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
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
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.
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.
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.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
95 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
PDF