94 Points - Decanter Magazine
90 Points - JamesSuckling.com
Its full-bodied rich mouthfeel carry flavors for a long lingering finish and begs for a grilled steak, rack of lamb or roasted duck.
Vintage: 2020 was one of the warmest vintages on record with multiple heat waves well over 100 degrees, and was also accompanied by exceptionally low rainfall: 50-60% below average. Despite the low rainfall, the vines prepared themselves for drought by producing less leaves, which requires less water. The heat and drought produced exceptionally low yields but with excellent quality – beautiful concentration and color.
Vineyard: Yountville vineyard forms the heart of this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes from their Rutherford and Calistoga vineyards rounding out the blend. They farm all of their vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic. The result is a full-bodied, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with pure flavors and a pronounced sense of place.
Alcohol: 14.1% by volume
Varietals: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Sept. 23 – Oct. 10, 2020
Sugar: 23.5 Brix (average)
Fermentation: Indigenous yeast with 4 weeks of skin contact.
Total acid: 5.5 g/L
pH: 3.65
Aging: 20 months
Type of oak: 100% French oak barrels
Bottling date: July 2022
Release date: August 2024
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!
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