90 points - BTI 2016 Gold Medal Winner
Today we have an outstanding Malbec from the North East slope of Howell Mountain in the Napa Valley. The good ones tend to be big, dark and inky with aromas of plums and dark ripe berries, fruit forward while maintaining a rustic quality. The palate is typically rich and round, with a long wonderful finish.
Originally a common blending grape and one of the original five main Bordeaux wine varietals, Malbec is now known as the principal red grape of Argentina. It appeared as a grape variety in its own right in the Napa Valley in the 1990's. Malbec typically ripens midway through the growing season and produces small, intensely colored grapes.
The 2013 Maroon Napa Valley Reserve Malbec is dark ruby in color with aromas of ripe blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, wild strawberry, with soft sweet spice, hints of violet and rose on the nose. The palate continues with more raspberry, blackberry candy, strawberry, dried flower, black currant, spice and a hint of white pepper. The finishes is full a lush with tannin, which adds a crushed velvety feel. You'll LOVE this one!
Enjoy with barbecued lamb, beef or pork, anything smokey, etc.
Vintage: 2013
Release Date: November, 2015
Production: 820 cases
Appellation: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Varietal Composition: 100% Malbec
Alcohol: 14.2%
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.
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.
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.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
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.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
