Immediately upon opening, it was sour/tart cherry, tannin heavy, and a bit one dimensional. The Syrah spice was heavy-handed.
30-45 min later, it was smoother, almost āsoftā on the mouth. The vanilla sweetness came through, the spice moved to the swallow, oak on the finish too! Blackberry now, cherry mellowed out to more of black cherry, a tiny hit of black pepper, and the tiniest perception of what I can best describe as āfire-placeā (in a nice lingering way).
90 min later, all I can say is that it really all came together, super drinkable, as opposed to distinct unique flavors (tar in front, sweet later on, then spice, etc) in succession ā it was now one flowing synchronized, beautiful flavor washing over my palate.
Pretty standard napa cab on the nose throughout for me.
I had two glasses last night and I will have the other two today and I will update as necessary.
I would be proud to bring this to any dinner, any gathering, a gift for any boss, client, friend, etc.
@Jackinga
I had to do a ādefine: quaffingā
Was not disappointedā¦
drink (something, especially an alcoholic drink) heartily.
āhe quaffed pint after pint of good Berkshire aleā
@connorbush I like the last picture. The bottle has three arms, some hair, and an ear.
Thanks for the good review and fun photos, and shirt decor as well. This does sound like a very nice pleasant Napa red, given time open a bit. But once I get up to these prices, Iāll probably be shooting for one of the premium Washington reds, or a fine Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.
@connorbush@kaolis If there is ever a re-issue of DāontSpille Le Black, @connorbush merits a reserved LabRat spot. And a free white shirt for testingā¦
Based on the vintage, the winery, and having tasted a bottle with a friend who bought a case, this is worth buying a case at this price and laying it down. Itās not my normal preferred blend with Cabernet, but it was definitely interesting and has the structure to age nicely. Itās on the hot side, but it seems to be well integrated.
Sooooo, I was going to pass, had nothing to do with the wine or the price; more or less the space. Let me see, 3 wine fridges full, emergency wine closet take over full, spare bedroom fullā¦but not the closet!!
wilted-respectable-art (All RPMās fault, well maybe a little deflection here??)
@karenhynes@rjquillin I bought a three pack last time and it was quickly finished. Iāve reupped for the case this time. Itās good enough I jumped on it, unfortunately I didnāt take any notes besides buy it again. Iād split it with you guys but Iām in the SF Bay Area.
@karenhynes@pseudogourmet98@rjquillin The December offer supposedly came with a gift, but I donāt remember it (maybe it accidentally got thrown out? ). That might account for the price differenceā¦
@davidj94112@sdfreedive Iām in San Francisco but heading south in a couple weeksā¦ Iād be interested in 2/3 if possible. (Wife is from SD, btw- Poway).
@kylar@sdfreedive I am fine with either 3 or 4 so whatever works best. Happy to PayPal or Venmo now or when I pick up (can also bring ca$h then). I can run down Hillsborough way or we can figure out best arrangement when the wine arrives.
2015 Beaulieu Vineyard Maestro Reserve Napa Valley Cab/Syrah Blend
Tasting Notes
The 2015 Maestro Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah is a deeply colored wine with vibrant aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, fresh espresso and pepper spice notes. The palate is rich and lush with flavors of juicy, macerated berries, mocha and subtle dried lavender. The tannins are incredibly silky and smooth and the core of bright acidity gives the wine good balance, adding to its overall drinkability now or cellaring for several years. This is an intriguing and unique wine and a blend you donāt often see in the Napa Valley but will be a pleasing discovery for many.
With a generous splash of Syrah, this is a New World interpretation of a Cabernet Sauvignon blend. The Syrah adds unexpected spiciness and juicy, ripe fruit expression. The rich blackberry and black cherry aromas and flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon predominate, while Syrah contributes lush blueberry syrup notes and hints of peppery spice. A sweet smoky note from aging in French oak barrels adds complexity. Charming in its youth, this wine will continue to develop complexity with proper bottle aging.
Vintage & Winemaking Notes
Napa Valley received 75% of its normal rainfall in the winter prior to the 2015 harvest but the cumulative effect of four years of drought resulted in a light crop. Fortunately, the vintage made up for the small quantity by yielding outstanding grape quality. The small clusters and dry, warm conditions promoted an early, condensed harvest. The wines of 2015 are highly concentrated with complex flavors and the ability to age.
