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%
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
