94 Points - Chris Sawyer "Sommelier to the Stars"
Beyond being full-bodied and balanced, there is also a playful side to this wine guided by the fresh acidity and natural vitality of pure mountain goodness. Soft, smooth and sophisticated. Authenticity is every sip.
To explore the unique characteristic of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown above the valley floor, this magnificent artisan-style blend is a crafted with high-quality fruit from two separate hillside vineyards. The first is in the high-elevation Mount Veeder appellation on the Mayacamas Range west of Napa, where the dense wooded area around the site help contribute hints of earth and spice to the wine. The other is grown in the slightly warmer conditions further north on Howell Mountain, where the more rugged and rocky soils on the Vaca Range add more concentrated flavors, a touch of minerality, and firm structure to the blend. A bohemian partnership above the valley!
Food Pairings: Earthy cheeses, charcuterie, wild mushroom risotto, roasted pork with fresh herbs, prime rib, osso buco, and rich stews.
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (50%) and Mt. Veeder (50%)
Alcohol: 14.8% by volume
Aging: 24 months on American oak
A little more structured and fragrant than previous vintages. It rested in barrel a little longer than previous years, and embellished with more new French oak. Offering aromas of dark cherry, spice, and tobacco. A full mid palate with flavors of black cherry, blueberry-pomegranate and cherry cola, embellished with toasty oak.
Lip Smacking Delicious!
Tropical, rich, with tons of layering and depth... aromas of key lime, papaya, gala apple, cherry blossom and lemon. Flavors of melon, lime, orange, sweet lemon, Asian pear.
95 Points, Double Gold
Deep ruby in color this wine is juicy and structured. Blueberry, black cherry and wild blackberry, framed by notes of sweet licorice, violets, sage and bay leaf. Firm tannins hint at a long life ahead in the cellar, and the wine remains impeccably balanced.
93 Points
Aromas of macerated black raspberry, fresh black cherry, rose petals and a touch of butterscotch. Black cherry flavors take center stage on the palate with notes of strawberry fruit, leather and sweet toasted baking spices on the finish.
94 Points
Rich and generous, with a deep purple hue. Aromas of crushed violets, ripe berries, blueberry pop-tarts, black currant, licorice, chocolate-coated espresso beans, allspice, and cedar box. Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture.
96 Points
Ripe, elegant, and juicy. Opens up with alluring aromas of red and black fruit with notes of roasted espresso, mocha, leather, mineral, fresh sage, savory spices, and cedar fill your glass.
90 Points
Earthy notes of coffee bean, plum, and black pepper. Flavors of juicy black currant and black cherry explode on the palate. An uplifting freshness is carried through the mid-palate with complex and dense tannins.
New Release
Elegant, plush, and backed by power and grace. The nose pushes notes of ripe plum, sweet maple-cured bacon, lavender, five-spice, and blueberry. The palate is lush with cherry pipe tobacco, blackberry, raspberry held together by mineral overtones and fresh acidity.
93 Points
Deep red hue and hints of violet teasing the senses with seductive aromas of dark fruits, wild berries, cocoa, baking spices, leather, and cigar box. Filled with saturated flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cassis, cherry cola, ripe plum, fresh sage, licorice, clove, and roasted black walnut.
