94 Points - Wine Enthusiast, Cellar Selection
92 Points - JamesSuckling.com
This age-worthy Cabernet has great density and length. It's complex yet nimble on the back palate, with a long balanced finish. Pairs perfectly with barbecued ribs, a rack of lamb or ratatouille.
Vintage: Napa Valley experienced an above-average rainfall in the early months of 2019 with over fifty inches of rain in Rutherford. The residual moisture and colder than average soils led to a delayed start in budbreak. Spring and summer enjoyed moderate temperatures with no significant heat spikes until August. The harvest began in early September and finished the first week of November.
Vineyard: Yountville vineyard forms the heart of this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes from their Rutherford and Calistoga vineyards rounding out the blend. They farm all of their vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic. The result is a full-bodied, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with pure flavors and a pronounced sense of place.
The Wine: Aromas of red fruits, rich leather and nuances of violets burst out of the glass. Its full-bodied, rich mouthfeel carries these flavors for a long, lingering finish that loves a good grilled steak, rack of lamb or roasted duck.
Alcohol: 14.5% by volume
Varietals: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Oct. 7 – Nov. 6, 2019
Sugar: 24.2 Brix (average)
Fermentation: Indigenous yeast with 4 weeks of skin contact.
Total acid: 5.8 g/L
pH: 3.72
Aging: 20 months
Type of oak: 100% French oak barrels
Bottling date: July 2021
Release date: April 2023
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
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