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
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
93 Points
Deep red hue and hints of violet teasing the senses with seductive aromas of dark fruits, wild berries, cocoa, baking spices, leather, and cigar box. Filled with saturated flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cassis, cherry cola, ripe plum, chopped mint leaves, while the palate unfolds with rich tannin, juicy acidity, and flavors of cherry gastrique, berry coulis, herb mélange, and licorice.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
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