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Inventory updated: Fri, Jan 17, 2025 04:02 PM cst
Magnums and Up
Today at Flickinger Wines we would like to showcase our current collection of New-World Magnums and other Large Format bottles. These larger format bottles allow for a more delicate aging than the standard size bottles, and they make excellent showpieces to one’s cellar. Both young and well-aged options abound in the list below. Happy Hunting!
The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Monday, December 9, 2024. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Amuse Bouche |
2014 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L)  |
$399 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (12/2016): The 2014 Amuse Bouche, the flagship Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is absolutely delicious. Dark cherry, mocha, spice and leather open up nicely in the glass. Fleshy, supple and radiant, with silky tannins underpinning the fruit, the 2014 has a lot to offer, even in the early going. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so. Antonio Galloni.
JD 92 (12/2017): The 2014 Merlot Amuse Bouche (there’s 8% Cabernet Franc) is the Pomerol look alike in the portfolio and it's a ripe, sexy, elegant beauty loaded with notions of plums, blueberries, brambly spice and hints of leafy herbs/tobacco. Ripe, rounded and undeniably sexy on the palate, with sweet tannin, it's already hard to resist, yet should keep for 10-15 years.
WA 90 (12/2016): The 2014 Proprietary Red Amuse Bouche, the flagship wine is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. This is a stylish, rich, complex wine showing how serious Merlot can be when handled properly. Dense ruby/purple with loads of black cherry and blackberry fruit, a medium to full body and soft, supple tannins, the wine is pure with a multilayered mouthfeel. This is rich and authoritative, but at the same time elegant and complex. It is already drinking well and should continue to do so for at least 10-15 more years. |
|
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2015 |
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Au Sommet |
2014 |
Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 92 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Sommet is a beauty. Offering tons of upfront cassis and black raspberry fruit, with building spice, sandalwood, and dried flower, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannin and a great mid-palate. It shows the upfront, charming nature of the vintage, yet has plenty of density, as well as tannin. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, it should last for 15-20 years.
VM 95 (12/2016): The 2014 Au Sommet is one of the best wines I have tasted off this property on Atlas Peak. Aromatic, intense and yet also light on its feet, the 2014 speaks to weightless intensity. A host of sweet tobacco, cedar, menthol, dried herbs and licorice add nuance throughout. A wine of translucent, understated power, the 2014 is wonderfully complete. Drink it over the next decade or so. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Aubert |
2017 |
UV Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (12/2018): Aubert's 2017 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard is pliant, open-knit and super-expressive. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, earthiness, dried flowers and cherry fruit are all laced together in this very pretty, nuanced Pinot. Despite its recent bottling, the 2017 UV is bright, lifted and super-expressive. The blend of Calera and Vosne-Romanee clones works beautifully. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
UV Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard is the darkest and richest of the three Pinots in Mark Aubert's lineup. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice and herbs are all broad and ample in the glass. The UV is a Pinot of gravitas, power and textural intensity. Ideally, readers should give it a few years in bottle, as the tannins are pretty imposing at this stage, just a few months after bottling. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2017 |
UV-SL Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (12/2018): The 2017 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard is the most backward and tannic of the three Aubert Pinots. Dried herbs, cedar, tobacco and menthol add striking aromatic nuance, but today it is the wine's tannin profile that makes the strongest impression. This hillside site above Occidental yields Pinots of real distinction. I imagine the UV-SL will be the slowest of these wines to reveal itself, but it has plenty to say. Lavender, rose petals, blood orange and spices add an exotic flair to this embryonic Pinot. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
UV-SL Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard brings together some of the aromatic breadth of the UV with the textural resonance of the CIX. Rose petal, lavender, spice, menthol, kirsch and dark cherry fruit build in a Pinot that balances density, power and energy. Rich and layered in the glass, with striking inner perfume, the UV-SL is superb. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Beaulieu Vineyard |
2013 |
Rarity Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$895 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (1/2022): Here in its first release, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rarity is a new flagship bottling sourced from BV's iconic #1 and #2 ranches. The blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot yields a wine of tremendous depth and concentration. Dark fruit, leather, tobacco, lavender, espresso and mocha all build in the glass. It is interesting to taste the 2013 next to the 2016, as it was done at a time in the estate's history when concentration and heavy extraction were more central to the winemaking philosophy than they are today. Give this a few years to come around. Bottled only in magnums. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bergstrom |
2015 |
Homage Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$299 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Le Pre du Col Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2016): Limpid ruby-red. Vibrant, sharply delineated aromas of raspberry, Asian spices and potpourri are lent urgency by a strong mineral flourish. Juicy, spicy and focused on the palate, with showing vibrant cut and mineral lift to the red berry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors. Finishes impressively long and aromatic, with resonating florality and silky tannins sneaking in late to contribute shape. There's a lot of immediate appeal here, but I'd give this sexy Pinot at least a few more years of rest. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2017 |
Le Pre du Col Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (4/2020): Grown on volcanic soils, the 2017 Pinot Noir Le Pre du Col Vineyard opens with a touch of tarry reduction, giving way to nori, mushroom powder, smoked cranberries, blackberries, dried leaves, pencil shavings, aniseed and dried flower aromas. Medium-bodied, the palate is dark and broody with a firm, grainy frame and good freshness on the long, perfumed finish. This merits another couple of years in bottle. |
|
| Bond Estates (Harlan) |
2014 |
Melbury Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$1,295 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (10/2017): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Melbury is profoundly scented of crushed plums, black cherries and cassis with hints of dark chocolate, black pepper, black soil and licorice plus a hint of iron ore. Full-bodied, rich and earthy in the mouth, it has a lovely fine-grained but firm backbone with plenty of freshness, finishing long and peppery.
JD 95 (12/2017): The 2014 Melbury comes from a site just north of Lake Hennessey that consists of unique, oceanic and clay soils. It’s a pretty, perfumed, seamless beauty offering loads of black cherry and cassis fruit, hints of chocolate and earth, medium to full-bodied richness, no hard edges, and beautiful tannin. Drink it over the coming 15-20 years.
VM 95 (1/2018): The 2014 Melbury is bright, perfumed and wonderfully lifted in the glass. Soft, silky tannins add to the wine's considerable appeal. Medium in body and gracious, the 2014 is absolutely exquisite today. Sweet red cherry, plum, rose petal and mint grace the supple finish. This is a super-refined wine from BOND. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Quella Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$1,150 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96+ (3/2018): The 2014 Quella is showing beautifully. Floral and savory overtones give the wine its energy and tension. The 2014 has really come along over the last six months. Today it is vibrant and full of life, with an understated sense of power that is compelling. The 2014 has developed very nicely since I last tasted it, but it still has room to grow. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (10/2017): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Quella is scented of blackberry preserves, fruitcake and crushed rocks with hints of cigar box, dried Provence herbs and Indian spices. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and great freshness lifting the black fruit and earth layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note.
JD 95 (12/2017): The 2014 Quella is one of the most aromatic and complex in the lineup. Coming from more seabed and volcanic soils (similar to the Melbury) and sporting a deep purple color and lifted notes of spice cake, black cherries, blueberries, violets and iron-like minerality, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, elegant, has bright acidity, and a great finish. Drink it anytime over the coming 20+ years. |
|
|
2014 |
St. Eden Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$1,095 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (12/2017): The Oakville release (yet it’s from a steep hillside vineyard), the 2014 St. Eden has lots of graphite and dusty earth character as well as classic dark fruits, white chocolate, and toasty oak notes. It’s a big, full-bodied, elegant, multi-dimensional beauty that has everything going for it. It’s up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.
VM 96 (3/2018): As it often is, the 2014 St. Eden is a showy, racy wine. A rush of dark red cherry, plum, mocha, espresso and grilled herbs gives the wine its opulent, flamboyant feel. Even so the St. Eden shows the natural restraint and mid-weight structure of the year. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (10/2017): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2014 St. Eden offers up expressive crème de cassis, black cherry compote and blueberry pie notes with hints of cedar chest, baking spices, menthol and pencil lead. Full-bodied, tightly packed, taut and muscular, it has a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and lovely vivacity coming through on the long, earthy finish. |
|
|
2003 |
Vecina Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$750 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (6/2006): Good medium ruby color. Roasted black fruits and a suggestion of almost port-like ripeness on the nose. Lush, superripe and powerful, with superb density of flavor. With notes ranging from black olive to dark chocolate, this shows a wider range of ripeness than either the highly promising young 2004 or the remarkably lush and sweet 2002 (which I scored 95 on this latest occasion).