After hand harvesting, the grapes were immediately brought into the winery. The grapes were destemmed and crushed and cold soaked for 2 to 4 days to gently ease color and flavor. During the 10 to 12-day fermentation, timely pump overs kept the skins in contact with the juice for excellent flavor and tannin extraction. The wine spent 20 months in 50% new oak (a mix of French and Hungarian) before being blended, giving the final wine softened tannins and a smooth mouthfeel.
Specs
Vintage: 2015
Varietal Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah
Oak Treatment: 20 months in 50% new oak (a mix of French and Hungarian)
Alcohol: 15.2%
pH: 3.59
Case Production: 386 cases
Included in the Box
3-bottles:
3x 2015 Beaulieu Vineyard Maestro Reserve Napa Valley Cab/Syrah Blend
Case:
12x 2015 Beaulieu Vineyard Maestro Reserve Napa Valley Cab/Syrah Blend
The winemaking legacy at Beaulieu Vineyard remains unbroken for more than a century. Our story as one of the longest continually operating winery in the Napa Valley is written by the remarkable place and the extraordinary people who shaped winemaking in America.
We respect classic values and the art of craftsmanship and believe that these aspects of our heritage cannot be left behind. Today we persist with the spirit of innovation de Latour and Tchelistcheff instilled to continue producing exceptional wines that stand among the worldās finest.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, WA, WV, WI
Beaulieu Vineyard Maestro Reserve Napa Valley Cab/Syrah Blend
3 bottles for $119.99 $40/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $399.99 $33.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@knlprez Iām outā¦dry February (because itās shorter than January!), so nothing leaving the shelves for a while. In the coming weeks/months Iām only going in for a good white (Jana SB!) or an interesting desert wine. The Ped Port should arrive today, though, so we can do that exchange soon
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2015 Beaulieu Vineyard Maestro Reserve Napa Valley Cab/Syrah Blend - $80 = 16.66%
@jlim13 it wonāt let me reply to the whisper for some reason. Usually one person buys and tags us via main post in the Houston when it arrives. Use whispers to coordinate contact info, pick ups, and funds. I usually give my cell to text everything once it lands
@anoopr *case not car!!! Thanks for purchasing and Iām looking forward to connecting with you soon!! I live in the Brentwood/Cool Springs area. (813) 240-0347
Never had a BV - though I feel I have after listening to rpm. Of course, his pining is likely for much older vintages. The 15.2% seems crazy hot. Want some, but ā¦ hmm.
So this just arrived, but I hate to ask this, does UPS or WCC actually tag the top/bottom of the boxes when they ship? This case shipped the entire trip ~ on its top ~ not the bottom where there was more padding /cardboard , and Iāve never had that happen before. Concerned
@deadlyapp this one didnāt, I had a full level of bottles against the top of the box without the cardboard padding, when you receive the box and you already hear bottles hitting each other itās a sad sign.
anyone elseās arrive w/ the corks popped?? Guessing from weather. 7/12ā¦ not sure what to think about the remaining 5. Reached out to the CaseGods but got nothing back yet.
@Mattskimz yep, if thereās evidence that means itās exposed and weāll replace. if the other bottles donāt have protruding corks or leakage, probably ok. also, go ahead and try the impacted wine, it might still taste good (weāll replace it anyway).
@deadlyapp i doubt it was our weather (East Coast) but rather the route accross the country it took to get here given the wacky weather the mid west had during the period.
Iām actually surprised it doesnāt happen more often in winter shipping.
Immediately upon opening, it was sour/tart cherry, tannin heavy, and a bit one dimensional. The Syrah spice was heavy-handed.
30-45 min later, it was smoother, almost āsoftā on the mouth. The vanilla sweetness came through, the spice moved to the swallow, oak on the finish too! Blackberry now, cherry mellowed out to more of black cherry, a tiny hit of black pepper, and the tiniest perception of what I can best describe as āfire-placeā (in a nice lingering way).
90 min later, all I can say is that it really all came together, super drinkable, as opposed to distinct unique flavors (tar in front, sweet later on, then spice, etc) in succession ā it was now one flowing synchronized, beautiful flavor washing over my palate.
Pretty standard napa cab on the nose throughout for me.
I had two glasses last night and I will have the other two today and I will update as necessary.
I would be proud to bring this to any dinner, any gathering, a gift for any boss, client, friend, etc.
@connorbush Looks like you had trouble with the 15.2 abvā¦ ha!
@kaolis I wanted everyone to see the color on a white background
ā¦ embarrassingly enough, the spill happened before any wine was even consumed!
@connorbush
@connorbush I see you were quaffing instead of drinking. Quaffing is a lot like drinking, except you spill more.
