2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend, Lake County
Tasting Notes
Our vineyard on a peninsula jutting into the southeastern corner of Clear Lake is the site of the most remarkable Merlot in the State of California, resembling more a classic Pomerol’s density, depth and masculine tannins, though imparting an unctuous feminine texture. The 2013 was harvested in early October in warm, fair weather which achieved early full ripeness.
Our volcanic soils produce solid, age-worthy tannins and a lively mineral energy to the palate. Persistent sunny rays at the high altitude draw from each varietal block its unique aromatic signature, preserved by the cooling breezes of the adjacent lake. In this wine, we wanted to showcase the complex aromatic elements as a single, complex symphony of fruit with seductive undertones that can only develop with extensive age in neutral oak.
Different Cabernet Sauvignon clones will develop aromas as diverse as grenadine, cassis, raspberry, carob, Asian spice and tar, with tannins and acidity equally varied. Of these, Clone 15 is the most complete: richest in cassis fruit and most structurally solid. Clone 4 is lighter and is characterized by bright cherry aromatics coupled to firm, broad, approachable tannins. A splash of Cabernet Franc imparts high-pitched white cherry and cinnamon notes and a steely backbone to the structure.
After 90 months in neutral French oak, considerable complexity has developed. It’s enjoyable now with a veal chop, wild mushrooms or an exotic cheese. Well within the optimum drinking window, it should easily last another decade in a good cellar.
Our vineyards are located on the volcanic hillsides above the eastern shores of Clear Lake. Our grapes are some of the most sought after in Lake County. Cooling lake breezes preserve berry flavors, while our soils confer a refreshing minerality.
Specs
Vintage: 2013
88.5% Merlot Clone 181
6.4% Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 4 & 15
5.1% Cabernet Franc Clone 1
Estate vineyard, Clear Lake AVA
Harvested October 10th
25.6 Brix at harvest
Rehydrated to 23.5 brix
Fermentation techniques:
Anchor NT112 yeast
7 g/L untoasted Alliers chips
Three week maceration
Elevage details:
Three weeks microbüllage pre ML
90 months in neutral French oak
Alcohol climbed due to dry cellar to 14.9%
pH 3.78, TA 7.0 g/L at bottling
314 Cases Produced
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County
Tasting Notes
Diamond Ridge Vineyards is located at the southeast corner of Clear Lake in Lake County. This remarkable site enjoys a cooling lake effect due to its close proximity to water. Its 2,000-foot altitude and clean, traffic-free air allow its fifteen clones of Cabernet Sauvignon to bathe in sunlight high in UV, resulting in brilliant color, firm tannins and rich fruit aromas. Clone 15 is characterized by rich black cherry aromas and substantial tannins, while Clone 4 contributes finesse and brightness.
The vineyard’s stony volcanic soil provides great drainage to restrain the foliar canopy and also imparts energetic mineral energy and surprising longevity. Accordingly, the wine was allowed 82 months in 20-year old neutral French oak which developed seductive tobacco nuances greatly enhanced its complexity, adding elements of mysterious and intriguing “come hither” aromatics.
The mouth possesses a rich, generous core of black cherry and a lively mineral finish. Tannin structure, once quite hard, has evolved to a pleasant roundness: velvety on the back palate but still with a firm grip up front, indicating both drinkability and further aging potential of perhaps a decade, but entirely enjoyable right now.
While certainly a peppered steak would suit, you really must try it with grilled duck breast.
Our vineyards are located on the volcanic hillsides above the eastern shores of Clear Lake. Our grapes are some of the most sought after in Lake County. Cooling lake breezes preserve berry flavors, while our soils confer a refreshing minerality.
Specs
Vintage: 2013
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Clone 15 and Clone 4
Diamond Ridge Vineyards, Clearlake
Harvested 12 October 24.9 Brix
Fermentation techniques:
Anchor NT112 yeast
7.5 g/L Bois Frais Alliers chips
14-day maceration
Elevage details:
Four weeks microbüllage pre ML
82 months in neutral French oak
Alcohol sweet spot 14.5%
pH 3.73 at bottling
198 Cases Produced
2017 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah, Lake County
Tasting Notes
This wine is so amazing that sometimes we think we should just grow nothing but Petite Sirah. Although the wine has incredible color and density, the texture is surprisingly soft, round and feminine.
Altitude is good for this variety, which does not fare well in fog, as its thin skin and tightly packed clusters make it prone to rot. In many mountain sites, bright sunlight and water stress lead to extreme tannic hardness, but our cooling afternoon “lake effect” develops and preserves an intense blueberry aroma and prevents field oxidation of anthocyanins, preserving an intense “Purple Haze” appearance.
Our east-facing plantings take advantage of morning sun to burn off any dew but also shelter the fruit from any raisining by the western sun. The cool 2013 vintage accentuated aromatic intensity, and we picked on October 10th at perfect ripeness.
The wine showed astonishing tannins and some reduction, so we employed micro-oxygenation to refine its tannins while carefully preserving its structure and depth of fruit. After three and a half years in neutral cooperage, a wine of tremendous richness and generosity came together, redolent with lavender and thyme, oozing with blueberry flavors carried by deep, silky tannins and a long, vibrant finish we attribute to our volcanic soils.
Although quite age-worthy, this wine is guaranteed to put a smile on your face right now. Enjoyable with a wide variety of foods – steak, barbeque or a sharp, well-aged cheddar. Or you might just enjoy it “as dinner,” a satisfying meal in itself!
Our vineyards are located on the volcanic hillsides above the eastern shores of Clear Lake. Our grapes are some of the most sought after in Lake County. Cooling lake breezes preserve berry flavors, while our soils confer a refreshing minerality.
Specs
Vintage: 2017
100% Petite Sirah Clone 3
Diamond Ridge Vineyards, Clear Lake AVA
Harvested 22 October
24.9 Brix
Fermentation techniques:
Anchor NT112 yeast
7.5 g/L untoasted Alliers chips
Elevage details:
6 weeks microbüllage pre ML
36 months in neutral French oak
Alcohol sweet spot at 14.5%
pH 3.82 at bottling
201 Cases Produced
What’s Included
6-bottles:
2x 2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend, Lake County
2x 2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County
2x 2017 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah, Lake County
Case:
4x 2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend, Lake County
4x 2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County
4x 2017 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah, Lake County
My name is Jacob S. Stephens III, but everyone calls me Jake. I represent the third generation in our family to embrace the life of a farmer, following in the footsteps of my grandfather Jacob, and my father Jake II.
The Diamond Ridge Vineyards name derives from the Lake County diamonds found on the property. Diamond Ridge is located on the volcanic hillsides north of the town of Clearlake, with the eastern shores of Clear Lake just over the hill. Elevations range from 500 to 800 meters. At this elevation, there is never any fog, and the bright cool sunlight creates conditions ideal for deeply expressive Bordeaux varieties as well as Petite Sirahs of unrivaled color, grace and aroma.
