95 Points - S.F. International Wine Competition
92 Points - Affairs of the Vine Cabernet Shootout
Gold Medal - Orange County Wine Competition
Rancho Salina is a beautiful vineyard situated 800 feet about the Sonoma Valley on the western facing slope of the Mayacamas Mountains, where afternoon sun ripens the Bordeaux varieties planted in rocky soils. Muscardini sources both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Rancho Salina, and blends them in about equal portions, like many of the great Right Bank Bordeaux wines. The result is a fresh yet powerful wine perfect for ageing.
The 2013 Muscardini Rancho Salina is deep ruby in color, with classic Bordeaus aromas of kirsch, licorice, cherry, vanilla, flowers, and baking spice. Flavors of cherry, tobacco, pepper, and plum explode on the palate, with bright acid and oak flavors giving plenty of structure. Built for the cellar, this gold medal winner is drinking well now, and will improve with two to five years in the cellar, and should drink nicely for at least eight years.
Fabulous pairings include aged gouda and hard cheeses, risotto with wild mushrooms, red meats, pork tenderloin and roasted duck.
Appellation: Sonoma County
Vineyard: Rancho Salina Vineyard
Harvested: October 5, 2013
Winemaker: Michael Muscardini
Blend: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot
Alcohol: 14.9
Bottled: February 9, 2015
Cases Produced: 482
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
95 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
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