93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
93 Points - Vinous
This dark-ruby GSM blend from Thompson Vineyard – along the Alisos Canyon corridor in Santa Barbara County – is richly pleasing. Aged in large-format puncheons for 20 months, with 22% of the French oak barrels being a year old or more. Drink now through 2025
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Varietal Composition: 58% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah
Vineyard Source: 100% Thompson Vineyard (Blocks 1E, 2A, 1B)
Aging: Aged in large format 500L French oak Puncheons for 20 months, of which 22% new French oak
Cooperage: Atelier Centre, Ermitage, Francois Freres
Harvest Brix: 23.8 - 26.6
Acid: 0.564 g/100ml
pH: 3.80
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 253 cases
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
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.
