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
All Wines
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.
PDF