Our site allows us to grow fruit that is comparable, sometimes superior, to our downhill neighbor Napa County, at a fraction of the cost of land. Many experts contend that the quality of fruit produced in mountain vineyards rivals that of the valley floors. We agree! As one of our avid grape clients remarked, “Diamond Ridge is without question the diamond in Lake County’s crown.”
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
I apologize for inflicting on your wallet yet another seductive six-pack to inform your gifting and self-gifting strategies for the holidays.
In my defense, these are some very different wines and exceptionally good deals.
For example, WineSmith does not make Petite Sirah. This is out of deference to Jake, a major client. This wine is really unbelievable and it’s a privilege to make it. I think it’s the best wine from this variety in the State. Since there is practically no PS grown anywhere else, my inference is obvious, though of course I am far to shy to state my true opinion.
Although in the past, the main distinction between Jake’s wines and my WineSmith versions was simply time in the barrel versus price, I have managed to persuade Jake that the ridiculous minerality his soils impart benefits from more extensive ageing, and so the Aspects and Reserve Cab Sauv are products of seven years or so in 20-year-old neutral French oak, similar to my custom. While the prices reflect this shift, they are still remarkable values.
@winesmith@Winedavid49 Peanut gallery here. And curious about the tasting notes for the 2017 P.S., where it says “After six and a half years in neutral cooperage, a wine of tremendous richness and generosity came together, redolent with lavender and thyme, oozing with blueberry flavors carried by deep, silky tannins and a long, vibrant finish we attribute to our volcanic soils.” Six and a half years seems like a long time for a 2017!
Seriously, since those notes are apparently copied from notes for the 2013 vintage, do they still apply to the 2017? From the rattage below, I’d guess not.
@DickL@Winedavid49 How very observant of you, and you are of course correct that I frequently crib my notes of previous tech sheets when appropiate, as here. Of course, the six-and-a- half years is erroneous - my apologies. Nevertheless, the sensory characteristics are completely intuned with previous observations. Throughout the vintages since I started working with it in 2007, the wines have been been is delicious in youth and stable in the cellar.
The 2013 Petite Sirah was a great wine, I loved it and wish I’d bought more. So, I’m in just for the new(er) Petite Sirah, although I do believe I will enjoy the others.
The blend in the Aspects looks fairly similar to the 2013 WineSmith Meritage (which was also a stellar wine in my view… again, I wish I had more). Although it looks like Aspects spent more time in barrels. Was it the same Merlot & Cabernet Franc, or different lots between these two?
I apologize for inflicting on your wallet yet another seductive six-pack to inform your gifting and self-gifting strategies for the holidays.
As well you should! You’re killing me. Just killing me. I was trying to downsize, man!
@worbx This is a different blend than the '13 WineSmith Meritage, which developed a nice tobacco aromatic element that this wine has not yet acquired. I’m hopeful that it will.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Two Jakes of Diamonds Mixed Reds - $50 = 20.00%
I was quite surprised on Tuesday to get a UPS email referencing a package shipped overnight from California, which usually means lab rat time. When I checked the tracking, it was listed as TWOJAKESASPECTS
LABRAT, so I knew Clark was going to be up again this weekend. I was shocked, though, when I received the shipment and it was 3 different wines! I got the 2017 Two Jakes Petit Sirah, the 2013 Two Jakes Reserve Cabernet, and the 2013 Two Jakes Aspects. Score!!!
Clark is one of my favorite wine makers, and two of these wines, the Reserve Cab and Aspects, are already down in my cellar, as I went in for a case on both earlier offers this year. I was interested to try these again, since I’d been waiting to taste them, as they seemed to maybe need a rest from shipping and being recently bottled. I also seem to remember some drama in both of those comment threads. I hadn’t tasted the Petit Sirah, although I do have several bottles of the 2013 left.
My wife and I had a busy week in the orchestra, and also a friend staying with us who is subbing in the violin section. So the three of had to get busy quick to get all of these wines opened and consumed before Saturday’s offer dropped!
2017 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah
Let’s start with the Petit Sirah- right out of the gate I was intrigued, as the 2013 is listed at 14.8% alc and this new vintage is listed on the bottle at 13.5% (Very curious to hear Clark compare these in the comments- I see the offer lists it at 14.5%) I know the 2013 to be a pretty intense and concentrated wine but also very versatile. Upon opening, the 2017 Petit Sirah looks a little lighter in color concentration than I remember the 2017 (I would have opened one to taste them side by side, but then we would have had yet another wine open this week!) A pleasant nose of red fruit, some herbs, didn’t notice any alcohol. On the palate bright red fruit, leaning towards strawberries, some herbs, lots of energy/zing, and fine, but firm, tannins. Dinner was already planned as a simplified version of Korean Beef. It was a little spicy, and the wine held up just fine. Also enjoyed some cheeses later that night and some chocolate. My take on this wine is that it could probably be paired with literally anything- super food friendly, and not an intense, overpowering style of PS as far as I could tell. My wife liked the wine, our friend took the night off, so didn’t taste it that night. I corked the bottle and we finished it 24 hours later. When we tasted again, both women were getting a bitter note in the finish and they didn’t like it. I also tasted something different in the finish, but I thought it was the herbs really jumping out- it didn’t bother me as much but the wine seemed less balanced than the previous night.
Bottom line, the 2017 Petit Sirah was very enjoyable, drank young and energetic, and seemed super flexible with food. We liked it more on day 1.
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Meanwhile, we opened the 2013 Reserve Cabernet. I tasted right after opening, and it seemed pretty tight, so I decanted it and poured it right back in the bottle. This wine was immediately more complex than the PS, mature and soulful. We paired it with a charcuterie plate- a soft gorgonzola, Vintage Dubliner cheddar, and a Taleggio from Italy. As we started tasting this, I realized I had all the lights up- it was very bright, and I remembered Clark saying that the Cab would be better with more moody lighting. So the lights went off and the fireplace on. Progress, LOL!! On the nose I was getting mellow cherry with some aged notes, almost like an aged Romano cheese or something, which I think is bottle bouquet (from 82 months in barrel???) On the palate it has lots of white cherry, with some leather, a really wide balanced taste and long, round finish. We really liked this wine, and it definitely drinks more sophisticated and thought provoking than the PS. Remembering the music pairing idea from Clark, I put some Bruce Springsteen Jungleland (somehow I always remember this one song that Clark always mentions) and we thought it was great with the wine. Also Barber Adagio for Strings- the wine was happy, we were happy, and the world was deep and profound. I will admit, though, that our friend was a bit skeptical of pairing wine and music. Sooo, out came the polkas!! Our beautiful, lush, rounded wine was suddenly all sharp and out of balance, like a trumpet miscounting in the Rite of Spring. Our friend was speechless and we had a good laugh. Polkas were banished for the rest of the evening. (Maybe forever…)
Tonight we pulled out the corked Reserve Cab after 24 hours and finished it off. It was still a lovely wine, with more integrated flavors, maybe a little less round, but still drinking really nicely. Thumbs up for a delicious wine!
