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2017 Cabernet Franc / Nittany Epicurean

The wine showed a dark garnet color. Black cherry, raspberry, vanilla, licorice, blackberry and oak could each be found on the nose. Black cherry, raspberry and vanilla were easily discernible on the palate followed by nuanced notes of currant, eucalyptus, licorice and oak. The wine was full-bodied and exhibited great length along with soft tannins. This wine would pair very well with a hearty lamb stew.

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2017 Petit Verdot / Nittany Epicurean

The wine showed a dark ruby color. Blackberry, raspberry preserves, cherry, plum and oak all arrived on the deep and complex nose. Black cherry, blackberry, raspberry, mocha, dark chocolate, licorice and oak followed on the palate where the black cherry was the dominant theme. The wine was full-bodied and exhibited good length along with soft tannins. This wine would pair well with grilled lamb chops.

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2017 Petite Sirah / Nittany Epicurean

The wine showed a dark garnet color. Black cherry, raspberry, cassis, vanilla, plum and oak all arrived on the nose. Black cherry, raspberry preserves, plum, vanilla, blackberry and oak followed on the palate where the black cherry notes stole the show. The wine was full-bodied and exhibited great length along with soft tannins. This elegant wine would pair very well with a hearty lamb stew.

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TalkaVino looks at the wines and biodynamics

When you drink wine for pleasure (don’t take it for granted – there are many reasons why people drink wine – to fit into the crowd, to be socially accepted, to show your status – drinking for pleasure is only one of the reasons), mystery, art, magic – call it whatever way you want, but it all comes to a play when you take a sip. Wine is a complete mystery as you have no idea what will be your conscious and subconscious reaction to the experience of that sip – what memories will come to mind?

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2019 Cabernet Sauvignon / Isaac Baker

Medium purple color. Deep but tart aromas of blueberry and black cherries, with complex, deep and spicy tones: tar, mocha, sage, sweet red pepper, black pepper and balsamic glaze. The palate is full but smooth and, like the others, this wine’s acidity is really nice. Tangy plums and juicy black currant fruit blends well with leather, paprika, black pepper, spicy tobacco, mint. A lot going on, and I’d like to see this in five or six years. Cab Sauv with 2% Petit Verdot, aged in 100% French oak.

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2019 Cabernet Franc / Isaac Baker

Deep purple color. The nose sports mulled cherries and deep currant fruit, with a spicy mix of anise, black pepper, tar, leather and espresso. Full but fresh, this shows solid grip but smooth edges to the tannins and moderate acidity. The fig paste and cranberry relish fruit is delicious, and it’s backed up with tar, anise, cocoa, sweet bell pepper, chewing tobacco and some black olive. Really fun and lively but also pretty, complex and age-worthy. All Cab Franc aged in 100% French oak.

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2019 Petite Sirah / Isaac Baker

Deep purple color. The nose shows a nice mix of tangy plums and blueberries, with spicy pepper, anise, some coffee, toffee and mocha. Nice grip on the palate but the tannins have these suave edges and the acidity is really nice, balancing out the deep plum and currant fruit. Notes of black olive, tar, mocha, black pepper and bell pepper add complexity, and I love the deep, earthy, mineral and stony vibes in here. There’s a ton of freshness in here for a Petite Sirah. This puppy will age wonderfully. All PS aged in all French oak.

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2019 Petit Verdot / Isaac Baker

Dark purple color. A deep core of roasted figs, plum sauce, along with charcoal, graphite, tilled soil, coffee grounds, violets – needs air to coax out the depths. The palate shows a solid core of roasted figs and currant paste, grippy tannins, moderate acidity, impressive balance and complexity. Cool mix of spicy and refreshing elements, and I get a lot of mesquite, tar, graphite, roasted red peppers and gravelly earth. A long-ager for sure. Don’t be scared of PV – this is delicious stuff! All Petit Verdot aged in 100% French oak.

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2017 Cabernet Sauvignon / California Wines & Wineries

The wine on the eyes was a deep purple and red brick in color with a medium viscosity. On the nose aromas waft into the olfactory senses bringing raspberries, blackberries and floral aromatics. On the palate, it opens up to a juicy fruit assortment of black cherry and hint of pipe tobacco. The finish is medium, but intriguing are the soft and rounded tannins for what is smelled as a big bold red wine.

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2017 Block Three Cabernet / 94 points / Tasting Panel

With 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cab Franc added in, this 100% French oak-aged red is distinguished in its demeanor. A wave of black cherry and mocha plum are dispatched on a plush pillow. Chewy, the liquid engages with chalky, teeth-coating tannins and develops an intimacy with the palate. A valentine of plum and pomegranate is delivered on the finish.

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2013 Latigo / 92 points / International Wine Review

It’s a richly flavored, Port-like, lightly sweet wine with good complexity and freshness. It delivers aromas and flavors that evoke dark cherries, chocolate shavings, dates and an appealing floral note. The tannins are suave, and the rich flavors linger forever on the finish. 130 g/L RS Aged 29 months in New Allier oak barriques.

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2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Block Three / 92 Pts / International Wine Review

More elegant than blockbuster, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is our favorite of the three vintages we tasted. The bouquet is redolent of dark cassis complemented by notes of earth and underbrush. There’s a lovely, silky texture to the mouthfilling palate and nice integration of blackberry fruit and toasted oak.  The tannins are still youthful but ripe. A wine that will only improve with a couple of years bottle age.

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2009 Cabernet Sauvignon / 92 Pts / International Wine Review

Garnet red. Ripe dark red berry and plum with vanilla and cedar show on the nose. Richer and fuller than the 2008 vintage, it’s softer on the attack with more notable ripeness than the 2010. Attractive cedary spice is married to spicy huckleberry, plum and cassis on the palate. There are fine firm tannins on the finish.

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2010 Cabernet Sauvignon / 94 points / International Wine Review

Medium dark garnet. This is by far our favorite of the 2008-2010 Library Reserve Trio. It has an enticing, multifaceted nose of cassis, sweet oak, and a hint of forest floor. The palate has a velvet texture and is densely flavored and elegant with fine-grained tannins. Still a youthful wine with a long life ahead.

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2013 Cabernet Sauvignon / 90+ / International Wine Review

Showing a multifaceted bouquet of dark red fruit and earthy tobacco, the 2013 Cab is a bit lighter than the 2016 vintage, but it offers lots of sweet dark fruit flavors accompanied by notes of pepper and tobacco. There’s well integrated oak and a persistent finish with solid tannins. A great steak wine. 

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2016 Cabernet / 92 points / International Wine Review

More elegant than blockbuster, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is  an excellent wine. The bouquet is redolent of dark cassis complemented by notes of earth and underbrush. There’s a lovely, silky texture to the mouth filling palate and nice integration of blackberry fruit and toasted oak.  The tannins are still youthful but ripe. A wine that will only improve with a couple of years bottle age.