94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Pair with Grilled Rib Eye Steak · Lamb Sliders · Roast duck with a cherry reduction · Roasted Eggplant · Cheddar cheese · Flourless chocolate cake
VINEYARD
The Heart Arrow Ranch, located in the northern reaches of Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, is a great example of how Biodynamic farming can produce complex, balanced wines. The entire farm is a self-sustaining. No pesticides or herbicides are used on the farm. The Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the property comes from vines planted on a steep slope of bright red, rocky, volcanic soil. The vines struggle to produce fruit on this well-drained rocky soil, which produces tiny amounts of intense, complex fruit that we make into structured, almost Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon.
WINEMAKING
In 2019, the grapes were picked very late in the season, as is typical for this vineyard. The vines produced tiny amounts of pea-sized, black grapes that we were certain would make jet-black, concentrated wine. We hand-sorted the grapes on a conveyor to the crusher, and fermented the grapes for almost one month in small stainless steel tanks, using only the native yeasts on the grapes. After pressing, the wine was aged for 20 months in small French oak barrels, using about 30% new oak for flavor and firm structure. During blending, we decided that a small amount of Merlot would bring supple texture and bright black cherry fruit to the wine. The resulting wine has a fine structure and a complex, layered flavor profile.
Vintage: 2019
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Heart Arrow Ranch
Appellation: Eagle Peak, Mendocino County
Time in oak: 20 months; 100% French oak 30% new barrels
Alcohol: 13.9%
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous 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.
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.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
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.
