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International Wine Cellar
Author: Stephen Tanzer
Issue: Issue 144
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($119; 60% from Howell Mountain fruit) Full ruby-red. Cassis and bitter chocolate on the nose, plus a dusty note that quickly blew off. Sweet, creamy and lush, with the classic black fruit, mineral and chocolate notes for which this wine is prized. At once structured and gentle thanks to its mid-palate stuffing. Finishes with big, broad, horizontal tannins that reach the front teeth. Almost deceptively sweet today, but I'd lay it down for at least a few years, as this bottling has a long track record for rewarding cellaring.
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Wine Advocate
Author: Robert Parker
Issue: 195
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Production: 9,066 cases; Alcohol: 14.6%; Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Harvest Dates: September 29 to November 7. The 2006 was made from 32% Bancroft Ranch, 24% Steinhauer Ranch, 19% St. Helena Home Vineyard, with smaller amounts from Rancho del Oso, Chabot Vineyard, Marston Ranch and Lampyridae. A big heat wave in July was the salient weather factor in this vintage. The harvest began early and continued for five weeks. Abundant smoke, chocolate, espresso roast, cassis and mocha characteristics are found in this full-bodied, powerful, layered Cabernet. Although not quite as seamless as the nearly perfect 2005 Private Reserve, it is a big, dense beauty from a somewhat forgotten Napa Valley vintage. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades or more.
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Wine Spectator
Author: James Laube
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Ripe, elegant and smooth-textured, with supple cherry, plum and wild raspberry fruit that's full-bodied, picking up weight before ending with taut, dry tannins. Comes up shy on richness, but give this time.
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