@Jackinga
I had to do a ādefine: quaffingā
Was not disappointedā¦
drink (something, especially an alcoholic drink) heartily.
āhe quaffed pint after pint of good Berkshire aleā
@connorbush I like the last picture. The bottle has three arms, some hair, and an ear.
Thanks for the good review and fun photos, and shirt decor as well. This does sound like a very nice pleasant Napa red, given time open a bit. But once I get up to these prices, Iāll probably be shooting for one of the premium Washington reds, or a fine Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.
@connorbush @kaolis If there is ever a re-issue of DāontSpille Le Black, @connorbush merits a reserved LabRat spot. And a free white shirt for testingā¦
@kaolis @pmarin I will quaff that like nobodyās quaffed before
@connorbush OMG, awesome pics. Taking rattage to a whole new level. Oh, and the review was good too.
thx
POPSOCKETS! SPROCKETS! DAVY CROCKETT! AWESOME!
@connorbush UPDATE ā Drank some this afternoon and it is now more mellow, smoother, mahogany, white tootsie roll, and ripe cherry.
@connorbush ummm, sureā¦I say that all the time, the part about spilling but hadnāt even had a glass yet
@connorbush @kaolis "Honest, officer, I only spilled a glass or two . . . "
Based on the vintage, the winery, and having tasted a bottle with a friend who bought a case, this is worth buying a case at this price and laying it down. Itās not my normal preferred blend with Cabernet, but it was definitely interesting and has the structure to age nicely. Itās on the hot side, but it seems to be well integrated.
My wallet is thanking you for not shipping to my state.
Forgive me if someone has already commented, but do we have a drinking window on this?
@83fxwg
What? Not what you meant?
@83fxwg @chipgreen Evidently itās a nice drinking window!
@83fxwg @chipgreen In or three?
Sooooo, I was going to pass, had nothing to do with the wine or the price; more or less the space. Let me see, 3 wine fridges full, emergency wine closet take over full, spare bedroom fullā¦but not the closet!!
wilted-respectable-art
(All RPMās fault, well maybe a little deflection here??)
Hopefully, weāll get a Rat from a trusted palate or two.
@rjquillin this.
Although I doubt this makes the cut under the cellar reduction plan.
@klezman
Kinda oddball mashup imo, but what do I knowā¦
Could be decent for the new-world aficionados.
@rjquillin
Same as the 12/4/2020 offer??
@karenhynes I think youāre correct!
Earlier offer with rats
@karenhynes @rjquillin I bought a three pack last time and it was quickly finished. Iāve reupped for the case this time. Itās good enough I jumped on it, unfortunately I didnāt take any notes besides buy it again. Iād split it with you guys but Iām in the SF Bay Area.
@karenhynes @sdfreedive Ahhh, and here I thought you were in SD.
@karenhynes @rjquillin
Todayās offer is also less $ than the December offer (for the same wine).
@karenhynes @rjquillin grew up there then made the migration north.
@karenhynes @pseudogourmet98 @rjquillin The December offer supposedly came with a gift, but I donāt remember it (maybe it accidentally got thrown out?
). That might account for the price differenceā¦
Love me some BV, but cannot afford a full case. Anyone in SF/Bay Area interested in a split? I could use three or four max of these. Any takers?
@davidj94112 I bought a case, happy to part with some with you. Iām on the peninsula.
@davidj94112 @sdfreedive Iām in San Francisco but heading south in a couple weeksā¦ Iād be interested in 2/3 if possible. (Wife is from SD, btw- Poway).
@davidj94112 @kylar sounds good happy to split.
@kylar @sdfreedive If it works for you, I could go for three (or four if you prefer). Where are you on the peninsula?
@davidj94112 @sdfreedive Iām happy with just 2 as well
.
@kylar @sdfreedive I am fine with either 3 or 4 so whatever works best. Happy to PayPal or Venmo now or when I pick up (can also bring ca$h then). I can run down Hillsborough way or we can figure out best arrangement when the wine arrives.
Here is that previous offer, with a reliable rattage report:
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/beaulieu-vineyard-maestro-collection-cabernet-sauvignon-syrah-blend-napa-valley
Got three bottles last time; thought that Iād cellar them for a while as an āinvestment.ā
Vaqlue dropped 4% in two months.
Hmmmmm.
Memo to self: itās an expense, not an investment.