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend
With the night off and time to plan a menu, we prepared a spatchcocked organic chicken, smashed red potatoes, and steamed broccoli with sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Since the 2013 Aspects blend has a lot of Merlot, I thought this would be a good pairing, and I was right. Super duper right. This wine was singing with the meal and everyone loved it. Again cherries on the nose, a bit brighter than the cab, also a mature wine. We all thought that it had a smokey tobacco element on the palate that worked beautifully with the red cherry fruit. It was drinking great tonight and reminded me strongly of one of my favorite WineSmith wines, the 2013 Meritage, which is probably the same fruit- don’t know if it’s the same proportion and probably wasn’t in barrel as long as this Aspects at a crazy 90 months! I had a hard time putting this wine down, but did save one glass in the bottle to taste tomorrow after 24 hours. I think this one was my favorite of the three, but it could just have been the whole experience with good food and great friends. Again highly recommended.
Phew, we made it, I’m finishing this up at 12:30am EST so I can post it now that the offer is up. I thought this would come in around $19/btl like last week’s WineSmith case offer since the Reserve Cab is pretty expensive. But no, I just looked, and it’s at the usual sub $17 price point for Two Jakes on Casemates. At that price, this is a no brainer. I was going to pass, since I went deep for two cases of WineSmith last week, but now I’m not so sure…
Thanks Clark, WineDavid, Alice, et all, for the beautiful wines to rat. I’m grateful. Life is good.
Lab Rat reporting for duty, but just barely! Big thanks to Alice and Wine David for this awesome trio of wine to try. I only wish I had some time to get a crew assembled to taste! The wines were delivered to my former office on Wednesday, luckily the shipping people like me and let me know it was there and didn’t keep it for themselves! Note to self, update Rat bottle shipping address with Alice…
I was on a work trip this week and literally walked in the door 90 minutes ago, so no chance for a pairing on any of the wines. My SO and I are leaving for the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow evening, and I will try to do a day two tasting as well if we can. We enjoyed previous Two Jakes bottlings but sometimes find Clark’s main label wines too experimental. Don’t get me wrong, the 2007 and 2008 Cab Francs and 2007 Pinot Noir were game changing wines for us, and we thoroughly enjoy a lot of his wine, but we have had some we do not prefer. I respect he is doing something different and think it is good for the wine industry, so, rock on Clark! Anyways, onto a quick review.
All wines were pop and poured and tasted from Zalto Universals. My SO and I enjoy dry reds and whites. We have been drinking Burgundy and un-oaked chardonnay lately but generally like old world styled wines, nothing too extracted or with a ton of oak influence.
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend
First up, the 2013 Aspects red blend. I love Lake County Merlot so definitely excited to try this one! Color is fairly opaque with a lighter rim, but no bricking. The nose was immediately enticing with berries and red fruits. First taste and woah, there is a lot going on and the wine tastes more extracted than we were expecting and was not enjoyable for us. After 90 minutes we came back to it and the palate backs up the nose being complex with red fruits, cherry, gripping tannins, and some tobacco. Alcohol was noticeable initially but seems to fade as it is exposed to air. Finish I would say is Medium+ to Long. I like this wine a lot and think it is still a baby at this point. I would wait to pop the next cork on these until at least 2023.
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Onto the 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon! As with the Aspects, the wine is opaque but a little more dull with lighter edges, but no bricking. The wine has apparent alcohol on the nose along with dark fruits including black cherries and blueberries and a possible hint of vanilla. The palate shows powerful tannins, but they are not in your face and integrate well with the cherry, cherry cola, and vanilla. The wine has good structure and a medium+ finish. The wine had a lot of alcohol initially but again this blew off after sitting for about 90 minutes in the open bottle. I know the barrels were neutral, but I am getting a little hint of oak, maybe from the oak chips? I prefer this to the 2013 WineSmith Cab Sauv as a point of comparison. No rush on these and I imagine the bottles would benefit from some additional cellar time – I would wait at least until 2023 to try this wine again.
2017 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah
Finally, we have the 2017 Petite Sirah. The wine is a deep, inky purple nearly to the edge and is appropriate for PS. The nose is really nice on this wine, blueberry, apricot, sweet fruits, and after a vigorous swirl a little alcohol and some vegetal notes, but nothing off-putting. This wine was much lighter and easier to drink than the Aspects or Cab. Palate has blueberry, apricot, and a little bit of a citrus note or possibly some minerality. The finish is much shorter than the first two, probably medium or medium-, but the acidity keeps you wanting more. The tannins are definitely present but very soft and well-integrated. Someone on the other site said to drink PS before 5 years or after 15 – I think this would be fun to have a couple now and forget about the others for a decade and see where it is at.
That’s all for tonight folks. I will try to taste another glass of each wine tomorrow before heading back to the airport. Generally speaking, if you like previous Two Jakes bottlings, I think these are an auto-buy and will reward patience in the cellar. Now time to find some cellar space…
@knlprez Nice rattage! I think your PS tasting notes are more accurate than mine now that I think back- good call on the blueberry and apricot, etc. We opened that wine a few days ago and I didn’t write anything down, so had trouble putting words to my remembered impressions. I totally agree with your PS conclusion- it’s definitely the pop and pour option of the three right now- fun, energetic, and versatile, but would be interesting to drink 10-15 years down the road.
@knlprez So, it is likely just my palate, but … I find that I have to age PS about 10 years before it has mellowed out enough for my tastes - otherwise it is just too tannic for me to enjoy young. Granted, that most of the time I drink wine without food. That said, would you say that this PS is already fairly mellow as compared to other young PS that you have had? (I realize this might be a hard question, with the added difficulty of trying to assess my particular palate)
@woopdedoo the PS had definite tannins present. We thought they were quite smooth, but if you are sensitive to tannins I would definitely wait on this wine. Compared to other PS’s, the tannins we’re very smooth in this wine but still present.
@knlprez
Yesterday evening my SO had another glass of the PS and I had a glass of the Aspects. The wines were recorked under air and left on the counter from the previous evening. We were in the middle of packing for our trip so didn’t formally taste, but both wines had improved from the previous evening and we’re very enjoyable. Don’t worry, the wine did not go to waste! We gifted the remainder to our friend as a thank you for giving us a ride to the airport.
Thanks again for the great bottles Alice and David!