WA 93 (12/2006): More difficult to evaluate than its siblings, the 2003 Vecina, which comes from a site near Harlan Estate, is a firm, tannic, backward wine displaying a gravelly, scorched earth, hot rock, black currant, licorice, and herb-scented bouquet. In the mouth, it is tight, rich, and ruggedly constructed with medium to full body as well as a boatload of tannin. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring, and consume it over the following 15. |
|
|
2014 |
Vecina Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$995 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (10/2017): The 2014 Vecina displays a deep garnet-purple color and has a broody, baked blueberries, cassis and anise-laced nose with suggestions of garrigue, dusty earth and bay leaves. Full-bodied, rich, spicy and powerful in the mouth, it offers a lot of latent layers and promises great, great things to come with an incredibly long, layered finish. It needs a bit of time but should cellar beautifully for a good 25 years+.
JD 97 (12/2017): Another awesome wine is the 2014 Vecina and it’s from a vineyard on the western side of the valley, right up next to Harlan Estate. This deep, full-bodied, seriously concentrated 2014 gives up loads of plums, currants, toasty oak, chocolate, and chalky minerality. It picks up a touch of violets with time in the glass, but the theme here is deep, dark fruit and minerality. With the forward, supple style of the vintage, it still has serious concentration and structure, and is going to be long-lived.
VM 97 (3/2018): One of the most expressive wines in this range, the 2014 Vecina is powerful, dense and explosive. Despite its obvious intensity, the 2014 has quite a bit of detail and nuance. Time in the glass unleashes the wine's natural intensity, volume and power. The huge, savory and mineral-drenched finish only adds to the wine's immeasurable beauty. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Vecina Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$1,000 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (1/2020): The 2016 Vecina got a few expletives in my notes, and it’s one of the more powerful, structured, inward wines in the lineup. From a site on the western side of the appellation (not far from Harlan Estate), its deep purple color is followed by stunning notes of crushed rocks, violets, chocolate, graphite, and cold steel. It’s an incredible, insanely good Cabernet that’s going to benefit from a decade of bottle age and keep for 30 years or more. |
|
| Buccella |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (3/2018): Buccella's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a total knock-out. In fact, the 2014 is one of the best – possibly the best – wine I have ever tasted from Buccella. Deep, ripe and intense, with striking persistence, the 2014 is delineated, precise and complete. There is plenty of the textural richness that is such a Buccella signature, but the 2014 has an extra degree of energy that balances things out. Hints of bittersweet chocolate, lavender, red cherry jam and exotic spice infuse the vibrant, sculpted finish. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Carter Cellars |
2014 |
The G.T.O. Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$595 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (5/2023): Lastly, and I think the star of the show in 2014, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The G.T.O. (which included some Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time) is a bigger, richer, more powerful wine offering pure cassis and currant fruits, some leafy herb, tobacco, chocolate, and Pauillac-like lead pencil nuances, a stacked mid-palate, ultra-fine tannins, and a thrilling finish. As with the other 2014s here, it's drinking brilliantly today and is going to have 20-30 years of overall longevity.
WA 96+ (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon The G.T.O. is a tiny lot of 25 cases, in magnum only. An intense wine with almost the essence of blackberry and cassis intermixed with charcoal, scorched earth, fruitcake and tobacco leaf. Great opulence on the attack, terrific velvety tannins and a long, layered finish make for a spectacular wine and another great example of this phenomenal Napa Valley vineyard. Drink it over the next 25-30 years. |
|
|
2017 |
The G.T.O. Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$550 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (5/2023): The clear standout in 2017 is the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The G.T.O., a deeper, richer, incredibly impressive wine from a challenging vintage. As always, a blend of the three parcels, this deep purple-hued beauty offers a full-bodied, rich, concentrated style as well as beautiful cassis and darker fruits, some complex notes of iron, violets, white pepper, and flowery incense, perfect tannins, and an expansive, layered, opulent profile that's hard to find in this vintage. It's an incredible wine.
WA 97+ (10/2019): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon The GTO springs from the glass with bold crème de cassis, blackberry pie, preserved plums and cigar box scents with hints of incense, underbrush, Chinese five spice and tree bark. Big, rich, opulent and full with firm, grainy tannins and bags of spicy black fruit, it has a velvety texture and long, layered finish. |
|
| Ch. Montelena |
2015 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 92 (3/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley release from Montelena has a beautiful bouquet that just jumps from the glass. Lovely notes of crème de cassis, violets, tobacco, and orange blossom all give way to a ripe, medium to full-bodied, sweetly fruited Cabernet Sauvignon that shows the charm of the 2015 front and center. It will keep for 10-15 years.
VM 92 (1/2018): Montelena's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is gorgeous. Pliant and supple, the 2015 offers notable density and raciness in an up-front style that will drink well upon release. Succulent red/purplish fruit, spice, new leather and licorice are front and center. A wine of total allure, the 2015 hits all the right spots. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Chappellet |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$479 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 99 (5/2018): A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill gives gregarious crème de cassis, baked blackberries, black cherry compote and mocha notes with touches of camphor, star anise, violets and oolong tea. Full-bodied and packing a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins, with great freshness supporting the powerful, muscular fruit, it finishes very, very long. This should live forever.
JD 98 (2/2023): A beast of a wine on release, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill has shed plenty of its copious baby fat and is now showing more elegance and nuance. Cassis, graphite, sagebrush, iron, and tobacco all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a silky, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It's certainly in the early stages of its drink window, yet I suspect it will evolve gracefully for another two decades.
VM 96 (10/2015): A deep, inky wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill exudes richness and concentration. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, graphite, mocha, smoke and spices meld together as this ample, structured Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its personality. The Pritchard Hill is made in a ripe, concentrated style that is quite typical of the vintage. At the same time, the impact of heavier extractions and more new oak also shapes the wine to a significant degree. I am not sure the Pritchard Hill is meaningfully more complex than the Signature, but it is quite striking just the same. As good as the 2013 is today - and it is terrific - my sense is that it would be even better with less oak influence. This is an especially somber, virile Cabernet Sauvignon from Chappellet. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$435 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 99 (5/2018): Made up of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is deep garnet-purple in color with an incredibly youthful, primary fruited nose of crushed blackcurrants, blackberries and plums with touches of chocolate box, espresso, cinnamon stick, cloves and menthol. It's a big, blockbuster, rich style with the full-bodied palate sporting tons of black and blue fruits, structured with a solid frame of ripe, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long.
VM 97 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is every bit as magnificent today as it was last year from barrel. Inky, concentrated and regal in its pedigree, the 2014 is all class. The 2014 is not as bombastic or huge as the 2013. Instead, it is a wine of total finesse and elegance. The purity of the fruit is simply striking. This is a mesmerizing, utterly compelling wine from the Chappellet family. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2014 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (5/2018): Made up of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is deep garnet-purple in color with an incredibly youthful, primary fruited nose of crushed blackcurrants, blackberries and plums with touches of chocolate box, espresso, cinnamon stick, cloves and menthol. It's a big, blockbuster, rich style with the full-bodied palate sporting tons of black and blue fruits, structured with a solid frame of ripe, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long.
VM 97 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is every bit as magnificent today as it was last year from barrel. Inky, concentrated and regal in its pedigree, the 2014 is all class. The 2014 is not as bombastic or huge as the 2013. Instead, it is a wine of total finesse and elegance. The purity of the fruit is simply striking. This is a mesmerizing, utterly compelling wine from the Chappellet family. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$469 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97 (5/2018): A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 8% Malbec, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill has gone a little reticent at this stage, offering quiet notions of blackberry pie and blueberry tart with sparks of dried herbs, earth and savory/meaty suggestions. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated with a built-like-a-brick-house structure framing the massive fruit, it finishes long with exotic spices coming through.
VM 96+ (2/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is dense, powerful and voluptuous in the glass, and yet it very much retains a classic sense of structure that is one of the signatures of Chappellet wines. Dark red-toned fruit, licorice, smoke, dark spice and dried flowers all meld together. Sumptuous and forward, with terrific depth, the 2015 has a lot to offer. The 100% new French oak is beautifully integrated, even at this early stage. A year ago, the 2015 was hugely tannic. Since then, the tannins have softened and the 2015 has developed into a much more elegant wine. Antonio Galloni.
