93 Points - 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards
92 Points - RP
91 Points - JamesSuckling.com - November 19, 2018
GOLD - 2020 San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge
EXCELLENT - Restaurant Wine - Issues #187, #188, & #189
Artfully crafted, well-balanced and lingers on the palate with a silky mouthfeel leaving you craving for more. Great aging potential. It pairs perfectly with barbecued ribs, a rack of lamb or ratatouille.
Vintage: The string of near perfect vintages continued for the fifth year in 2016, with an early bud break and flowering followed by sunny days and relatively mild temperatures throughout the growing season. They were able to have almost all of our grapes safely in the cellar before the valley’s first signifcant fall rainstorm arrived on October fourteenth.
Vineyard: Their Yountville vineyard forms the heart of our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes from our 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.
The Wine: Complex aromas of black fruits, rich leather and nuances of violets burst out of the glass. Its full-bodied, rich mouthfeel carries these flavors for a long, lingering finish that loves a good grilled steak, rack of lamb or roasted duck.
Alcohol: 14.4% by volume
Varietals:
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Sept. 19-27, 2016
Sugar: 24.4 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.68
Aging: 21 months
Type of oak: French oak barrels; 60% new
Bottling date: August 2018
Release date: March 2020
All Wines
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
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