@winesmith@woopdedoo completely agree. The wine is perfectly drinkable now but if someone wants a PS with fully resolved tannins I would think they would enjoy this with a few more years in bottle. It is a really good wine and very enjoyable now!
@knlprez@woopdedoo Wow. Next time I’ll read my post before I push “Send.”
I learned a new word last week, of which this is a perfect example: “distextia.”
By wild chance, Friday evening for supper I opened a bottle of 2013 Two Jakes Aspects. Supper was a “peasant” soup (cabbage, carrots, beans, ham, etc.) with sourdough bread on the side.
I had opened the wine about an hour before we ate, and I liked it immediately. It went well with the soup, although the soup was not much of a challenge.
Fast forward about five hours and I find that the wine is part of the new CaseMates offer. A couple of hours later I decided to have a cheese plate as a snack before my usual night-owl retirement in the wee small hours. I picked a “mature” English white cheddar, a fairly aggressive (and very blue) Danish blue, and some smoked gouda. The wine went with all three, and now, an hour or so later, is sipping nicely. I will say that it is the sort of wine that leaves one’s teeth feeling clean, but I like that in a wine. The finish is long; it leaves a good taste in the mouth-- if you wait that long before the next sip.
I’m in for a case, although I’m a little disappointed by the rattage on the Petite Sirah. But I know the Aspects is a good choice, the Cab sounds like it will be also, and the P.S. is probably at least decent. And I’ve never had a Two Jakes wine I didn’t like. I think I’ll be happy.
@kaolis The September 2021 offer of the Aspects would be this same second bottling with more time in barrel. It definitely has a different presentation than the first bottling. 2013 Two Jakes Aspects Blend (2nd bottling)
Had the Aspects and loved it. Got the Cab but haven’t tried it yet. The PS sounds interesting, but the cellar is overflowing and Clark’s last mixed case is coming next week. Going to have to take a pass on this one.
I’m a bit late this morning (network problems), and I doubt that I’ll bring a lot to the party at this stage - but here goes.
Like the other rats, I was quite surprised to see the that the brown clad flying monkey was laboring not with the expected single bottle carton, but with a three-pack. And a three pack of a label which I already enjoyed.
Without a lot of time, I called a few friends, cut up some sausage and cheese, and rounded up few to join me for a impromptu taste session on Thursday. The notes that follow are a group effort.
Wine was stored overnight in my cellar at about 56 degrees F.
2017 Petite Sirah
A bit acrid and tight on opening, but opens nicely without delay. Berries, blueberries, cherry on the palate. Increasingly easy sipper, good with summer sausage, salami, smoked Gouda, and Barely Buzzed cheese. Like the '13, quite versatile.
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Purple or garnet in color. Cherry, blackberry, spice, light tobacco, leather on the nose; dark cherry, dark berries, cranberry and cloves on the palate; dry with medium tannins.
Mixed reactions, ranked third of the three by some who thought it would have fared better with a full bill of fare.
2013 Aspects
Color: Ruby
Nose: Lush blueberry, dark cherry, plum, light perfume, cinnamon, spice
Taste: Berries (various), dark cherry, balanced tanins.
Just great to drink, it was the first bottle to be emptied.
I’d be in for a case, but I’m beginning to save shelves and shekels for CM’s Christmas specials. But a half case it is:
@rpstrong Thanks for the rattage. I jumped at this based on earlier rats and while I don’t regret it, your comment about saving space for CM Christmas specials piqued my interest.
I have checked into CM on and off since it started (had been familiar with WW) but this is the first year I could afford to join and actually buy wine. I have already purchases a handful of cases just trying to build up a starting inventory but hadn’t considered that I might want to save space for holiday specials.
Would you (or anyone else for that matter) be able to give me a sense for what to look out for? Should I be expecting extra premium stuff to come up, or similar things but at lower prices? I know people can’t say for sure but I would love to have a sense of what to expect.
As always, thanks to everyone who participates here, this is an awesome community and I’m excited to be a part of it.
@dak52 Could be premium selections, surprise collections, special deals . . . but for a week or so, a CM branded gift (e.g., chocolates, knit caps, stemless glasses) accompanies each order:
“This offer is part of the 2020 holiday gift week and will be accompanied by a small carefully selected Casemates related gift. Happy Holidays!”
They’ve done it for the past two years (starting at the beginning of December). Whether the tradition will continue is anyone’s guess!
Meh.com, a site related to casemates, also had a holiday special last year. . It was a red blend from Pedroncelli. Meh does not normally sell wine, so who knows.
@dak52@rpstrong Could be a specially bottled wine (a good wine) with a humorous label. But what I’m waiting for is new casemate stemless glasses, because last night I broke one of the two that I had. I’m distraught!
@dak52@Springbank As it happens, I just came across a bottle of Cheers last week. (I also have a few bottles left of Woot Cellars Bonus Round, another red blend from Pedro.)
@dak52@klezman@rpstrong I still have one or two left. Opened one about a month ago and it was a totally different wine. A year in the bottle really improved it.
@dak52@klezman@rpstrong@Springbank
I completely forgot about that one. I don’t think I ever opened the box. I guess I should find that and give it a try!
@dak52@FritzCat@rpstrong I got a case of the Pedrocelli Cheer last year. It was decent. I am hoping for the stemless glasses as well. That would make my life complete for a day or two.
I’m very grateful for all the carefully crafted rattage. Thanks to all!
To summarize, the Bordelais-style wines (Aspects and the Cab Sauv) are in a style you’ve come to expect from me: highly structured, bright cherry fruit, well framed by firm tannins. While both will last several years, I think the Aspects is perhaps drinking close to at its best, though I would like to see a bit more bottle bouquet, while the Cab has plenty of tertiary aromas but is still a trifle hard and is more promising to age longer. At this stage, as was noted, it really needs a steak.
The Petite Sirah is a different style entirely. It’s just about the lushest, most drinkable PS I’ve ever seen, definitely pop and pour with generous blueberries and comely, almost oily tannins. I like this wine with rich Italian food: both the gooey cheeses and tart tomato sauces of the south and Tuscan fare such as carpaccio, smoked ham, salami, and olives. This is a much blousier style than I’m used to making, and perhaps clashes a bit with the other two when sampled together. I like to uncork this stuff on a Friday evening at the end of a hard week - literally a backrub of a wine, while the others are really Sunday dinner wines requiring contemplation.
In for two caes… I just drank my last Aspects bottle last week. Thanks Clark. It was delicious. I haven’t had the '17 PS. I hope it’s as good as past vintages. Thrilled to have more of the CS too.
@winsmith, @winedavid
Usually jump on WineSmith & Two Jakes right on the Get-Go…But had a Crazy…Crazy day, so in for a case now.