JD 100 (12/2017): Also inky colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill and spent 22 months in new French oak. It has a similar level of purity, as well as incredible minerality, to go with notes of crème de cassis, scorched earth, crushed rock, and graphite. Reminiscent of liking a rock with its insane level of minerality, this full-bodied beauty is tight and closed on the palate, yet is just loaded with potential. It’s only for those with cold cellars and needs forgotten for 7-8 years, but will keep for 4-5 decades. Bravo! |
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|
2017 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$459 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$465 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (1/2021): Always one of top wines in a vintage, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is another gorgeous wine with a more plush, supple texture that hides solid underlying structure and tannins. Beautiful notes of blueberries, new leather, camphor, violets, and smoked tobacco all flow to a full-bodied, seamless, gorgeously textured beauty that's very much in the style of the vintage. Possessing remarkable purity, flawless balance, and building tannins, give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 25+ years.
VM 96+ (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is bright, punchy and structured. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, lavender, menthol and crushed rocks all come alive in the glass. This searingly tannic, mountain Cabernet needs a good deal of time to open, but when it does, it dazzles. Bright floral notes, blood orange and slightly redder tonalities of fruit develop over time. The Pritchard Hill is a wine for readers who can be patient. Antonio Galloni.
WA 98+ (11/2020): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. It was aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months. The alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold expressions of warm cassis, wild blueberries and black raspberries, plus hints of chocolate box, menthol, tapenade, smoked meats and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bursting with vibrant black fruits, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. |
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|
2018 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$489 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (1/2021): Always one of top wines in a vintage, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is another gorgeous wine with a more plush, supple texture that hides solid underlying structure and tannins. Beautiful notes of blueberries, new leather, camphor, violets, and smoked tobacco all flow to a full-bodied, seamless, gorgeously textured beauty that's very much in the style of the vintage. Possessing remarkable purity, flawless balance, and building tannins, give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 25+ years.
VM 96+ (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is bright, punchy and structured. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, lavender, menthol and crushed rocks all come alive in the glass. This searingly tannic, mountain Cabernet needs a good deal of time to open, but when it does, it dazzles. Bright floral notes, blood orange and slightly redder tonalities of fruit develop over time. The Pritchard Hill is a wine for readers who can be patient. Antonio Galloni.
WA 98+ (11/2020): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. It was aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months. The alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold expressions of warm cassis, wild blueberries and black raspberries, plus hints of chocolate box, menthol, tapenade, smoked meats and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bursting with vibrant black fruits, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. |
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|
2019 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$495 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 99 (11/2021): A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is another wonderfully evocative triumph from this family-owned Pitchard Hill pioneer. Deep garnet-purple colored, it storms out of the glass with profound scents of crème de cassis, blackberry preserves, licorice and mulberries, plus hints of unsmoked cigars, wild sage and tar. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers fantastic intensity and great poise, offering fine-grained, ripe tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.
JD 98+ (3/2022): The flagship from this great estate is the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill, which checks in as a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It has an incredible nose of pure blue fruits as well as flowers, crushed stone, fresh thyme, tobacco, and graphite. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it's nevertheless weightless and light on its feet, with wonderfully integrated acidity, polished tannins, and a great finish. This classic, quintessential Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20, 30, if not 40 years if stored correctly. 3800 cases.
VM 92 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is a potent, massively tannic wine. Black fruit, graphite, licorice, spice, menthol, chocolate and dried herbs abound. A huge, tannic beast, the 2019 is all brawn today and not terribly finessed. This is not a particularly distinguished vintage for Chappellet's flagship. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Charles Krug |
1988 |
Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$850 |
5 |
|
| |
| WS 84 (11/1998): Tasted from magnum. Tart, with crisp tannins and a narrow beam of black cherry and currant. Can age further, but given the sharp acidity and tannins and the lack of depth, don't expect it to improve.--1988 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now through 2002. |
|
| Chimney Rock |
2006 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$750 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Clark-Claudon |
2000 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$112.50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Continuum |
2012 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$349 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (12/2014): Ripe, silky tannins wrap around the palate in the 2012 Continuum. Bright red cherry, plum, spice, menthol and hard candy meld together effortlessly in the glass. The 2012 captures the polished, refined side of the vintage. This is perhaps the most refined wine I have ever tasted from Continuum. The flavors are bright and focused, while the new oak has been decidedly toned down, both of which allow the personality of these breathtaking hillsides sites to shine. The 2012 is the first Continuum to be made entirely with estate grown fruit.
VM 93-96 (5/2014): (I tasted what Tim Mondavi described as close to the final blend): Bright, dark ruby-red. Urgent crushed blueberry and cassis aromas are complemented by licorice and wild herbs on the brooding nose and palate ("a noble baby," says Mondavi). Extremely young but already utterly seamless, delivering an uncanny combination of density and finesse. Compellingly lush and pure, with serious underlying power currently masked by sweet fruit. Really wonderfully managed tannins here. Promises to be the best vintage yet from this superb estate. |
|
|
2013 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$399 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (10/2015): Graphite, lavender, sage, cloves and menthol race out of the glass in the 2013 Continuum, a wine that is just as impressive in bottle as it was from barrel. An intensely saline, mineral-drenched wine endowed with serious depth and precision, the 2013 shines with exceptional structural intensity and power, all that despite just having been bottled. In 2013 the Cabernet Franc is way up, which helps give the wine more aromatic top notes as well as greater overall complexity. Simply put, the 2013 is a real knock-out. |
|
|
2014 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (3/2018): A stunning wine, the 2014 Continuum exudes balance and class. Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch, mocha, menthol and rose petal infuse this beautifully layered, fragrant wine. The 2014 is layered and nuanced to the core, all while maintaining sublime finesse. At the outset, the 2014 is gracious and light on it its feet, but time and air bring out the wine's fruit density. Healthy dollops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complement the Cabernet Sauvignon nicely. Two thousand-fourteen is also the first vintage that incorporates co-fermented lots. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (2/2019): The 2016 Proprietary Red is blended of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it emits an incredible array of seductive floral notes—violets, lavender and rose hip tea—with a core of warm cassis, redcurrant jelly, dark chocolate, cigar box, tapenade and crushed rocks plus hints of bay leaves, beef drippings and yeast extract. Medium to full-bodied, the palate explodes with vivacious black fruit sparked by red fruit, herbal and mineral accents. It is framed with a rock-solid line of firm, grainy, super ripe tannins and finishes with fantastic fragrance and freshness. Wow! |
|
|
2017 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$485 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96+ (1/2020): The 2017 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard comes across as remarkably primary. Bright red-toned fruit and floral notes give the 2017 striking freshness as well as nuance. Deep and layered on the palate, with superb depth, the 2017 Continuum is easily one of the wines of the year. Even in the early going, it is truly magnificent. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$495 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 98 (1/2022): The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard is another magnificent wine from the Mondavi family. Soaring and regal in its intensity, the 2018 possesses breathtaking aromatic presence and tons of the pedigree that have made wines off this site so compelling pretty much since the beginning. Vibrant dark fruit, lavender, sage, mint and mocha build into an impossibly long, silky finish. The 2018 is a flat-out stunner. Antonio Galloni.
JD 97+ (12/2021): Coming all from the Sage Mountain Vineyard on Pritchard Hill, the 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot. This is classic 2018 with its dense, concentrated, slightly backward, yet full-bodied and incredibly impressive style. Offering lots of ripe black (black cherry, currant) fruits, scorched earth, graphite, and chocolate-like aromatics, it has terrific concentration, ripe, building tannins, a terrific sense of freshness, and a great finish. It's going to need 5-7 years of bottle age but will have upwards of three decades of overall longevity. |
|
| Dana Estates |
2013 |
Helms Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) Scuffed Label |
$850 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 100 (9/2016): Unique aromas of citrus fruit such as tangerines and oranges which combine with plums, black cherries, and blackcurrants. Lemon rind, too. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give the wine a precise and focused finish that lasts for minutes. Laser-guided. A savory and subtle, minerally finish. This redefines the greatness of Napa Valley wine and California. 282 cases made.
WA 97 (10/2015): The 57-acre estate vineyard includes the Helms Vineyard in Rutherford, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and usually produces small quantities of less than 300 cases. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms is sensational. Its opaque purple color, which is common among the 2012 and 2013 Bordeaux varietals in Napa, leads to a spectacularly flamboyant and aromatic nose of earth, graphite, blackberry and cassis. The wine is rich, full-bodied, and again, concentrated, pure and dense, with sweet melted tannins nicely integrated, along with the French oak (about 100% new). This wine has a good 30+ years of upside to it.
