95 Points - Bonfort's Wine & Spirits Journal
92 Points - Christopher Sawyer
Proprietary Blend (Bordeaux varietal) from grapes grown in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Aged 28 months in French Oak barrels.
Approachable now, and has plenty of depth, structure, and complexity to lay down for another 5-8 years.
Less than a hundred cases EVER MADE and we have just enough to share with you today. While it lasts!
Pairings include Bone-in pork chop, duck confit, earthy cheese, slow-roasted prime rib, chocolate truffle, even a fine cigar by the fireplace.
Winemaking
Teaming up with veteran Napa Winemakers, Mark Jessup (Opus One, Mondavi) and Michael Quinn (Charles Krug, BV, Michael-Scott Wines). Recent wines have received 94 to 96 Points by Christopher Sawyer, collected Gold Medals from the prestigious London Wine Competition, and featured in Napa Valley Life Magazine and Bonfort’s Wine & Spirits.
Vintage
The 2017 year began with abundant rainfall, followed by a mild Spring resulting in extended flowering with little shatter. The summer warmed up nicely, allowing the fruit to mature at an even rate and make optimum conditions for flavor development. A Labor Day weekend kicked harvest into high gear, picking in mid-September and the first week in October.
VINTAGE: 2017
VARIETAL: Bordeaux Blend
APPELLATION: Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District
AGING: 28 months in French Oak barrels
pH: 3.74
ALCOHOL: 14.7%
93 Points
Layers of blackberry and dark cherry with subtle hints of cedar, cocoa, and toasted oak. Rich and concentrated, it is supported by fine tannins and fresh acidity that bring balance and length to the finish. Approachable today, it also has the structure to reward additional time in the cellar.
94 Points
Dark purple in color it opens with explosive aromas of wild blackberry, and a touch of vanilla oak. The palate is bursting with ripe juicy flavors of boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry, accented by layers of cedar, cacao, cinnamon and briary spice. It’s bold enough to stand up to any BBQ, yet smooth enough to sip on the patio as the sun goes down. Enjoy now and for the next 6-8 years.
95 Point Vintage
Opens with explosive aromatics of cassis, black plum, and sweet tobacco leaf, layered with warm baking spices (cinnamon and cardamom) and a light, complex ferrous mineral note. The Palate and mouthfeel is broad and sumptuous, bursting with flavors of juicy cherry pie, dark raspberry, and boysenberry compote.
The Finish carries a luxurious, savory presence showing undertones of leather, mocha, and milk chocolate, framed by supple, superfine tannins that melt into a long, polished finish.
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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