90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Drinks great now, and will easily cellar 10+ years.
Pair with fresh blue cheese, eggplant parmesan, pasta Bolognese, barbequed pork chops, and grilled steak with black peppercorn sauce.
VINEYARD
Bedrock Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in the state. Originally owned by Generals Sherman and Hooker of Civil War fame, these particular vines were planted after the vineyard changed hands in 1888, making this a notable historic vineyard. A blend of equal quantities of Mourvèdre, Carignane, and Zinfandel, all from ancient vines, make this one of the most interesting and stylish wines produced at Dashe Cellars.
WINEMAKING
Harvested separately into ½ ton picking bins, the grapes were hand-sorted, and then fermented using the native "wild" native yeasts. Each varietal was fermented in separate bins, and the cap "punched down" by hand four times a day. This technique produces great fruit extraction with minimal tannins. Gently pressed into traditional 60-gallon oak barrels, each varietal was kept separate, and blended carefully to develop texture, intensity, and balance between the acidity and spicy fruit.
Vintage: 2018
Varietals: 42% Carignane, 38% Mourvèdre and 20% Zinfandel
Vineyard: Bedrock Vineyard
Appellation: Sonoma County
Time in oak: 18 months in French oak
Alcohol: 13.8%
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.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
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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