VM 95 (10/2015): Dana's 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard opens with exquisite, floral-laced aromatics. Rose petal, mint, hard candy, sweet red cherry and cinnamon are all nicely delineated in the glass. Plump, forward and generous, the 2013 Helms is surprisingly approachable today for the year, but there is plenty of stuffing and structure underneath. Antonio Galloni.
WS 90 (11/2016): Though massive and extracted, this is also approachable, as the core of dark berry, cedary oak, dried herb and tobacco leaf gives this a distinct flavor and textural presence. The level of tannin may be a concern. Best from 2019 through 2030. 281 cases made. |
|
|
2012 |
Hershey Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$795 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard comes from an 1,800-foot elevation and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested October 19-22. This is a sensational superstar from Howell Mountain with an inky purple color, notes of mocha, mulberry, crème de cassis, graphite and spring flowers. It is dense, full-bodied, opulent and concentrated with sweet but moderate tannin. This is a stunner that should drink well for another 25 or so years.
VM 95-98 (12/2014): Graphite, smoke, dark spices, gravel and blue/purplish fruit emerge from the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard, Dana's Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The flavors are wonderfully vibrant and alive in the glass. A host of spice, menthol, pine and crushed rocks add nuance on the powerful, driving finish. The 2012 Hershey is shaping up to be gorgeous. Tasted from barrel in October 2014, it appears to have a very bright future. This is the first year the See Clone has entered the blend.
VM 93-96 (5/2014): Bright ruby. Tight nose hints at cassis, blueberry, licorice, minerals and menthol. Densely packed and youthfully medicinal, with brooding flavors of black and blue fruits and crushed stone. This classic Howell Mountain cabernet went into a shell in my glass. Finishes with huge, chewy tannins that are well supported by the wine's Outstanding depth. Holds out great potential. |
|
|
2013 |
Hershey Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$750 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2016): Two wines that I did not see from bottle have turned out to be close to perfection. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard has unbelievable richness, a profound opaque purple color and enormous notes of lead pencil shavings intermixed with blackberry liqueur, white flowers and crushed rock. The wine is full-bodied and dense with moderately high tannin, but the tannin is integrated and silky. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and look for it to evolve for 30-35 years.
VM 98 (12/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard opens with striking, beguiling aromatics. The bright salinity and tannin of Howell Mountain gives the Hershey its energy, but at the same time, the wine has softened and become relatively accessible for the vintage, something winemaker Chris Cooney ascribes to a greater focus on dry farming. Pine, menthol, chocolate, spice and dried flowers give the wine its distinctive aromatic signatures. A dark, brooding wine, the Hershey is also a terrific example of the vintage. Dramatic, intense and utterly beguiling, the 2013 is a majestic, soaring Cabernet Sauvignon. I would prefer to cellar it for at least a few years. Antonio Galloni.
JS 98 (1/2016): The aromas of tar, slate, and graphite with dark fruits such as blackberries are so prevalent here. Licorice too. Smoked meat. Full-bodied, very layered, dense and profound. Mouth-filling and structured. A wine that is fascinating now but even better in 2020. 282 cases.
WS 88 (7/2016): Well-built, featuring taut, gritty tannins and a mix of charcoal, graphite, cedar and dark berry flavors, with charry oak dominating. Best from 2020 through 2032. 282 cases made. |
|
| Dancing Hares |
2003 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$250 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Diamond Creek |
2019 |
Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$595 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dominus |
2018 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$625 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2021): The flagship 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot brought up in 40% new French oak. With an essence of Cabernet-like character in its darker currants, green tobacco, cedar, graphite, and floral aromas and flavors, this gorgeous wine is full-bodied and has bright yet integrated acidity, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s just gorgeously put together and a magical, flawless wine. It's going to take a decade to hit maturity but will evolve for 40-50 years in cold cellars. It is as good as it gets in classic, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon!
JS 100 (5/2021): This is incredible on the nose, offering hot stones, blackcurrants, iodine and wet earth. Full-bodied with a tight center palate, then it opens with a tannin structure that is weightless and spreads across the palate. Totally integrated on the palate. This is a magic-carpet wine. Really incredible. One of the reference points for the vintage. Drinkable now and please try a bottle, but it’s one for the cellar.
WA 99+ (2/2021): Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Dominus slowly emerges from the glass with profound notes of blackcurrant cordial, ripe black plums, boysenberries and Black Forest cake with hints of violets, star anise, cracked black pepper, raspberry leaves and pencil lead, plus a touch of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impactful black fruit layers, creating a beguiling sense of richness that is beautifully countered by invigorating freshness and great poise, framed by super ripe, plush tannins and beautiful tension, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note and, finally, lots of mineral sparks. For all that it is at the moment, one cannot help but feel that this 2018 is holding something back. Give it a good five years in bottle, at least, and then get set for what I suspect will be a mind-blowing transformation over the next 30 years+.
VM 97 (1/2021): The 2018 Dominus is wild and exotic from the first taste. Lifted aromatics make a strong opening impression. There is something exuberant about the 2018 that is hard to describe. The 2018 is not a huge Dominus, nor is it massively structured, but the intensity of the flavors is remarkable just the same. Dark raspberry, spice, leather and cedar are some of the many notes that open over time. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Doubleback |
2018 |
Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Eisele Vineyard |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$995 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (10/2017): Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon charges from the gate with exuberant red and black cherries notes, black currants and mulberries with a beautiful roses and lavender perfume, plus hints of sandalwood and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, concentrated and downright explosive in the mouth, it is still wearing loads of gorgeous puppy-fat fruit flavors, offering suggestions of the complex, multilayered blockbuster that it will emerge into. The structure deserves its own mention: wonderful, seamless freshness and oh-so-fine, pixelated tannins, with an extraordinary persistence of fruit and mineral nuances. Wow. |
|
| Fairchild Estate |
2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$675 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild G-III, which is from a well-known Beckstoffer property in Rutherford, is heavenly juice. Seeing an extended maceration and 20 months in 80% new French oak, it boasts awesome notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed rocks, and violets. This all flows to a blockbuster styled beauty that has fabulous purity, fine, silky tannins, and incredible opulence paired with purity and elegance. This beauty got more than a few “wow” comments in the notes and should keep for two decades or more. |
|
|
2017 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$525 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$575 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (12/2017): Very deep inky-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Sigaro delivers ripe cassis, black plums and fragrant earth notes with touches of bay leaves, mossy bark and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied with a rock-solid frame of wonderfully fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness, it has a great core of vibrant black fruit flavors, finishing long and pure. 210 cases were made. |
|
|
2016 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$480 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (1/2019): Also thrilling, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild Sigaro comes from a site north of Lake Hennessey and is 100% clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 20-22 months in 80% new French oak. Black currants, crushed rocks, graphite, and lead pencil notes all flow to a powerful, tight, backward Cabernet that has incredible minerality and depth. It’s in a much more austere, focused style compared to the Fairchild G-III release, but it’s unquestionably at the same level of quality. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 2+ decades.
WA 96+ (10/2018): From fruit on Pritchard Hill, aged for 20 months in 85% new 225-liter French oak barrels, the deep garnet-black colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sigaro opens with somewhat shy notes of warm blackcurrants, dried mulberries and wild blueberries with hints of plum pudding, spice box, cardamom, wood smoke, black pepper and hoisin. Full-bodied and tightly wound in the mouth, the fruit vibrates with compelling energy and a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins with just enough freshness, finishing long and minerally. 640 cases produced.
VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sigaro emerges from Fairchild's estate vineyard in Conn Valley. Racy and pliant, with tremendous intensity, the 2016 is impeccable in it balance. As with all of Larry Fairchild's wines, the Sigaro is quite big, and yet all the elements are impeccably balanced. The Sigaro offers striking aromatic complexity and layered fruit for such a big wine, with tannins that are both prominent and yet very well polished. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Stones No. 1 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$625 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Stones No. 2 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$675 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Stones No. 3 Perrarus Block Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$695 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Stones No. 3 Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$650 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (1/2018): Fairchild's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No. 3 emerges from the Tench vineyard, which is the heart of the valley floor in Eastern Oakville. Dark, sumptuous and explosive, with all of the resonance that is typical of the wines from this district in Oakville, the Tench has much to offer. This heady, full-throttle Cabernet is another winner from Larry Fairchild and Philippe Melka. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Stones No. 3 Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$645 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2019): This full-bodied, remarkably pure, seamless Napa Cabernet comes from the Tench Vineyard outside St. Helena and reveals a saturated purple color as well as sensational notes of blueberries, currants, camphor, scorched earth, and hints of lavender and violets. Deep, layered, still tight and backward, yet with incredible purity and focus, it’s a monumental beauty that’s going to benefit from at least 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 2-3 decades. Hats off to winemaker Philippe Melka and the team at Fairchild Wines for this incredible wine.
