94 Points - International Wine Report
93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - Owen Bargreen
Vineyard
This Cabernet Sauvignon was produced primarily from grapes sourced from Oakville Ranch Vineyard, sitting at 1,000 to 1,400 feet above sea level with a westward aspect overlooking Napa Valley. The vineyard was replanted in 2006 by esteemed organic viticulturist Phil Coturri, and is fast gaining a reputation for producing some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. The rocky clay, loam and basalt soils have a heavy iron influence providing structure, power and depth. Cabernet Sauvignon lots fermented separately from two other vineyards that reside in alluvial soils along the Oakville foothills were blended into add expressive fruit character and lush tannins.
Winemaking
All of the 2019 Oakville grapes were fermented separately in small lots. They were then aged in Darnajou, Sylvain and Taransaud barrels, which framed the bold flavors and allowed the young wines to develop individually. After 20 months in barrel, the wines were racked, blended and bottled, showcasing layers of dark fruit flavors and rich textures.
Vintage
The 2019 vintage was similar to 2018 in that the mild season allowed for long and slow maturation. The lack of major heat waves and virtually no rain during harvest allowed us to pick every vineyard block at optimal ripeness. The 2019 vintage was slightly lower yielding, which resulted in greater concentration in the wines. Robust structures and rich flavors are consistent throughout the vintage.
Analysis
Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley
Varietal Composition: 98% berry-sorted Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 75% New French Oak
pH: 3.68 TA: 6.3 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered June 2021
Cases Produced: 900
Alcohol: 14.5%
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Polished and elegantly layered Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah offers red plum and black cherry, with hints of cigar box, forest floor, bay, baking spices, light pepper and vanilla on the nose. Expressive black raspberry, sassafras and smoky pepper flavors that linger with salted dark chocolate, red plum, cherry with notes of pepper on the palate.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This big juicy wine opens up with aromas of dark berry, black plum, dried violet and maple that leap from a glass, layered with dried herbs, tar, and smoke that follow. Blackberry and blueberry compote rule the palate, while leather, grilled herbs, dark chocolate and scorched earth lead to a long, satisfying finish. Delicious!
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Dark fruit aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and black cherry steer the aromatics backed by baking spices, anise and lavender. A touch of Syrah to add tannin and depth. On the palate, black cherry and blackberry preserve shine through rounded out by herbs de Provence, dark chocolate and vanilla. A gorgeous expressive wine!
PDF