Thanks Jake, Clark and WineDavid!! determined-dispensable-chicken
I hadn’t checked CellarTracker to look at this for a while, but I was slightly (and pleasantly) surprised to see that the #1 ‘producer’ in my cellar is WineSmith, and #2 is Two Jakes! I’ve enjoyed everything from Two Jakes so far- can’t say I need more wine, but I might as well try and help the Two Jakes contingent catch up with the WineSmith. In for a case.
secret-baleful-nutmeg
I have the 2 Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend ordered in 2019. Opened one upon arrival and felt it needed rest. Started drinking them 18 months later and much better and getting better. I am not saying these wines will be the same and I’d go with the “expert” opinions but I thoroughly enjoy the wine and feel these guys know how to make solid wine.
Since I worked at a small school/special ed program, I couldn’t bring my Cheer into the building, so, one day just before Christmas holidays, I stopped beside the road after work and flagged down my co-workers and gave them each a bottle from the trunk of my car as they headed for home. They all seemed very Cheerful!
Meal - Grilled dry rub pork loin with grilled poblano peppers and cheese, lemon asparagus and thin sliced garlic potatoes.
Nose - Leather, spice, tar, cinnamon?, cedar and vanilla.
Heavy nose at present with only a hing of a floral note.
Taste - Raspberry, blackberry, vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of cherry on the backend.
Smooth tannin integration.
The wine paired well with the lemon citrus notes.
The wine went quite well with the pork loin, peppers and potatoes. It went surprising well with the lemon and citrus notes in the asparagus.
For dessert we shared a lemon cupcake with lemon cream cheese frosting and an orange cupcake with orange cream cheese frosting.
Both cupcakes went well with the wine but the real surprise was that the orange cupcake went amazingly with the wine. It seemed to be the perfect pairing as it really made the wine sing.
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend, Lake County
Tasting Notes
Specs
Fermentation techniques:
Elevage details:
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County
Tasting Notes
Specs
Fermentation techniques:
Elevage details:
2017 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah, Lake County
Tasting Notes
Specs
Fermentation techniques:
Elevage details:
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $420/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Dec 13 - Monday, Dec 20
Two Jakes of Diamonds Mixed Reds
6 bottles for $124.99 $20.83/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2013 Aspects
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Resrve
2017 Petite Sirah
Hi gang!
I apologize for inflicting on your wallet yet another seductive six-pack to inform your gifting and self-gifting strategies for the holidays.
In my defense, these are some very different wines and exceptionally good deals.
For example, WineSmith does not make Petite Sirah. This is out of deference to Jake, a major client. This wine is really unbelievable and it’s a privilege to make it. I think it’s the best wine from this variety in the State. Since there is practically no PS grown anywhere else, my inference is obvious, though of course I am far to shy to state my true opinion.
Although in the past, the main distinction between Jake’s wines and my WineSmith versions was simply time in the barrel versus price, I have managed to persuade Jake that the ridiculous minerality his soils impart benefits from more extensive ageing, and so the Aspects and Reserve Cab Sauv are products of seven years or so in 20-year-old neutral French oak, similar to my custom. While the prices reflect this shift, they are still remarkable values.
Let’s hear from the peanut gallery!
@winesmith
I like the sound of that, and totally understand.
@winesmith @Winedavid49 Peanut gallery here. And curious about the tasting notes for the 2017 P.S., where it says “After six and a half years in neutral cooperage, a wine of tremendous richness and generosity came together, redolent with lavender and thyme, oozing with blueberry flavors carried by deep, silky tannins and a long, vibrant finish we attribute to our volcanic soils.” Six and a half years seems like a long time for a 2017!
Seriously, since those notes are apparently copied from notes for the 2013 vintage, do they still apply to the 2017? From the rattage below, I’d guess not.
@DickL @Winedavid49 How very observant of you, and you are of course correct that I frequently crib my notes of previous tech sheets when appropiate, as here. Of course, the six-and-a- half years is erroneous - my apologies. Nevertheless, the sensory characteristics are completely intuned with previous observations. Throughout the vintages since I started working with it in 2007, the wines have been been is delicious in youth and stable in the cellar.
@winesmith
The 2013 Petite Sirah was a great wine, I loved it and wish I’d bought more. So, I’m in just for the new(er) Petite Sirah, although I do believe I will enjoy the others.
The blend in the Aspects looks fairly similar to the 2013 WineSmith Meritage (which was also a stellar wine in my view… again, I wish I had more). Although it looks like Aspects spent more time in barrels. Was it the same Merlot & Cabernet Franc, or different lots between these two?
As well you should! You’re killing me. Just killing me. I was trying to downsize, man!
@worbx This is a different blend than the '13 WineSmith Meritage, which developed a nice tobacco aromatic element that this wine has not yet acquired. I’m hopeful that it will.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Two Jakes of Diamonds Mixed Reds - $50 = 20.00%
So Cal 6/6 split?
@rjquillin I’m in.
@michaelvella
accused-attentive-reindeer
I was quite surprised on Tuesday to get a UPS email referencing a package shipped overnight from California, which usually means lab rat time. When I checked the tracking, it was listed as TWOJAKESASPECTS
LABRAT, so I knew Clark was going to be up again this weekend. I was shocked, though, when I received the shipment and it was 3 different wines! I got the 2017 Two Jakes Petit Sirah, the 2013 Two Jakes Reserve Cabernet, and the 2013 Two Jakes Aspects. Score!!!
Clark is one of my favorite wine makers, and two of these wines, the Reserve Cab and Aspects, are already down in my cellar, as I went in for a case on both earlier offers this year. I was interested to try these again, since I’d been waiting to taste them, as they seemed to maybe need a rest from shipping and being recently bottled. I also seem to remember some drama in both of those comment threads. I hadn’t tasted the Petit Sirah, although I do have several bottles of the 2013 left.
My wife and I had a busy week in the orchestra, and also a friend staying with us who is subbing in the violin section. So the three of had to get busy quick to get all of these wines opened and consumed before Saturday’s offer dropped!
2017 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah
Let’s start with the Petit Sirah- right out of the gate I was intrigued, as the 2013 is listed at 14.8% alc and this new vintage is listed on the bottle at 13.5% (Very curious to hear Clark compare these in the comments- I see the offer lists it at 14.5%) I know the 2013 to be a pretty intense and concentrated wine but also very versatile. Upon opening, the 2017 Petit Sirah looks a little lighter in color concentration than I remember the 2017 (I would have opened one to taste them side by side, but then we would have had yet another wine open this week!) A pleasant nose of red fruit, some herbs, didn’t notice any alcohol. On the palate bright red fruit, leaning towards strawberries, some herbs, lots of energy/zing, and fine, but firm, tannins. Dinner was already planned as a simplified version of Korean Beef. It was a little spicy, and the wine held up just fine. Also enjoyed some cheeses later that night and some chocolate. My take on this wine is that it could probably be paired with literally anything- super food friendly, and not an intense, overpowering style of PS as far as I could tell. My wife liked the wine, our friend took the night off, so didn’t taste it that night. I corked the bottle and we finished it 24 hours later. When we tasted again, both women were getting a bitter note in the finish and they didn’t like it. I also tasted something different in the finish, but I thought it was the herbs really jumping out- it didn’t bother me as much but the wine seemed less balanced than the previous night.
