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A Ten Year Retrospective of EPISODE tasting notes by Tim Gaiser 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 crossed my mind—a rarity when tasting Napa Cabernet in multiples. In fact, with one exception, the wines ranged from 14.2 to 14.6% alcohol and all had been aged in 100% new French barrels. This speaks volumes about the deft touch of winemaker Marisa Taylor. I asked Marisa about the lack of alcohol perception and use of 100% new wood in the wines and she responded by saying, "We're always looking to make the wines as balanced as possible. It starts in the vineyard with per- fectly ripe, healthy fruit and then carries over into the winery with minimal winemaking." I then asked Tony about the EPISODE wines and he replied that it was always his passion to own a winery for future genera- tions of his family. "Like the Frescobaldi family in Tuscany, who have made great wines since the 12th century, I've tried to create a wine in EPISODE that that will be a part of my family's future for many years to come." And it's to his family that Terlato writes in the final lines of his book: "Wine is my gift to them. It is from the soil. It is life-enhancing, delicious and a wonderful blend of God's gifts and man's ingenuity. It is magic in the glass." Nothing could be truer. EPISODE reflects Tony's passion for French wines, particularly his affinity for wines of elegance and finesse— wines that are enjoyable upon release but possess the potential to reward the patience of long-term cellaring. Here are my notes from the tasting. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot Dried currant, damson plum and blackberry; potpourri, anise, leather, and wood spice. Elegant, seamless and long; at its peak but easily another decade. 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 2% Malbec Dried roses, sandalwood and cedar notes compliment red fruits. The palate is bright and vibrant with a touch of earthiness; well balanced with a long finish. Drink now and over the next 8–12 years. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot Dark and dried red fruits are prominent with earthy/woodsy notes. Rounded palate with vibrant fruit and spicy wood on the finish. Nearing its peak but a long life ahead. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc Smoky/ woodsy impression with dried blackberry and dark plum. A combination of tart and sweet fruit on the palate with chocolate and savory notes on the finish. Now and over the next 15 years. 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot Dried dark plum and black- berry fruit with cedar, dried floral, leather, tea/leaves and smoke. The palate is supple, fullish and elegant. 12+ years. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot Compote of dark berries with smoke, leather, cedar, and earth. More wood spice on the palate. Now and over the next 15 years. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc Spicy plum and dark cherry with bitter chocolate, violet/rose, mint and herb. Ripe, rich and supple with fine tannins; outstanding winemaking. 12+ years. 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot Black and red currant, cedar, leather, savory herb and cocoa. Seamless, balanced, and complete—one of best wines from 2008 I've tasted. My favorite wine of the flight—so much for "off" vintages. 12–15 years. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot Spicy blackcurrant and dark plum with mocha, violet, cedar and smoke. Supple, and refined. 15+ years. 2010 44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot Ripe blackcurrant and dark cherry with rose, mint/herb, cocoa and wood spice. Lush, spicy, and youthful. 15+ years. Somm Journal June/July.indd 59 5/9/14 12:09 PM