93 Points - 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards
92 Points - RP
91 Points - JamesSuckling.com - November 19, 2018
GOLD - 2020 San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge
EXCELLENT - Restaurant Wine - Issues #187, #188, & #189
Artfully crafted, well-balanced and lingers on the palate with a silky mouthfeel leaving you craving for more. Great aging potential. It pairs perfectly with barbecued ribs, a rack of lamb or ratatouille.
Vintage: The string of near perfect vintages continued for the fifth year in 2016, with an early bud break and flowering followed by sunny days and relatively mild temperatures throughout the growing season. They were able to have almost all of our grapes safely in the cellar before the valley’s first signifcant fall rainstorm arrived on October fourteenth.
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.
Alcohol: 14.4% by volume
Varietals:
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Sept. 19-27, 2016
Sugar: 24.4 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.68
Aging: 21 months
Type of oak: French oak barrels; 60% new
Bottling date: August 2018
Release date: March 2020
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
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.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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.
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