Bottom line, the 2017 Petit Sirah was very enjoyable, drank young and energetic, and seemed super flexible with food. We liked it more on day 1.
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Meanwhile, we opened the 2013 Reserve Cabernet. I tasted right after opening, and it seemed pretty tight, so I decanted it and poured it right back in the bottle. This wine was immediately more complex than the PS, mature and soulful. We paired it with a charcuterie plate- a soft gorgonzola, Vintage Dubliner cheddar, and a Taleggio from Italy. As we started tasting this, I realized I had all the lights up- it was very bright, and I remembered Clark saying that the Cab would be better with more moody lighting. So the lights went off and the fireplace on. Progress, LOL!! On the nose I was getting mellow cherry with some aged notes, almost like an aged Romano cheese or something, which I think is bottle bouquet (from 82 months in barrel???) On the palate it has lots of white cherry, with some leather, a really wide balanced taste and long, round finish. We really liked this wine, and it definitely drinks more sophisticated and thought provoking than the PS. Remembering the music pairing idea from Clark, I put some Bruce Springsteen Jungleland (somehow I always remember this one song that Clark always mentions) and we thought it was great with the wine. Also Barber Adagio for Strings- the wine was happy, we were happy, and the world was deep and profound. I will admit, though, that our friend was a bit skeptical of pairing wine and music. Sooo, out came the polkas!! Our beautiful, lush, rounded wine was suddenly all sharp and out of balance, like a trumpet miscounting in the Rite of Spring. Our friend was speechless and we had a good laugh. Polkas were banished for the rest of the evening. (Maybe forever…)
Tonight we pulled out the corked Reserve Cab after 24 hours and finished it off. It was still a lovely wine, with more integrated flavors, maybe a little less round, but still drinking really nicely. Thumbs up for a delicious wine!
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend
With the night off and time to plan a menu, we prepared a spatchcocked organic chicken, smashed red potatoes, and steamed broccoli with sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Since the 2013 Aspects blend has a lot of Merlot, I thought this would be a good pairing, and I was right. Super duper right. This wine was singing with the meal and everyone loved it. Again cherries on the nose, a bit brighter than the cab, also a mature wine. We all thought that it had a smokey tobacco element on the palate that worked beautifully with the red cherry fruit. It was drinking great tonight and reminded me strongly of one of my favorite WineSmith wines, the 2013 Meritage, which is probably the same fruit- don’t know if it’s the same proportion and probably wasn’t in barrel as long as this Aspects at a crazy 90 months! I had a hard time putting this wine down, but did save one glass in the bottle to taste tomorrow after 24 hours. I think this one was my favorite of the three, but it could just have been the whole experience with good food and great friends. Again highly recommended.
Phew, we made it, I’m finishing this up at 12:30am EST so I can post it now that the offer is up. I thought this would come in around $19/btl like last week’s WineSmith case offer since the Reserve Cab is pretty expensive. But no, I just looked, and it’s at the usual sub $17 price point for Two Jakes on Casemates. At that price, this is a no brainer. I was going to pass, since I went deep for two cases of WineSmith last week, but now I’m not so sure…
Thanks Clark, WineDavid, Alice, et all, for the beautiful wines to rat. I’m grateful. Life is good.
@wnance
Well done, love the music pairings!
Thanks, Wes for your dedicated and thorough analysis. I agree entirely and am grateful for your impressions. It means a lot.
@winesmith Nice rattage! Thanks for your in-depth analysis!
Lab Rat reporting for duty, but just barely! Big thanks to Alice and Wine David for this awesome trio of wine to try. I only wish I had some time to get a crew assembled to taste! The wines were delivered to my former office on Wednesday, luckily the shipping people like me and let me know it was there and didn’t keep it for themselves! Note to self, update Rat bottle shipping address with Alice…
I was on a work trip this week and literally walked in the door 90 minutes ago, so no chance for a pairing on any of the wines. My SO and I are leaving for the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow evening, and I will try to do a day two tasting as well if we can. We enjoyed previous Two Jakes bottlings but sometimes find Clark’s main label wines too experimental. Don’t get me wrong, the 2007 and 2008 Cab Francs and 2007 Pinot Noir were game changing wines for us, and we thoroughly enjoy a lot of his wine, but we have had some we do not prefer. I respect he is doing something different and think it is good for the wine industry, so, rock on Clark! Anyways, onto a quick review.
All wines were pop and poured and tasted from Zalto Universals. My SO and I enjoy dry reds and whites. We have been drinking Burgundy and un-oaked chardonnay lately but generally like old world styled wines, nothing too extracted or with a ton of oak influence.
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend
First up, the 2013 Aspects red blend. I love Lake County Merlot so definitely excited to try this one! Color is fairly opaque with a lighter rim, but no bricking. The nose was immediately enticing with berries and red fruits. First taste and woah, there is a lot going on and the wine tastes more extracted than we were expecting and was not enjoyable for us. After 90 minutes we came back to it and the palate backs up the nose being complex with red fruits, cherry, gripping tannins, and some tobacco. Alcohol was noticeable initially but seems to fade as it is exposed to air. Finish I would say is Medium+ to Long. I like this wine a lot and think it is still a baby at this point. I would wait to pop the next cork on these until at least 2023.
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Onto the 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon! As with the Aspects, the wine is opaque but a little more dull with lighter edges, but no bricking. The wine has apparent alcohol on the nose along with dark fruits including black cherries and blueberries and a possible hint of vanilla. The palate shows powerful tannins, but they are not in your face and integrate well with the cherry, cherry cola, and vanilla. The wine has good structure and a medium+ finish. The wine had a lot of alcohol initially but again this blew off after sitting for about 90 minutes in the open bottle. I know the barrels were neutral, but I am getting a little hint of oak, maybe from the oak chips? I prefer this to the 2013 WineSmith Cab Sauv as a point of comparison. No rush on these and I imagine the bottles would benefit from some additional cellar time – I would wait at least until 2023 to try this wine again.
2017 Two Jakes of Diamonds Petite Sirah
Finally, we have the 2017 Petite Sirah. The wine is a deep, inky purple nearly to the edge and is appropriate for PS. The nose is really nice on this wine, blueberry, apricot, sweet fruits, and after a vigorous swirl a little alcohol and some vegetal notes, but nothing off-putting. This wine was much lighter and easier to drink than the Aspects or Cab. Palate has blueberry, apricot, and a little bit of a citrus note or possibly some minerality. The finish is much shorter than the first two, probably medium or medium-, but the acidity keeps you wanting more. The tannins are definitely present but very soft and well-integrated. Someone on the other site said to drink PS before 5 years or after 15 – I think this would be fun to have a couple now and forget about the others for a decade and see where it is at.