2015 Beaulieu Vineyard Maestro Reserve Napa Valley Cab/Syrah Blend
Tasting Notes
Vintage & Winemaking Notes
Specs
Included in the Box
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$883.32 at Beaulieu Vineyard for 12x 2015 Beaulieu Vineyard Maestro Reserve Napa Valley Cab/Syrah Blend
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, WA, WV, WI
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Mar 1 - Tuesday, Mar 2
Beaulieu Vineyard Maestro Reserve Napa Valley Cab/Syrah Blend
3 bottles for $119.99 $40/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $399.99 $33.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2015 Beaulieu Vineyard Maestro Reserve Napa Valley Cab/Syrah Blend
Sounds interestingā¦ Anyone in Denver buying?
@knlprez Iām outā¦dry February (because itās shorter than January!), so nothing leaving the shelves for a while. In the coming weeks/months Iām only going in for a good white (Jana SB!) or an interesting desert wine. The Ped Port should arrive today, though, so we can do that exchange soon
Splits in NOVA or MD?
@smtcapecod maybe still interested??
Could not say no
/giphy arched-fictional-peanut
Curious about this wine. Anyone planning on buying in SA, TX?
@kolme
Iām in Houston. That might be a little far just to split a case.
@jlim13 Ah, yeah just a tad far. Hope you find a split in HTown!
@jlim13 I may be interested in a three four way split if we can find two more. Iām in Houston
@kolme ATX here, can take a few!
Any splits in MO?
@MuchoRojo
Where in MO?
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2015 Beaulieu Vineyard Maestro Reserve Napa Valley Cab/Syrah Blend - $80 = 16.66%
Interesting. Anyone want to split in Houston?
@jlim13 Iād take 3 bottles or possibly 4
@jlim13 You may want to ask here as well. https://casemates.com/forum/topics/katywest-houston
@jlim13 @modfalk if we get one more person, we can do a 4 way split
@clcaruthers @jlim13 @modfalk Iād go in on a four way. A little rich for my blood but I can hold onto it
@jlim13 it wonāt let me reply to the whisper for some reason. Usually one person buys and tags us via main post in the Houston when it arrives. Use whispers to coordinate contact info, pick ups, and funds. I usually give my cell to text everything once it lands
@clcaruthers @deadlyapp @modfalk
/giphy opportune-occasional-burrito
@jlim13 in for two if the split not all taken ā¦thanks
Anyone from Las Vegas interested on this one? @Gunn_showw @TechnoViking
@osmercontreras man that is tempting, but $100/3 is rich. if we can split 4 ways / 3 bottles I might be down. does look like good juice.
@Gunn_showw @osmercontreras
Not in Vegas, but I know some make appearances in SD. No hurry to receive, but could help on 2~3 based on the rpm comment.
Anyone in Nashville looking to split?
@anoopr Iāll spilt it with you! You wanna purchase the case or me?
@nathanbsmith Sweet! Iāll buy it now.
@anoopr *case not car!!! Thanks for purchasing and Iām looking forward to connecting with you soon!! I live in the Brentwood/Cool Springs area. (813) 240-0347
South Florida folks, anybody want to split?
NoTx/DFW split?
Anyone in ATL want to split?
Never had a BV - though I feel I have after listening to rpm. Of course, his pining is likely for much older vintages. The 15.2% seems crazy hot. Want some, but ā¦ hmm.
So this just arrived, but I hate to ask this, does UPS or WCC actually tag the top/bottom of the boxes when they ship? This case shipped the entire trip ~ on its top ~ not the bottom where there was more padding /cardboard , and Iāve never had that happen before. Concerned
@bunnymasseuse Iām not sure what you mean. Every case Iāve ever bought had the exact same amount of padding on either side.
@deadlyapp this one didnāt, I had a full level of bottles against the top of the box without the cardboard padding, when you receive the box and you already hear bottles hitting each other itās a sad sign.
@bunnymasseuse sounds like the top layer of cardboard didnāt get put in. Glad they made it safe!
anyone elseās arrive w/ the corks popped?? Guessing from weather. 7/12ā¦ not sure what to think about the remaining 5. Reached out to the CaseGods but got nothing back yet.
@Mattskimz yep, if thereās evidence that means itās exposed and weāll replace. if the other bottles donāt have protruding corks or leakage, probably ok. also, go ahead and try the impacted wine, it might still taste good (weāll replace it anyway).
@Mattskimz eep! What type of weather did you have over that period?
@deadlyapp i doubt it was our weather (East Coast) but rather the route accross the country it took to get here given the wacky weather the mid west had during the period.
Iām actually surprised it doesnāt happen more often in winter shipping.
@Mattskimz I hope your friends and family are able to help you with the 7 ānowā bottles.
Iām sad I missed that offer.