94 Points - Decanter Magazine
90 Points - JamesSuckling.com
Its full-bodied rich mouthfeel carry flavors for a long lingering finish and begs for a grilled steak, rack of lamb or roasted duck.
Vintage: 2020 was one of the warmest vintages on record with multiple heat waves well over 100 degrees, and was also accompanied by exceptionally low rainfall: 50-60% below average. Despite the low rainfall, the vines prepared themselves for drought by producing less leaves, which requires less water. The heat and drought produced exceptionally low yields but with excellent quality – beautiful concentration and color.
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.
Alcohol: 14.1% by volume
Varietals: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Sept. 23 – Oct. 10, 2020
Sugar: 23.5 Brix (average)
Fermentation: Indigenous yeast with 4 weeks of skin contact.
Total acid: 5.5 g/L
pH: 3.65
Aging: 20 months
Type of oak: 100% French oak barrels
Bottling date: July 2022
Release date: August 2024
95 Points
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
94 Points
Opens up with an aromatic burst of black cherry jam, wild huckleberry, and a hint of crushed espresso bean. On the palate, the fruit is lush and primary, but it's the secondary notes—toasted nutmeg, dark chocolate truffle, and the signature 'Dry Creek Dust'—that provide a long, savory finish.
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