VM 97 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No. 3 is another superb wine from Larry Fairchild. Dense, powerful and explosive, with tremendous depth, the 2016 captures all the magic of this Oakville site. Black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, licorice, spice and menthol infuse this sumptuous, extravagantly rich Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet, ripe tannins add to the wine's considerable immediacy and sheer appeal. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Fantesca |
2012 |
All Great Things- Duty Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
All Great Things- Freedom Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
All Great Things- Freedom Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$345 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
All Great Things- Mercy Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$299 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Far Niente |
2005 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$289 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 87 (7/2015): The dusty herb and loamy earth notes show a tarry side. Though the structure is Bordeaux-like in terms of restraint and tightness, this ends a little too clipped.—2005 California Cabernet blind retrospective (September 2015). Drink now through 2021. 14,700 cases made. |
|
| Freemark Abbey |
2009 |
Bosche Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Bosche Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Gundlach Bundschu |
2011 |
Vintage Reserve Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Scuffed Label |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Vintage Reserve Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Slightly Depressed Cork |
$185 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Harlan Estate |
2015 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$2,500 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2019): The 2015 Harlan Estate is a beast of a wine that shows the sexy, opulent style of the vintage married to the classic structure and depth of this estate. A downright smorgasbord of blackcurrants, blackberries, crushed rocks, graphite, smoky camphor, cured meats, and dried tobacco aromas all emerge from the glass, and it shows the deep, concentrated style of the vintage yet still has awesome complexity and nuances. Deep, powerful, and structured, yet opulent and incredibly sexy on the palate, it reminds me of the 2002. A brilliant wine from this estate, it's already approachable given its wealth of fruit yet has the tannic backbone and density to keep for 3-4 decades or more.
WA 100 (10/2018): Bottled in early 2018, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Harlan Estate is a little closed, slowly unfurling to reveal black cherries, crème de cassis and plum pudding with nuances of potpourri, baking spices and tilled soil plus wafts of garrigue and wild sage. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated with exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and fantastic poise and depth with a long, decadently fruited finish.
WS 97 (10/2019): A huge red, with powerfully rendered dark fig, macerated black currant and steeped boysenberry fruit framed by a bittersweet chocolate note. With time in the glass, the fruit unwinds slowly, allowing anise and loam accents to fill in on the fleshy finish. There's some serious heft here through the back end too, with a long echo of smoldering tobacco and a great tug of dark earth. Best from 2022 through 2040. 1,839 cases made.
VM 97 (12/2018): The 2015 Harlan Estate has developed into an arrestingly beautiful wine. Racy and sumptuous, the 2015 is already quite showy, with tons of dark cherry, plum, mocha, espresso, licorice, spice and tobacco character. Today, the 2015 comes across as a bit brooding and hard to read, although some of the rougher edges in the tannins I saw last year have softened. Even so, I would prefer to cellar 2015 for at least a few years. There is so much to look forward to. Antonio Galloni.
JS 99 (12/2018): Incredible aromas of fresh flowers, such as roses and violets, and blackcurrants. Full body and defined levels of fruit and tannins too. Love the brightness and texture. An excellent finish. Production was down by a third because of bad berry set. Try in 2021. |
|
|
2017 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$2,200 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 97 (1/2021): The Grand Vin is the 2017 Harlan Estate, and this beauty just about jumps from the glass with its pure cassis and blackcurrant fruits as well as notes of tobacco, graphite, crushed stone, and spice. With a full-bodied, expansive mouthfeel, building, velvety tannins, and a layered, seamless style that offers way more pleasure than just about every other wine in the vintage, bottles can be enjoyed any time over the coming 20-25 years.
VM 96+ (1/2021): The 2017 Harlan Estate is superb. Deep, inky and wonderfully expressive, the 2017 is impeccably rendered. All the elements come together effortlessly. The nervous tannins of the vintage are evident, but there is also plenty of sumptuousness. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of red-toned fruit and floral notes that are surprising for a year with massive heat spike. The 2017 is polished and sophisticated to the core. In a word: impressive. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Hundred Acre |
2012 |
Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$3,900 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (8/2015): Woodbridge’s vineyard tucked away near the famous Eisele Vineyard, now owned by Château Latour, produces the wine known as the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Few and Far Between Vineyard. This is another luxurious, exceptionally concentrated and loaded wine with great intensity, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, unbelievable amounts of blackberry, cassis and blueberry fruit, crushed rock minerality, and a floral note. It is easily the most backward of the five Cabernet Sauvignons I tasted from Woodbridge in 2012. The wine is super-intense, displays plenty of tannin, but is silky and well-integrated. This wine needs at least 4-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for 30-50 years, as it promises to be one of the modern-day legends from Napa.
WS 95 (10/2015): A gorgeous Cabernet that flirts with opulence, this is pure and juicy, with a mix of rich dark berry, cherry, plum and cassis flavors, supported by a minerally, crushed rock foundation that merges with the medley of berry notes on the long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2030. 600 cases made. |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2012 |
Backus Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96+ (10/2014): As you drive down the Silverado Trail it is hard to miss the steep, striking Backus Vineyard across the street from Screaming Eagle. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard (93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot) is a 2,800-case cuvee that tips the scales at 14.9% natural alcohol. Its dense purple color is followed by notes of acacia flowers, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, smoky charcoal and graphite, and a lavish, full-bodied, powerful, concentrated style with a boatload of tannin. This cuvee is never the most precocious of the Phelps Cabernet Sauvignons, but patience is rewarded. Give this 2012 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30+ years. |
|
|
2017 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$550 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (10/2020): The 2017 Insignia is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc coming from: 46% Las Rocas vineayrd (Stags Leap District), 22% Barboza vineyard (Stags Leap District), 13% Suscol vineyard (South Napa Valley), 10% Yountville vineyard (Oak Knoll District) and 9% Home Ranch (St. Helena). It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant scents of Black Forest cake, preserved plums and blueberry pie plus touches of redcurrant jelly, potpourri, clove oil and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has gained weight from it's in-barrel offering, boasting rich, decadently perfumed black fruit preserves flavors with a racy backbone and velvety tannins, finishing long and spicy. 7,400 cases were made. |
|
|
2018 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$550 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 99 (3/2021): Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. 40% Stags Leap AVA. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% cabernet franc. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now.
WA 97+ (7/2021): The 2018 Insignia is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard sources this year include: 30% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District),18% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 13% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 18% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 7% Barboza (Stags Leap District). It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
JD 95-97 (1/2021): Very much in the style of the vintage with its pure, concentrated, yet also elegant and focused style, the 2018 Insignia offers up a vivid purple hue to go with lots of red and blue fruits, menthol, tobacco, graphite, and distinct minerality. With an almost Bordeaux-like style, medium to full-bodied richness, present tannins, and a great finish, it's a beautiful, classic Cabernet Sauvignon blend from this team that's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more.
WS 94 (10/2021): This is richly layered, with cassis, crushed plum and blackberry puree flavors moving through slowly but steadily, while warm earth, ganache and black licorice notes follow along. Picks up a tarry edge on the finish as the fruit takes an encore. For fans of the muscular, fruit-driven style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2036. 17,000 cases made.
