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%
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
New Release
A ferociously fun Napa Valley blend with depth, balance and big flavor. Aromas of red currant, fresh strawberries, black plum, vanilla, and notes of cocoa on the nose. The palate is bursting with fruit ranging from cherries, mixed berry compote, toasted hazelnut and more. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
PDF