Gold Medal - 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Competition
Polished with a very modern feel - think rich, concentrated, intense, deep and very long, with tons of sexy black fruit, and just the right touch of French oak. Drinks great now, and will easily go for a decade or more in your cellar.
Pair with rich cuisine including blue cheeses, grilled pork chops, beef bourguignon, dry aged ribeye, or braised lamb shank.
VINTAGE
This outstanding Reserve blend consists of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot all from the beautiful Cassata Vineyards Estate in Sonoma Valley.
VINEYARD
Cassata Vineyards is located in beautiful Glen Ellen, California. This area is known for its outstanding growing soils and climate. The vineyard was re-established along the gentle rolling hills. In the center of the property, a pond has been incorporated to act as a beautiful oasis for local wildlife. The pond also provides a much needed water resource. The entire property is managed bio dynamically so that future generations can enjoy a pure and simple refuge in this isolated valley.
Winemaker: Michael Muscardini
Appellation: Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County
Vineyard: Cassata Vineyards
Varietals: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot
Harvested: September 28, 2017
Bottled: June 9, 2021
Alcohol: 14.4%
Cases Produced: 360
95 Points
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
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