2008 Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District- USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (5/9/2013)
I purchased this bottle at Costco for $50. I had high hopes for it, with 2008 being a decent year for Napa, and Stag’s Leap one of my favorite AVA’s. I drank this over two nights, by itself with no food. The wine has a muted nose and is the classic dark inky plum color typcial of Napa cabs. The taste is of medium bodied fruit, with a somewhat vegetal aftertaste. Tannins are medium, and the finish on this is short.
Overall, I was not impressed with this wine for the price. I’ve heard good things about Chimney Rock, but this was a disappointment. A score of 85 is probably generous - if you’re looking to drop $50-75 on a bottle of Napa cab, take a pass on this one. Do not recommend given the low QPR. (85 pts.)
Bad bottle. I had one on release, and it was all power just as one would expect from SLD. Granted not in the tier that SHSS is, but I have rather liked their bottlings over the years.
Bill, I’m hoping you’re right. To be honest, I’m still sipping my last glass and it has gotten better. Maybe I drank it too young? I’m still learning my way around this whole wine biz…that’s why I worry about posting points.
It’s been years since I had one of these, but I’ll go with Tex on this one and say an off bottle. Biggest clue was “muted nose.” 2008 Napa Cabs should be jumping from the glass, in my opinion.
I have '04 & '07 in the cellar and a friend came by with a bottle last summer. Same impression with the nose and wine overall. (Not sure the year, others did like). Kinda bummed me out a little, I still hope they age well. I have passed on others since the summer bummer.
I hope what I added was not considered a “correction.” My sense, from Scott’s post, is what Tex said. I would rather have someone post an alternate way of thinking about a wine than…to…not…post…at… all.
My former employer use to give bottles of Chimney Rock out during the holidays. These were always enjoyable with good fruit and balance.
Last bottle I tried was an 2006 Tomahawk Vineyard SVD. Huge wine with a wall of tannins. I chalked it up to the vintage.
It did come around over several hours but needed more time to develope in the bottle. I would agree it was an off bottle as well.