinguts Le Macchiole rebsortenreine Weine zu erzeugen. Neben dem Scrio einem reinen Syrah und dem Messorio einem reinen Merlot ist der Paleo Rosso der dritte im Bunde eben aus 100% Cabernet Franc. Sicherlich ist der Messorio der teuerste Wein im Portfolio, der wahre Star und auch der wohl wichtigste Wein bei Le Macchiole ist der Paleo Rosso. In einigen Jahren übertrumpft der Paleo dann auch den Messorio der oft mehr als das doppelte des Paleo kostet.

 

er schreibt über den Paleo Rosso 2017 von Le Macchiole im August 2020:

Aromas of currants and fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and basil, follow through to a full body with layers of ripe tannins and a chewy finish. This is just a baby now and needs three or four years to come around. Try after 2024.

 

Monica Larner über den Paleo Rosso 2017 von Le Macchiole im Oktober 2020:

The Three Graces of Le Macchiole are Messorio, Scrio and Paleo (Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, respectively). Of these three top-tier releases, my favorite is the 2017 Paleo. This is an upright and direct expression of the grape that carefully sheds some dusty or mineral aromas before opening the way for determined black fruit, charred meat, spice and cured tobacco or cigar. There is quite a bit of oak, but it works beautifully against the natural intensity and rich concentration of the hot vintage. More unexpected are those pretty tones of lilac, blue flower and aniseed that add to the detailed rendering and complexity of the bouquet. This wine won my heart.

 

Antonio Galloni zum Paleo 2017 im Januar 2021:

The 2017 Paleo Rosso is superb. It is also the wine in this range that seems to have handled the rigors of 2017 best. Then again, that is the magic of Cabernet Franc on the Tuscan Coast. The aromatics alone are so alluring. Sweet pipe tobacco, mocha, dried flowers, mint, sage and cedar give Paleo its aromatic lift. Some varietal character has been baked out because of the heat of the year. In exchange, readers will find a Paleo Rosso that will drink well with just a year or two in bottle. The 2017 was fermented in cement and aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, 90% new with light toast.
 

Monica Larner beschreibt den Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli 2018 wie folgt:

The word "Vigna" has been added to the official name of this wine to underline work in the appellation meant to focus on single-vineyard designates. The Altesino 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli comes from a unique growing site with some of the best exposures from hillside vineyards. This wine shows a slightly dark hue with added concentration and depth. I am delighted by the bouquet that reveals dark cherry, blue flower, crushed stone and grilled herb. There is sweet toast and spice at the back. This is one of the more complete and age-worthy wines from the 2018 vintage. However, my biggest hesitation is the very high 15% alcohol content of this 13,000-bottle release.

 

James Suckling bewertet den Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli 2016 wie folgt:

Lovely sweet cherries and heather with some leather and balsamic undertones. It’s full-bodied with a velvety and lightly dusty palate. Juicy fruit and pretty orange peel to the berry character.
Hints of cedar and and meat at the end. Subtle and complex. Drink after 2025.


Ältere Jahrgänge wurden wie folgt bewertet:

 

Eric Guido bewertet den Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli 2016 wie folgt:

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli pulls you close to the glass with a captivating display of candied citrus rinds, incense and dried roses giving way to rich cherry sauce and a hint of brown spice. It’s deeply textural yet youthfully dense, as it first cools the palate with lavender and ripe dark red fruits; yet beneath is a layer of grippy tannins that close the wine down. Notes of licorice, black tea and purple florals linger on the youthfully chewy finale. The 2016 is just a baby today, and it will need a number of years to come fully into focus - but it will be worth the wait

 

Jeb Dunnuck bewertet den Altesino Brunello Montosoli 2016 wie folgt:

Montosoli lies above the morning fog line, allowing for greater exposure to the morning sun, and was the first single vineyard designated wine in Montalcino’s history with its first vintage in 1975. The 2016 takes all the components of the estate Brunello and is amplified with concentrated raspberry coulis, sage, and rose petal. Once again, there is tremendous consistency from the nose to the palate, though here the structure is compact and will need additional time for those who shy away from grippy, building tannins. Drink over the next 20 years or more. Drink 2024-2042.