95 Points - Bonfort's Wine & Spirits Journal
While it lasts. Less than a 100 cases made and we have just enough to share with you today. Approachable now, and has plenty of depth, structure, and complexity to lay down for another 10+ years.
Grapes for this were meticulously handpicked Mt Veeder hillside vineyard west of the Napa Valley. Farmed sustainably, and aged in French oak barrels for 24 months. The result is a harmoniously intricate flavor profile that exudes sophistication.
Pairings include Bone-in pork chop, duck confit, earthy cheese, slow-roasted prime rib, chocolate truffle, even a fine cigar by the fireplace.
HISTORY
Previously named Andrew Cain, now under the name of Andrew Cotti, the same winery with a slight name change. Founded by brothers, Jason “Andrew” Hooten and Jonathan “Cain” Hooten. Born and raised in Napa, CA, both brothers have worked in the Wine & Spirits industry for a combined 55+ years.
VINTAGE
Mild spring in 2022 allowed for consistent bud break, and the region's elevated vineyards experienced cooler temperatures than the valley floor, helping preserve freshness and acidity in the fruit. Several heat spikes during the summer accelerated ripening, but careful irrigation and canopy management kept the vines in optimal condition. Cooler fall temperatures allowed for an extended harvest period, leading to balanced phenolic ripeness. We're very pleased with this vintage and only wish there was more!
WINEMAKING
Sustainable farmed grapes and grown organically, this wine was inspired by the land. Teaming up with veteran Napa Winemakers, Chris Agan (Joseph Phelps, Relic Cellars) and Eric Lyman (Judd’s Hill) for the past 14 years. Recent vintages have received 95 points Bonfort’s Wine & Spirits and more.
VINTAGE: 2022
VARIETAL: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon / 5% Petit Verdot
APPELLATION: Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
AGING: Aged 24 months in French Oak barrels / 30% new
pH: 3.64
TA: 5.91 g/L
ALCOHOL: 14.7%
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.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
95 Point Vintage
Opens with explosive aromatics of cassis, black plum, and sweet tobacco leaf, layered with warm baking spices (cinnamon and cardamom) and a light, complex ferrous mineral note. The Palate and mouthfeel is broad and sumptuous, bursting with flavors of juicy cherry pie, dark raspberry, and boysenberry compote.
The Finish carries a luxurious, savory presence showing undertones of leather, mocha, and milk chocolate, framed by supple, superfine tannins that melt into a long, polished finish.
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.
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.
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.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
95 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
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