VM 93-96 (1/2021): The 2018 Insignia is a beautiful wine. It is also quite delicate and less bombastic than some recent vintages have been. Its hard to tell if that is just the personality of the year or if changes in farming and/or winemaking are also at play. I suppose time will tell. In the meantime, the 2018 is gorgeous Insignia with tons of potential. Blueberry jam, spice, menthol, dried herbs and licorice all develop in the glass, all lifted by the salivating acids of a long, cool growing season. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2019 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$289 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (7/2022): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard is rustic to begin, with accents of tar, tobacco and bay leaves over an intense core of dark red fruit. The palate is full-bodied with abundant, gently chewy tannins, bright freshness and a long, earth-laced finish. |
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2020 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$269 |
1 |
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| JD 95 (7/2023): The 2020 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard pours a rich ruby hue and reveals aromas of anise, red cherry, and pine. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and ripe notes of cranberry cocktail, clove, and orange peel, give it another year and drink 2024-2030. Audrey Frick. |
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2020 |
Gap’s Crown Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (7/2023): I really love the wines from this site. Taking on more purity and freshness, the 2020 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard opens with aromas of raspberry liqueur, candied roses, and mentholated herbs. Medium-bodied, with good tension and packed with great energy, there’s a refreshing nature to this wine, which offers notes of fresh tangerine, grenadine, and cinnamon, fine tannins, and a good bit of minerality in its texture. This is my favorite wine in this lineup from Kosta Browne. Drink 2024-2040. Audrey Frick. |
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2019 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$215 |
1 |
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| |
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2021 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Noir Keefer Ranch takes on great foresty aromas of pine needles, Asian spices, toasted cedar, and dried strawberries. Medium-bodied, it feels more linear through the palate, with refreshing, even acidity, fine tannins, and a long finish, with notes of blood orange through the palate. It’s very well-defined and is going to do its best with another year or so in bottle. Drink 2025-2037. |
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2021 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
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| |
| JD 94 (7/2023): Taking on more richness both visually and aromatically, the 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is generous with violets, black cherry, and cola spices. Medium to full-bodied, it has ripe, sweet tannins, with notes of black tea, expansive black raspberry fruit, and toasted cedar. It offers good richness and has a classic feel with a long finish. Drink 2024-2034. Audrey Frick. |
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2021 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 94 (6/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands comes from Garys', Rosella's, Pisoni, Sierra Mar and Soberanes vineyards, and it was matured for 14 months in 49% new oak. It has a medium ruby color and a deep well of aromas: pomegranate, raspberry and cranberry are accented by touches of autumn leaves, tea leaves and spice. The palate is light-bodied, gently chalky and mouthwatering with generous spicy fruit and a long, layered finish replete with floral tones. |
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2021 |
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$219 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (7/2023): Medium ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Willamette is lifted and highly aromatic of orange peel, cinnamon, and pomegranate. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, on the palate it’s fresh with dusty earth, brambly herbs, and cranberry cocktail. It leans a bit more toward the savory end of the spectrum, but it’s a lovely first wine from the region for Kosta Browne. It will need some air on opening at this youthful stage. Drink 2024-2034. |
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| Lail Vineyards |
2014 |
J Daniel Cuvee Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$415 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2016): The flagship wines include the 2014 J. Daniel Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from three sources – the family vineyard called Molehill at a 1700-feet elevation on Howell Mountain, the Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard and Heimark Vineyard in Calistoga. A gorgeous 2014, with notes of graphite, mulberry and blackcurrant, this full-bodied, opaque purple wine offers terrific fruit purity, sweet tannin, and a long finish of a good 45+ seconds. It was aged 19 months in 75% new French oak and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. There are 1,064 cases, and it can be drunk now or cellared for another 25 years.
VM 94+ (5/2019): Bright medium ruby. Youthfully medicinal aromas and flavors of black fruits, licorice and bitter chocolate. Densely packed and fine-grained, conveying terrific purity of fruit framed by harmonious acidity. Quite full but less thick and extractive than the '13, and a bit less port-like than that big boy. Still, this brooding, backward, slightly unsettled wine is difficult to taste today. With its element of reserve and powerful finish, it calls for extended aging. It may well eventually merit an even higher rating. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2018 |
J Daniel Cuvee Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$495 |
2 |
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| |
WA 99 (1/2021): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 J. Daniel Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. Very deep garnet-purple in color, it soars out of the glass with seductive notes of crème de cassis, blueberry preserves and Black Forest cake, followed by suggestions of espresso, yeast extract, black truffles and charcoal plus a fragrant waft of violets. Full-bodied, rich and opulently fruited in the mouth, it has layer upon layer of black fruit preserves, earthy nuances and savory sparks, framed by firm, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and fragrant. 1,290 cases were made.
JD 100 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Daniel Cuvee comes from a mix of terroirs (Howell Mountain, Stags Leap, Oakville, Calistoga) and is brought up in 75% new French oak. Heavenly notes of red and black currants, dried tobacco, sandalwood, flowers, and spice give way to a full-bodied, concentrated, yet weightless texture that carries awesome tannins, no hard edges, and just flawless balance. This majestic, regal wine is going to drink brilliantly for 25 years or more.
VM 96 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Daniel Cuvée is quite restrained in this vintage. Silky and medium in body, with lovely red berry fruit character, the 2018 has a lot to offer. I would cellar it for a few years, as the tannins are pretty clamped down today. As always, the J. Daniel Cuvée is a blend taken from a handful of top sites in Napa Valley. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$525 |
2 |
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| |
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2014 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$545 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2015 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$300 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (8/2019): Bright medium ruby. Muskier and less exuberant on the nose than the 2015 Solari; a bit lower-toned. Shows excellent punch if not quite the personality and early sex appeal of the Solari, with its plum and spice flavors underpinned by minerality. Not quite the early balance of the Solari, as the wine's serious spine of acids and tannins will require patience. Ultimately a bit drier on the back half. Stephen Tanzer.
JD 94+ (12/2017): A blend of 60/40 Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the 2015 LMV Salon is a cuvee that’s moving towards being a Cabernet Franc-dominated release as the estate plants more Cabernet Franc. Cassis, spring flowers, chocolate and a rocky, river bottom-like earthiness all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, tannic 2015 that has exceptional purity and a great finish. Give bottle 3-5 years and enjoy over the following 15+. |
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|
2017 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2019): A blend of 52% Cabernet Franc and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 LMV Salon (White Label) has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and is scented of chocolate-covered cherries, fresh blackcurrants, kirsch and black raspberries with touches of bouquet garni, forest floor, charcoal and black olive. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is filled with ripe red and black fruits and a firm, rugged texture, possessing just enough freshness to deliver a long, earth-laced finish. 470 cases were made.
VM 92+ (1/2020): Cabernet Franc, with its bright, high-toned aromatics, takes the lead in the 2017 LMV Salon. Sweet dried red cherry, mint, tobacco and wild flowers are all nicely lifted throughout. Supple and racy with tons of immediacy, the 2017 is already inviting, although it will develop more nuance with time in bottle. Even just a bit of air brings out an attractive fleshiness. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Lazy Susan Ranch (The Vineyardist) |
2009 |
Diamond Mt. District Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
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| |
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2013 |
Diamond Mt. District Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$525 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 95 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Lazy Susan Ranch, also 100% Cabernet Sauvignon coming from clones 33 and 169 and slightly higher yields of 1.5 tons of fruit per acre, is an even smaller cuvee of 145 cases. The wine emerges from a different parcel of red Aiken iron-rich soils, as opposed to the volcanic tufa and fractured bedrock of its sibling. This wine offers loads of cedar wood, cr?me de cassis, licorice and forest floor in a full-bodied, opulent style. The fruit is beautifully pure, the oak well-integrated, and the wine gorgeous. It’s top, top-flight, clearly world-class and should drink well for 20-25 years. |
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| Leonetti Cellars |
2013 |
Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$235 |
1 |
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| |
WA 96 (6/2016): Leading off the 2013s, the 2013 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon comes all from estate vineyard and is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec, all of which spent 22 months in new and once used French oak. It’s vibrant purple color is followed by classic notes of crème de cassis, violets, tobacco leaf, lead pencil shavings and graphite. This full-bodied, ripe, yet still elegant Cabernet (which checks in at 14.7% alcohol) has terrific purity, ripe, polished tannin and a great finish. It has the purity and finesse to drink beautifully today, but it will have 20-25 years of overall longevity.
VM 93 (11/2016): (70% new French oak): Bright red-ruby. Very sexy aromas of blueberry, dark raspberry, pomegranate, mocha, cola and top-quality oak, lifted by violet and mint high tones. Very rich, deep, creamy wine, with its intense, vibrant red and darker berry flavors accented by spices. Slightly edgy acidity and youthfully clenched tannins call for patience; I would not be at all surprised if this seriously structured but plush and very long wine eventually merited an even higher rating.
