96 Points - 2019 Decanter World Wine Awards
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast - June 2019
91 Points - JamesSuckling.com - December 21, 2017
91 Points- GOLD - EXCEPTIONAL - Cellar Selection
- 2018 World Wine Championships - Tastings.com
DOUBLE GOLD - 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
This Napa Valley Cabernet entices the senses with layers of complex flavors that continue to evolve in the glass and on the palate. Aromas of black currants, violets, and plums dance in the glass, creating a new experience with every taste. The wine is artfully crafted, well-balanced and lingers on the palate with a silky mouthfeel leaving you craving for more. It pairs perfectly with barbecued ribs, a rack of lamb or ratatouille.
Vintage: The growing season started out with unseasonably warm temperatures in the late winter and early spring, triggering early bud break. Colder temperatures in May slowed grape development which, coupled with the fourth year of drought, resulted in a smaller crop in 2015. The harvest was one of our earliest in memory with the berries smaller than usual but packed with flavor and color.
Vineyard: Their Yountville vineyard forms the heart of our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes from our 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.
The Wine: Complex aromas of black fruits, rich leather and nuances of violets burst out of the glass. Its full-bodied, rich mouthfeel carries these flavors for a long, lingering finish that loves a good grilled steak, rack of lamb or roasted duck.
Varietals:
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Sept. 10 - Oct. 2, 2015
Sugar: 24.7 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.7
Aging: 21 months
Type of oak: French oak barrels; 60% new
Bottling date: June 2017
Release date: Fall 2018
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
93 Points
Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of Madagascar vanilla followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a touch of lavender. Its rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish.
94 Points
Rich and full-bodied and graced with elegant structure. Nuanced flavors of blackberries and ripe cherries that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving. A subtle waft of roasted coffee beans and lightly toasted almonds entwine with raspberry in a luxurious finish.
93 Points
Aromas of glazed lemon, pear drops, ripe gooseberries, acacia and wet stone on the nose. The palate is juicy and vibrant on the palate with attractive notes of tarragon and citrus peel. Medium to full bodied with vivid acidity and mineral under-tones. Crisp and flavorful.
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine opens with aromas of blackberry, black plum, violets and spice on the nose. Flavors on the palate of dark cherry, sarsaparilla and orange zest wrap around dried tobacco leaf, malt chocolate and toasted vanilla, with a long, supple finish.
Highly Recommended
Aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices. The palate opens with a dense and lush tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, and a long flavorful vanilla finish.
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