That’s all for tonight folks. I will try to taste another glass of each wine tomorrow before heading back to the airport. Generally speaking, if you like previous Two Jakes bottlings, I think these are an auto-buy and will reward patience in the cellar. Now time to find some cellar space…
EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!
@knlprez Nice rattage! I think your PS tasting notes are more accurate than mine now that I think back- good call on the blueberry and apricot, etc. We opened that wine a few days ago and I didn’t write anything down, so had trouble putting words to my remembered impressions. I totally agree with your PS conclusion- it’s definitely the pop and pour option of the three right now- fun, energetic, and versatile, but would be interesting to drink 10-15 years down the road.
@wnance that’s all my wife! She’s great at grabbing obscure or subtle notes on a wine.
@knlprez So, it is likely just my palate, but … I find that I have to age PS about 10 years before it has mellowed out enough for my tastes - otherwise it is just too tannic for me to enjoy young. Granted, that most of the time I drink wine without food. That said, would you say that this PS is already fairly mellow as compared to other young PS that you have had? (I realize this might be a hard question, with the added difficulty of trying to assess my particular palate)
@woopdedoo the PS had definite tannins present. We thought they were quite smooth, but if you are sensitive to tannins I would definitely wait on this wine. Compared to other PS’s, the tannins we’re very smooth in this wine but still present.
@knlprez @woopdedoo This PS is a highly drinkable wine right now. While it can age well, it’s quite plush and full pf blueberries with no rough edges.
@knlprez
Yesterday evening my SO had another glass of the PS and I had a glass of the Aspects. The wines were recorked under air and left on the counter from the previous evening. We were in the middle of packing for our trip so didn’t formally taste, but both wines had improved from the previous evening and we’re very enjoyable. Don’t worry, the wine did not go to waste! We gifted the remainder to our friend as a thank you for giving us a ride to the airport.
Thanks again for the great bottles Alice and David!
@winesmith @woopdedoo completely agree. The wine is perfectly drinkable now but if someone wants a PS with fully resolved tannins I would think they would enjoy this with a few more years in bottle. It is a really good wine and very enjoyable now!
@knlprez @woopdedoo Wow. Next time I’ll read my post before I push “Send.”
I learned a new word last week, of which this is a perfect example: “distextia.”
@knlprez @winesmith Thank you both for the insights. I was already in for a case - just wanted to know which ones to put away for a while.
2013 Two Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend
By wild chance, Friday evening for supper I opened a bottle of 2013 Two Jakes Aspects. Supper was a “peasant” soup (cabbage, carrots, beans, ham, etc.) with sourdough bread on the side.
I had opened the wine about an hour before we ate, and I liked it immediately. It went well with the soup, although the soup was not much of a challenge.
Fast forward about five hours and I find that the wine is part of the new CaseMates offer. A couple of hours later I decided to have a cheese plate as a snack before my usual night-owl retirement in the wee small hours. I picked a “mature” English white cheddar, a fairly aggressive (and very blue) Danish blue, and some smoked gouda. The wine went with all three, and now, an hour or so later, is sipping nicely. I will say that it is the sort of wine that leaves one’s teeth feeling clean, but I like that in a wine. The finish is long; it leaves a good taste in the mouth-- if you wait that long before the next sip.
I’m in for a case, although I’m a little disappointed by the rattage on the Petite Sirah. But I know the Aspects is a good choice, the Cab sounds like it will be also, and the P.S. is probably at least decent. And I’ve never had a Two Jakes wine I didn’t like. I think I’ll be happy.
@DickL
The PS was good last night, but we probably should have sampled it first. I would not let the PS dissuade me from this case purchase!
May 2019 offer of Aspects with rats:
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/two-jakes-of-diamonds-aspects-red-blend
July 2021 offer of the Cabernet and rats:
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/two-jakes-of-diamonds-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon
@kaolis The September 2021 offer of the Aspects would be this same second bottling with more time in barrel. It definitely has a different presentation than the first bottling. 2013 Two Jakes Aspects Blend (2nd bottling)
@wnance Ahhh, got it!
Meh.
Any Michiganders up for a split? I’ve been meaning to try Two Jake’s, but I don’t need a full case
@joe139 hello joe, any takers on the split yet? I’ll take some
@joe139 @ttboy23 case is ordered.
/giphy stereotyped-rough-cinnamon
@a5meiser @joe139 @ttboy23 Splitting how many ways? Would take one of each if willing to share. If not may buy another case ( if it lasts).
@a5meiser @joe139 @ttboy23 @jrbw3
I would be happy to take any extras IF there are leftovers…
Had the Aspects and loved it. Got the Cab but haven’t tried it yet. The PS sounds interesting, but the cellar is overflowing and Clark’s last mixed case is coming next week. Going to have to take a pass on this one.
Anyone in SF (or nearby in Bay Area) interested in a split? I could go for six but not nearly enough room for a full case.
/giphy blocky-proverbial-cockroach
Two Jakes is one of my very favorites so I got a case but would love a split in Northern Va. (Burke). I really do have alot of wine right now.
@dianefreda chat us on the B’more thread we could work out some wine shuttling…
I’m a bit late this morning (network problems), and I doubt that I’ll bring a lot to the party at this stage - but here goes.
Like the other rats, I was quite surprised to see the that the brown clad flying monkey was laboring not with the expected single bottle carton, but with a three-pack. And a three pack of a label which I already enjoyed.
Without a lot of time, I called a few friends, cut up some sausage and cheese, and rounded up few to join me for a impromptu taste session on Thursday. The notes that follow are a group effort.
Wine was stored overnight in my cellar at about 56 degrees F.
2017 Petite Sirah
A bit acrid and tight on opening, but opens nicely without delay. Berries, blueberries, cherry on the palate. Increasingly easy sipper, good with summer sausage, salami, smoked Gouda, and Barely Buzzed cheese. Like the '13, quite versatile.
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Purple or garnet in color. Cherry, blackberry, spice, light tobacco, leather on the nose; dark cherry, dark berries, cranberry and cloves on the palate; dry with medium tannins.
Mixed reactions, ranked third of the three by some who thought it would have fared better with a full bill of fare.
2013 Aspects
Color: Ruby
Nose: Lush blueberry, dark cherry, plum, light perfume, cinnamon, spice
Taste: Berries (various), dark cherry, balanced tanins.
Just great to drink, it was the first bottle to be emptied.