WS 92 (8/2016): Broad and expressive, with a sense of elegance to the savory-accented black cherry, berry and underbrush aromas and flavors, wrapped in fine, firm tannins. Best from 2018 through 2023. 2,876 cases made. |
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|
2018 |
Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$218 |
1 |
|
| |
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2019 |
Walla Walla Merlot (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (5/2021): The 2019 Merlot is juicy and up-front, with lots of black cherry and blue fruits as well as medium to full body, ripe, soft, ultra-fine tannins, a good sense of freshness, and classic tobacco, graphite, and spice aromas and flavors. Drink this sexy beauty over the coming 10-15 years. |
|
| Myriad |
2016 |
Empyrean Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) Lightly Scuffed Label |
$849 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2018): One-hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon with a deep purple-black color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Empyrean rolls sensuously out of the glass like Cleopatra from her carpet, revealing incredibly alluring kirsch, Black Forest cake, warm blackcurrants and black raspberry scents with compelling suggestions of cinnamon stick, rose hip tea, cloves and forest floor plus a hint of pencil shavings. The full-bodied black fruit layers dance suggestively on the palate with lots of floral and red fruit sparks and a velvety frame, finishing long and spicy. |
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|
2013 |
Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$425 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (12/2015): An absolutely fabulous wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard has an inky bluish/purple color, extraordinary nose of graphite, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, forest floor and spring flora. The wine hits the palate with a full-bodied richness, stunning purity and an absolutely magnificent texture and length. It would be difficult to want more in a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon than this. Drink it over the next 25 years. |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2016 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 10 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$750 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2019): Just about pure perfection in a glass, the 2016 No 10 Cumulus Vineyard is an incredible mix of 46% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 18.3% Petite Sirah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Petit Manseng that was mostly destemmed and brought up in 75% new French oak. Awesome notes of blackberries, ground herbs, violets, loamy earth, and chocolate notes give way to a full-bodied, powerful red that has moderate acidity, flawless balance, sweet tannins, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s another off-the-charts, singular wine from an incredible winemaker.
VM 95+ (9/2019): The 2016 No.10 Cumulus Vineyard is rich, sumptuous and racy to the core. Surprisingly open for a wine that has just been bottled, the 2016 is curvy and inviting, with tons of breadth and fleshiness that fully emerge with a bit of air. Hints of mocha, spice and new leather are laced into a core of dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2016 boasts superb concentration, but it also appears to have a bit less energy than some prior vintages, the 2015 in particular. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2016 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 10 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$774 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2019): Just about pure perfection in a glass, the 2016 No 10 Cumulus Vineyard is an incredible mix of 46% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 18.3% Petite Sirah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Petit Manseng that was mostly destemmed and brought up in 75% new French oak. Awesome notes of blackberries, ground herbs, violets, loamy earth, and chocolate notes give way to a full-bodied, powerful red that has moderate acidity, flawless balance, sweet tannins, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s another off-the-charts, singular wine from an incredible winemaker.
VM 95+ (9/2019): The 2016 No.10 Cumulus Vineyard is rich, sumptuous and racy to the core. Surprisingly open for a wine that has just been bottled, the 2016 is curvy and inviting, with tons of breadth and fleshiness that fully emerge with a bit of air. Hints of mocha, spice and new leather are laced into a core of dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2016 boasts superb concentration, but it also appears to have a bit less energy than some prior vintages, the 2015 in particular. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2016 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 10 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$925 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2019): Just about pure perfection in a glass, the 2016 No 10 Cumulus Vineyard is an incredible mix of 46% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 18.3% Petite Sirah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Petit Manseng that was mostly destemmed and brought up in 75% new French oak. Awesome notes of blackberries, ground herbs, violets, loamy earth, and chocolate notes give way to a full-bodied, powerful red that has moderate acidity, flawless balance, sweet tannins, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s another off-the-charts, singular wine from an incredible winemaker.
VM 95+ (9/2019): The 2016 No.10 Cumulus Vineyard is rich, sumptuous and racy to the core. Surprisingly open for a wine that has just been bottled, the 2016 is curvy and inviting, with tons of breadth and fleshiness that fully emerge with a bit of air. Hints of mocha, spice and new leather are laced into a core of dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2016 boasts superb concentration, but it also appears to have a bit less energy than some prior vintages, the 2015 in particular. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2017 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 11 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$1,095 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (8/2020): Pure perfection, the 2017 No 11 comes all from the estate Cumulus Vineyard around the estate in Oak View and is 48% Syrah, 24.8% Grenache, 12.7% Mourvèdre, 10.6% Petite Sirah, and the balance a mix of white varieties including Petit Manseng and Roussanne. Fermented with 23% whole clusters and aged 32 months in 68% new French oak, this incredible 2017 boasts a saturated purple hue to go with full-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, bouquet garni, ground pepper, white chocolate, and cured meats. Incredibly complex, flawlessly balanced, and with a seamless texture that needs to be tasted to be believed, this is a magical blend from California that can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for 15-20 years. Hats off to the Krankl family for another truly special wine! |
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|
2018 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 12 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$820 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (8/2021): As with the 2017, the 2018 No 12 Cumulus Vineyard is as good as wine gets. Based on 47.7% Syrah, 23.4% Grenache, 21.3% Petite Sirah, 5.6% Mourvèdre, and the remaining 2% a mix of white varieties, aged 32 months in 34% new barrels, its vivid purple hue gives way to a full-bodied blockbuster of a wine that’s loaded with cassis and blue fruits as well as notes of gravelly earth, graphite, ground pepper, and spring flowers. Flawlessly balanced, deep, super-rich, and unctuous, yet with incredible purity, give bottles a year of two and enjoy over the following 15 years or more.
WA 99 (8/2021): This cuvee comes entirely from the Krankl’s “home” vineyard—the Cumulus vineyard in Oak View, just south and inland from Santa Barbara, on the road to Ojai. There are now just over 12.5 acres planted at Cumulus. The first plantings of Syrah, Grenache and Roussanne took place in 2004. A little more Grenache was planted in 2005. Then in 2008, small blocks of Petite Manseng, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah were added, including 3.5 acres on its own roots.
VM 95 (10/2021): The 2018 No. 12 Cumulus Vineyard is a big wine. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, new leather and licorice are all dialed up. The tannins remain a bit coarse, which makes the wine feel not totally put together. Perhaps the brutal heat spikes in July caused a slight stoppage in ripening, or it could be the stems aren't totally integrated just yet. To be sure, the 2018 doesn't quite have the same textural lushness of most vintages. It will be interesting to see how things develop in the coming years. The 2018 was done with 41% whole clusters and spent 32 months in French oak, 34% new. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2012 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 6 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$745 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2016): A wine that flirts with perfection, the 2012 Cumulus Vineyard #6 is an interesting blend of 38% Syrah, 37% Grenache, 17.4% Petite Sirah and the rest Mourvedre that saw 33 months in 54% new French oak. There’s a tiny 191 cases made, and it’s one of the most singular, exotic wines I’ve tasted. Spice, cedar, chocolate, exotic flowers and an assortment of dark fruits all emerge from this full-bodied, layered blend that hits the palate with serious richness and depth. Yet, like all truly great wines, it’s light, ethereal and never, ever heavy. There’s big structure here as well, so forget bottles for 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 15+ years.
VM 98 (9/2016): The 2012 No. 6 - Cumulus Vineyard might very well be my favorite of Manfred and Elaine Krankl's 2012s, including naturally the wines of Sine Qua Non. This is the warmest site the Krankls work with and the need to harvest on the earlier side seems to also preserve a bit more verve than is often found in some of the other Sine Qua Non wines. A host of cherry jam, pomegranate, sweet spice, rose petal and mint open up effortlessly, all with striking energy that keeps the wine vibrant and wonderfully alive. The blend is 38% Syrah, 37 % Grenache, 17.4% Petite Sirah and 7.6% Mourvèdre, done with 36% whole clusters and aged in 54% new oak. Sold in cases of 3 bottles and 1 magnum at the price of $1,200.00 per case. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2013 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 7 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Mixed OWC |
$735 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2017): The 2013 Cumulus Vineyard #7 (45% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 15% Petite Sirah and the balance Mourvèdre, Touriga Nacional and Roussanne) is a killer wine that delivers the that rare mix of hedonistic and intellectual pleasure that’s almost impossible to find outside of this address. Notes of cassis, violet, iris, toasted spices and caramelized cherries all emerge from the glass. Full-bodied, unctuous and decadent, yet seamless and silky, with no weight, it has ultra-fine tannin and a finish that won’t quit. This is a tour de force in wine that deserve 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for another decade or more.
