94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
92 Points - Wine Spectator
92 Points - James Suckling
90 Points - Decanter
The finish is long and expressive, with spiced fruit flavors that linger endlessly. Will drink well for another 10-15 years.
WINEMAKING
Upon hand harvesting in the early morning hours, grapes were carefully destemmed and sent to tank for a whole-berry fermentation. The grapes were cold-soaked in tank at 45˚F for 4-7 days, allowing for increased color, aroma, and flavor extraction. After inoculation with a select yeast, the grape must (juice, skins, and seeds) fermented at 82˚F, which allowed for a hot extraction on the skins. For fermentation cap management, the juice was pumped over the skins two times per day, wetting the cap evenly for a nice healthy fermentation. After fermentation and pressing, the 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 50% new French oak and 50% neutral oak for 18 months before bottling. The blend is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
VINTAGE
The 2020 vintage was along and warm growing season, seasoned by a drought, which can often lead to a fantastic vintage. Bud break began in late March, leading to a Spring that had few showers and was relatively dry. Summer was steady, with heat spikes that pushed the vintage closer and closer. As we headed into Autumn, harvest was upon us quickly and we moved swiftly to bring in all the grapes to process and finish the season.
Winemaker: Jason Moulton
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Napa Valley
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.8%
90 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass. The palate opens with cranberry, cherry fruit and wood spice dominate. Cherry and plum notes pump through with a medium-bodied texture. Smooth tannins and soft finish showcase its layered complexity.
92 Points
Aromas of red raspberry, jammed dark fruit, cinnamon spice and clove. Hints of sliced ripe plum, black tea and lavender oil adds to its complexity. Flavors of blueberry, elderberry, and cranberry are enhanced with oak spice and baking notes from the barrels. These flavors marry with soft tannins for a long and mouthwatering finish.
92 Points
Juicy blackberries and black cherries accented by mint and chocolate. Full-bodied, deeply colored, with a hint of white pepper, dried herbs and toasted bread. Delivers a substantial mid-palate of dark fruits, black tea, baked cherry, fruit preserves and licorice. Sophisticated and sumptuous. A great example of the varietal, brooding with depth and complexity. Notes of toast and oak, with integrated tannins and textural polish on the finish.
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