I’d be in for a case, but I’m beginning to save shelves and shekels for CM’s Christmas specials. But a half case it is:
/giphy heartsick-dying-meeting
@rpstrong Thanks for the rattage. I jumped at this based on earlier rats and while I don’t regret it, your comment about saving space for CM Christmas specials piqued my interest.
I have checked into CM on and off since it started (had been familiar with WW) but this is the first year I could afford to join and actually buy wine. I have already purchases a handful of cases just trying to build up a starting inventory but hadn’t considered that I might want to save space for holiday specials.
Would you (or anyone else for that matter) be able to give me a sense for what to look out for? Should I be expecting extra premium stuff to come up, or similar things but at lower prices? I know people can’t say for sure but I would love to have a sense of what to expect.
As always, thanks to everyone who participates here, this is an awesome community and I’m excited to be a part of it.
POKER! JOKER! NOT MEDIOCRE! AWESOME!
@dak52 Could be premium selections, surprise collections, special deals . . . but for a week or so, a CM branded gift (e.g., chocolates, knit caps, stemless glasses) accompanies each order:
“This offer is part of the 2020 holiday gift week and will be accompanied by a small carefully selected Casemates related gift. Happy Holidays!”
They’ve done it for the past two years (starting at the beginning of December). Whether the tradition will continue is anyone’s guess!
Here’s a couple of last year’s offerings:
QPR Select ($90/12)
Beaulieu Vineyard Cab ($125/3)
@dak52 @rpstrong
Meh.com, a site related to casemates, also had a holiday special last year. . It was a red blend from Pedroncelli. Meh does not normally sell wine, so who knows.
@dak52 @rpstrong Could be a specially bottled wine (a good wine) with a humorous label. But what I’m waiting for is new casemate stemless glasses, because last night I broke one of the two that I had. I’m distraught!
@dak52 @Springbank As it happens, I just came across a bottle of Cheers last week. (I also have a few bottles left of Woot Cellars Bonus Round, another red blend from Pedro.)
@dak52 @rpstrong @Springbank If they hadn’t just been relabelled Sonoma Classico I’d likely have been in on those…
@dak52 @klezman @rpstrong I still have one or two left. Opened one about a month ago and it was a totally different wine. A year in the bottle really improved it.
@dak52 @klezman @rpstrong @Springbank
I guess I should find that and give it a try! 
I completely forgot about that one. I don’t think I ever opened the box.
@dak52 @rpstrong @Springbank yeah I got the Meh offering, did not gift them all out as planned
@dak52 @FritzCat @rpstrong I got a case of the Pedrocelli Cheer last year. It was decent. I am hoping for the stemless glasses as well. That would make my life complete for a day or two.
@dak52 @rpstrong so when does this cm Christmas event usually occur?
@dak52 @pienka “Usually” only goes back about 2 years where it started around December 1st.
@dak52 @pienka @rpstrong
I’m thinking next Monday things may become interesting.
I’m very grateful for all the carefully crafted rattage. Thanks to all!
To summarize, the Bordelais-style wines (Aspects and the Cab Sauv) are in a style you’ve come to expect from me: highly structured, bright cherry fruit, well framed by firm tannins. While both will last several years, I think the Aspects is perhaps drinking close to at its best, though I would like to see a bit more bottle bouquet, while the Cab has plenty of tertiary aromas but is still a trifle hard and is more promising to age longer. At this stage, as was noted, it really needs a steak.
The Petite Sirah is a different style entirely. It’s just about the lushest, most drinkable PS I’ve ever seen, definitely pop and pour with generous blueberries and comely, almost oily tannins. I like this wine with rich Italian food: both the gooey cheeses and tart tomato sauces of the south and Tuscan fare such as carpaccio, smoked ham, salami, and olives. This is a much blousier style than I’m used to making, and perhaps clashes a bit with the other two when sampled together. I like to uncork this stuff on a Friday evening at the end of a hard week - literally a backrub of a wine, while the others are really Sunday dinner wines requiring contemplation.
In for two caes… I just drank my last Aspects bottle last week. Thanks Clark. It was delicious. I haven’t had the '17 PS. I hope it’s as good as past vintages. Thrilled to have more of the CS too.
@winsmith, @winedavid
Usually jump on WineSmith & Two Jakes right on the Get-Go…But had a Crazy…Crazy day, so in for a case now.
Thanks Jake, Clark and WineDavid!!
determined-dispensable-chicken
@PLSemenza The Turkey would be indispensable.
@FritzCat @PLSemenza Sort of reminds me of having bacon and eggs for breakfast, where the chicken was involved but the pig was committed.
@FritzCat @PLSemenza @rpstrong Hah, yes, i first heard that during my Airborne Express days. i think big brown uses that term.
.
In for a case. Hope the wife doesn’t kill me!
/giphy hostile-eligible-sky
I hadn’t checked CellarTracker to look at this for a while, but I was slightly (and pleasantly) surprised to see that the #1 ‘producer’ in my cellar is WineSmith, and #2 is Two Jakes! I’ve enjoyed everything from Two Jakes so far- can’t say I need more wine, but I might as well try and help the Two Jakes contingent catch up with the WineSmith. In for a case.
secret-baleful-nutmeg
I have the 2 Jakes of Diamonds Aspects Red Blend ordered in 2019. Opened one upon arrival and felt it needed rest. Started drinking them 18 months later and much better and getting better. I am not saying these wines will be the same and I’d go with the “expert” opinions but I thoroughly enjoy the wine and feel these guys know how to make solid wine.
Since I worked at a small school/special ed program, I couldn’t bring my Cheer into the building, so, one day just before Christmas holidays, I stopped beside the road after work and flagged down my co-workers and gave them each a bottle from the trunk of my car as they headed for home. They all seemed very Cheerful!
Update: I was able to save a splash of the Cab till Day 3, the PS till Day 4 - both were still delish.
Can’t say the same for the Aspects, as it didn’t last through Day 1.
@rpstrong You can generally rely on my wines to hold up for a week after opening.
@rpstrong @winesmith
Ha! Good luck with that, and only if something somehow remains unconsumed in the bottle!
Aspects 2013 -
Meal - Grilled dry rub pork loin with grilled poblano peppers and cheese, lemon asparagus and thin sliced garlic potatoes.
Nose - Leather, spice, tar, cinnamon?, cedar and vanilla.
Heavy nose at present with only a hing of a floral note.
Taste - Raspberry, blackberry, vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of cherry on the backend.
Smooth tannin integration.
The wine paired well with the lemon citrus notes.
The wine went quite well with the pork loin, peppers and potatoes. It went surprising well with the lemon and citrus notes in the asparagus.
For dessert we shared a lemon cupcake with lemon cream cheese frosting and an orange cupcake with orange cream cheese frosting.
Both cupcakes went well with the wine but the real surprise was that the orange cupcake went amazingly with the wine. It seemed to be the perfect pairing as it really made the wine sing.