1998 Bryant Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor Grown

Wine: 1998 Bryant Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor Grown
Estate: Bryant Family Vineyards
Vineyard: Bryant Family Vineyard
Region: Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley, California

Location: Sunday Funday at home on 3/13/2016

Tasting Note:

First time trying the Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon. Was very excited to crack this and try it out. Wine was garnet red, no bricking on the edges yet. Definitely had an aged nose to it. Olive and truffles on the nose to start. Has some secondary earthy notes underneath. Touched by some dark spices and light dark cherries in the finish. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) and moderate body. Palate was herbaceous but no vegetal notes, and some light dark cherries. Very well integrated and balanced, literally melts in your mouth. Finish is still long and lingers for 10 or so seconds. Overall still holding on with a great body and complexity for an 18 year old bottle. If you are looking for a classic Napa Cab this is not fruity enough for you, but if you love complex wines definitely try one of these if you can find one! Drink till 2017.

Rating: 93
Price: $$$$ - Purchased for around $170.00 from Wine Liquidators.

2013 De Toren Merlot Z Decade

Wine: 2013 De Toren Merlot Z Decade
Estate: De Toren Private Cellar

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Charles Williams
Elevage: Unknown.
Varietal: 100% Merlot

Decant: Forty-Five minutes.

Location: Devon Valley Hotel in Stellenbosch on 12/18/2015.

Tasting Note:

Very deep ruby red with a purplish core. Lots of red berries, like raspberries and a little heat on the nose. Again with the heat on this wine, this time in the palate. This needs to age for at least 2 years before trying but more like 5 years. Only noticeable taste is of red cherries. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) maybe up to 6 with a full body. The tannins could be a lot higher but are being masked by the heat. Finish has some lighter red fruits but is harsh and coarse. This could have the potential to be a great wine but it needs time to integrate. Possible 88+. This was bottle number 261 of 1760.

Dates: 2017 - 2025
Rating: 88+

Price: $$ - R400.00 or $26.52 as of 12/18/2015.

2007 Cayuse Camapelo

Wine: 2007 Cayuse Camaspelo

Estate: Cayuse Vineyards

Vineyards: En Cerise Vineyard and Cailloux Vineyard

Location: Walla Walla Valley, Washington State

Winemaker: Christophe Baron and Elizabeth Bourcier
Elevage: 17 months in mostly new French oak.
Varietal: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc.

Decant: Three hours.

Location: S&E Wine Club - 95+ Point Wines on 9/18/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Garnet Red
Nose/Smell: An incredible, not sure what to call it but funk. Not disgusting or a turn off but really interesting. Made us feel warm, like perfect on a cold winter day. Earthy and full of dark cherries. By the way.....we love the funk.
Palate/Taste: Started off with a good amount of dark cherries but thinned out as it breathed. Strong and enjoyable tannins, did not thin out at all. Balanced and full bodied. Finish was smooth and wine did not let up.
Opinion: This was tasted blind. You would not have known it was a bordeaux blend. Absolutely delicious and would love to get some more of this wine! A definitely must try if you love funk, Washington wine, or any wine in general! Easy to see why Cayuse is a cult wine up in Washington.
Rating: 95

Price: $$$ - Around $126.00