EMH Vineyards

Notes: “Medium dark red, purple edge. Rich bouquet of raspberry, cherry, chocolate, vanilla and sweet oak. Medium-light body, superb fruit, good-acid tannin balance; superb finish: rich, long, luscious aftertaste.

October 3, 2009: The 2007 is remarkably forward while showing a robust nature. The fruit profile is the consistent “Black Cat” Cabernet template, with firm tannins and an incredible finish. While it can be enjoyed at present, it has major promise for gaining further complexity in four to twelve years. The 2007 appears to be headed toward becoming the best wine produced from EMH’s vineyard.”

Notes: “Dark red, purple edge—brilliant. Bouquet of raspberry, cherry, mocha, spice, nutmeg, light earth and sweet oak. Medium-light body, superb fruit, good-acid tannin balance; superb finish: rich, long, luscious aftertaste. This is a remarkably forward wine, with stunning fresh, ripe fruit flavors combined with an exotic, silky finish.

October 3, 2009 update: Robust in style, this wine exhibits a rich, long, lush aftertaste with some bitterness remaining. The 2006 shows a consistent flavor profile of earlier vintages of the “Black Cat” Cabernet, and has developed nicely in the last year, however it still requires additional bottle age. Five to twelve years to peak.

January 11, 2009 update: The 2006 ‘Black Cat’ Cabernet extends the stylistic consistency of flavors, structure and superior wine from this vineyard and vintner for the seventh successive vintage. The 2006 ‘Black Cat’ is drinking well at present, very much ahead of vintages 2002, 2003, and 2005 at the time of their respective release dates. It should improve steadily for the next several years – two to five years to peak for maximal enjoyment..”

Notes: “Dark, near opaque red, with a brilliant purple edge– bouquet of rich raspberry, blueberry, chocolate, spice, nutmeg and sweet oak. On the palate a medium-light body, sumptuous fruit flavors, with a near perfect acid-tannin balance, pointing to the wine’s sustainable structure. Finally, an awesome finish, witnessed in a rich, long, luscious aftertaste. The 2005 ‘Black Cat’ Cabernet extends the stylistic consistency of flavors, structure and superior wine from this vineyard and vintner for the sixth successive vintage.

October 3, 2009 update: Robust in style, this wine is beginning to hit its stride, with much upside to follow. Similar to the 2003, grilled red meats and lively pastas make perfect pairing. Additional charm and complexity will develop during the next few years. Five to ten years to peak

January 2009 update: The 2005 is drinking well at present, and has steadily developed since its release in January 2008. This is one for the cellar, and patience will be rewarded for those who can wait. Ultimately, this wine may prove to be the best wine produced to date. Estimated to peak between 2012 and 2015.

January 23, 2008 update: The 2005 ‘Black Cat’ is drinking well at present, and while it will be hard to resist immediate consumption, it should improve steadily for the next several years, peaking between 2012 and 2015.”

Notes: “Dark, highly saturated red with a deep purple edge. Bouquet of rich black cherry, chocolate, rose petal, tea, hints of spice and nutmeg, and sweet oak. Medium-light body, superb fruit, good acid-tannin-fruit balance. Superb finish: rich, long lingering, luscious aftertaste, with generous soft tannins to support continued development.

October 3, 2009 update: Silky. This wine has the greatest latitude for food pairing, and with the exception of the 2001, has the most delicate finish.

December 3, 2006 update: The richly floral, compelling bouquet and fruit flavors are consistent with earlier vintages – 2000 through 2003 – while the finish is exhibiting the typical delightful mouthfeel earlier than the last two vintages. Eminently ready to be enjoyed upon release – three to seven years to peak.”

Notes: “Dark red with a purple edge and brilliant hue. Rich raspberry, cherry, chocolate, light truffle, rose petal and sweet oak bouquet; medium-light body, superb fruit, good acid-tannin balance; dry and lingering, superb mouth feel and finish with a rich, lengthy, luscious aftertaste. Forward, finesse style. Highly drinkable upon release – five to six years to peak.”

October 3, 2009 update: This wine begs for robust foods–wild boar, venison, or other grilled meats paired with rich, red wine sauces. Also pairs well with fresh bread and soft cheeses. This wine, while lovely at present, has its best years ahead – five to ten years to peak.

January 2009 update: The 2003 is currently the most stunning of the Library wines, showing a very alluring bouquet, followed by a delicious palate with robust fruit flavor. While this wine boasts of much future development, it is stunning at this time. The nose on this wine is classic “Black Cat.” Drinking well, but expected to improve the next three to five years.

Notes: “Dark red with a purple edge—rich berry, earth, chocolate, truffle, coffee and toast bouquet; medium body, superb fruit, good acid-tannin balance; dry and lingering, superb finish with a rich, long, luscious aftertaste. Five to ten years to peak.”

October 3, 2009 update: Wow! Robust style. While the wine is lovely at present, it has yet to reach its peak. Four to eight years will add both charm and complexity.

January 2009 update: The 2002 has developed a lovely complexity, melding its rich raspberry, earth, and truffle nuances into full harmony. Notable is the luscious, silky finish. This wine is nearing the promise it hinted at upon release. Drinking well now, but should continue to improve for another two to three years.

EMH Vineyards 2005 Black Cat Cabernet

January 2008 update: 2001 EMH “Black Cat”

October 3, 2009 update: Finesse style—elegant. I love to drink this wine. It is ready for hedonistic delight, while I expect it to drink well for at least four more years.

January 2008 update: With the limited quantity of the 2001 available, the opportunity does not often present itself to open one of these rare bottles. However, I was able to enjoy this on at least two occasions during 2007, and it continues to be a favorite. Elegant and classic in the EMH style, it has begun to take on the characteristics of an older Cabernet. It shows no sign of imminent decline, particularly for lovers of aged Cabernet. Drink or hold.

—Jim Gallagher, Jim Gallagher’s Wine Seminars

EMH Vineyards 2005 Black Cat Cabernet

October 3, 2009 update: We were able to enjoy a bottle of “Black Cat” 2000 in February of 2009. It was enjoyed as part of a celebratory dinner, and unfortunately, no formal notes were taken. However, we can assure you it was stunning, in no danger of decline, and exhibiting all the characteristics of EMH “Black Cat” Cabernet. This bottle was definitely worthy of the occasion. If you own one, open and enjoy!

January 3, 2009 update: I cannot comment on the current status of the 2000 “Black Cat,” as there are very few bottles remaining anywhere, and I have not personally tasted this wine for at least three years. If anyone has, please share your experience!

—Jim Gallagher, Jim Gallagher’s Wine Seminars