94 Points - Wine Enthusiast, Cellar Selection
92 Points - JamesSuckling.com
This age-worthy Cabernet has great density and length. It's complex yet nimble on the back palate, with a long balanced finish. Pairs perfectly with barbecued ribs, a rack of lamb or ratatouille.
Vintage: Napa Valley experienced an above-average rainfall in the early months of 2019 with over fifty inches of rain in Rutherford. The residual moisture and colder than average soils led to a delayed start in budbreak. Spring and summer enjoyed moderate temperatures with no significant heat spikes until August. The harvest began in early September and finished the first week of November.
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.
The Wine: Aromas of red 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: 14.5% by volume
Varietals: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Oct. 7 – Nov. 6, 2019
Sugar: 24.2 Brix (average)
Fermentation: Indigenous yeast with 4 weeks of skin contact.
Total acid: 5.8 g/L
pH: 3.72
Aging: 20 months
Type of oak: 100% French oak barrels
Bottling date: July 2021
Release date: April 2023
90 Points
Richly viscous and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
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.
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