96 Points - 2019 Decanter World Wine Awards
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast - June 2019
91 Points - JamesSuckling.com - December 21, 2017
91 Points- GOLD - EXCEPTIONAL - Cellar Selection
- 2018 World Wine Championships - Tastings.com
DOUBLE GOLD - 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
This Napa Valley Cabernet entices the senses with layers of complex flavors that continue to evolve in the glass and on the palate. Aromas of black currants, violets, and plums dance in the glass, creating a new experience with every taste. The wine is artfully crafted, well-balanced and lingers on the palate with a silky mouthfeel leaving you craving for more. It pairs perfectly with barbecued ribs, a rack of lamb or ratatouille.
Vintage: The growing season started out with unseasonably warm temperatures in the late winter and early spring, triggering early bud break. Colder temperatures in May slowed grape development which, coupled with the fourth year of drought, resulted in a smaller crop in 2015. The harvest was one of our earliest in memory with the berries smaller than usual but packed with flavor and color.
Vineyard: Their Yountville vineyard forms the heart of our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes from our 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: Complex aromas of black 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.
Varietals:
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Sept. 10 - Oct. 2, 2015
Sugar: 24.7 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.7
Aging: 21 months
Type of oak: French oak barrels; 60% new
Bottling date: June 2017
Release date: Fall 2018
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
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.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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