VM 99 (9/2017): The 2013 Next of Kyn - No. 7 Cumulus Vineyard is a real stunner. Rich, explosive and overwhelmingly beautiful, it takes hold of all the senses and never lets go. Even with all of its power and richness, the 2013 retains striking aromatic lift and energy. I would give it another few years to settle down, but it is superb today. This is an extraordinary wine by any measure. Don't miss it. In 2013, the blend is 45% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 15% Petite Sirah, 5% Mourvèdre, 4.5% Touriga Nacional and 1.5% Roussanne, done with 58% whole clusters and aged for 30 months in French oak. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2014 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 8 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$650 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2017): Bottled in May of this year, the 2014 Cumulus Vineyard No 8 is a match for the sensational 2013. Made from 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional and the balance Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah, fermented with 43% whole clusters and aged in close to equal parts new and used French oak. There’s only 400 cases of this elixir and it offers killer notes of black raspberries, blueberries, violets, licorice, exotic spices and flowers. Perfumed, complex and nuanced, and dare I say, singular, this full-bodied red has a thick, opulent texture, beautiful freshness and sweet tannin on the finish. While it shows the 2014 vintage’s forward fruit characteristic, this puppy has backbone and length. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades.
WA 98+ (9/2017): Composed of 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, using 43% whole clusters, the 2014 Cumulus Vineyard #8 has a deep garnet-purple color and slightly reticent nose to begin of black cherries, mulberries and black soil with suggestions of menthol, tobacco, incense, sandalwood and chocolate box, plus a fragrant undercurrent of violets. Firm, grainy tannins frame the full-bodied, muscular palate with stacks of flavor layers, finishing with great delineation and finesse. Forget this beauty for three to four years and enjoy drinking it over the next 20+.
VM 95 (9/2017): The 2014 Next of Kyn - No. 8 Cumulus Vineyard is a dense, powerful wine. Next to the 2013, the 2014 comes across as quite supple and downright accessible. A blast of dark red cherry, plum, spice, menthol, lavender and licorice infuse the beautifully layered finish. I imagine the 2014 will drink nicely with just a few years in bottle, although if past vintages are an indication, the wine will need longer than that to be at its very best. The blend is 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, done with 43% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2014 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 8 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$725 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2017): Bottled in May of this year, the 2014 Cumulus Vineyard No 8 is a match for the sensational 2013. Made from 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional and the balance Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah, fermented with 43% whole clusters and aged in close to equal parts new and used French oak. There’s only 400 cases of this elixir and it offers killer notes of black raspberries, blueberries, violets, licorice, exotic spices and flowers. Perfumed, complex and nuanced, and dare I say, singular, this full-bodied red has a thick, opulent texture, beautiful freshness and sweet tannin on the finish. While it shows the 2014 vintage’s forward fruit characteristic, this puppy has backbone and length. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades.
WA 98+ (9/2017): Composed of 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, using 43% whole clusters, the 2014 Cumulus Vineyard #8 has a deep garnet-purple color and slightly reticent nose to begin of black cherries, mulberries and black soil with suggestions of menthol, tobacco, incense, sandalwood and chocolate box, plus a fragrant undercurrent of violets. Firm, grainy tannins frame the full-bodied, muscular palate with stacks of flavor layers, finishing with great delineation and finesse. Forget this beauty for three to four years and enjoy drinking it over the next 20+.
VM 95 (9/2017): The 2014 Next of Kyn - No. 8 Cumulus Vineyard is a dense, powerful wine. Next to the 2013, the 2014 comes across as quite supple and downright accessible. A blast of dark red cherry, plum, spice, menthol, lavender and licorice infuse the beautifully layered finish. I imagine the 2014 will drink nicely with just a few years in bottle, although if past vintages are an indication, the wine will need longer than that to be at its very best. The blend is 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, done with 43% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2015 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 9 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$595 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (10/2018): A wine that’s going to flirt with perfection in another handful of years, the 2015 No 9 Cumulus Vineyard checks in as a complex blend of 45% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 16.8% Mourvèdre, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Viognier that saw 42% stems and 34 months in 40% new French oak. Sensationally perfumed, with powerful notes of blackberries, graphite, crushed rocks, black pepper, and dark chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and incredible purity of fruit. This beauty has everything – richness, acidity, density, tannins, and length. Give it a handful of years and it will keep for 10-15 years. |
|
|
2015 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 9 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$725 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (10/2018): A wine that’s going to flirt with perfection in another handful of years, the 2015 No 9 Cumulus Vineyard checks in as a complex blend of 45% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 16.8% Mourvèdre, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Viognier that saw 42% stems and 34 months in 40% new French oak. Sensationally perfumed, with powerful notes of blackberries, graphite, crushed rocks, black pepper, and dark chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and incredible purity of fruit. This beauty has everything – richness, acidity, density, tannins, and length. Give it a handful of years and it will keep for 10-15 years. |
|
|
2015 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 9 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$745 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (10/2018): A wine that’s going to flirt with perfection in another handful of years, the 2015 No 9 Cumulus Vineyard checks in as a complex blend of 45% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 16.8% Mourvèdre, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Viognier that saw 42% stems and 34 months in 40% new French oak. Sensationally perfumed, with powerful notes of blackberries, graphite, crushed rocks, black pepper, and dark chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and incredible purity of fruit. This beauty has everything – richness, acidity, density, tannins, and length. Give it a handful of years and it will keep for 10-15 years. |
|
|
2018 |
Numero Quatro Touriga Nacional (1.5 L) |
$619 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2021): I was able to taste two new releases from the Krankls’ Next of Kyn release. Starting with the 2018 Touriga Nacional Numero Quatro, which also includes 9.1% Syrah, 7.2% Grenache, 6.2% Petite Sirah, and 1.5% Roussanne, it’s a full-bodied, deep, rich monster of a wine that still stays balance and elegant, with a terrific perfume of blue fruits, violets, gravelly earth, and peppery spice. It has building tannins, but the balance is as good as it gets, and it has a finish that won’t quit. Fermented with 35% whole clusters and aged 32 months in 60% new French oak, it’s going to keep for a solid 15 years or more.
VM 98 (10/2021): The 2018 Touriga Nacional – Número Quatro is sourced from Elain and Manfred Krankl's estate vineyard in Oak View. It is a wine of tremendous character and personality. Sadly, production remains tiny, at just over 130 cases. Copious black cherry, plum, bittersweet chocolate, new leather, licorice and spice build in an deep, powerful wine that is loaded with personality. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Numero Quatro Touriga Nacional (1.5 L) |
$789 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2021): I was able to taste two new releases from the Krankls’ Next of Kyn release. Starting with the 2018 Touriga Nacional Numero Quatro, which also includes 9.1% Syrah, 7.2% Grenache, 6.2% Petite Sirah, and 1.5% Roussanne, it’s a full-bodied, deep, rich monster of a wine that still stays balance and elegant, with a terrific perfume of blue fruits, violets, gravelly earth, and peppery spice. It has building tannins, but the balance is as good as it gets, and it has a finish that won’t quit. Fermented with 35% whole clusters and aged 32 months in 60% new French oak, it’s going to keep for a solid 15 years or more.
VM 98 (10/2021): The 2018 Touriga Nacional – Número Quatro is sourced from Elain and Manfred Krankl's estate vineyard in Oak View. It is a wine of tremendous character and personality. Sadly, production remains tiny, at just over 130 cases. Copious black cherry, plum, bittersweet chocolate, new leather, licorice and spice build in an deep, powerful wine that is loaded with personality. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2017 |
Numero Um Touriga Nacional (1.5 L) |
$995 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Neyers |
2013 |
AME Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$163.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
AME Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) Nicked Label |
$163.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Oakford Vineyards |
1998 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 87 (12/2000): Shows-off lots of oak, with toasty vanilla and anise scents, picking up black cherry, coffee, cedar and mocha, finishing with well-integrated tannins. Drink now through 2009. 550 cases made. |
|
|
1998 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) Cracked Wax Capsule |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 87 (12/2000): Shows-off lots of oak, with toasty vanilla and anise scents, picking up black cherry, coffee, cedar and mocha, finishing with well-integrated tannins. Drink now through 2009. 550 cases made. |
|
|
1998 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) Cracked Wax Capsule |
$795 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 87 (12/2000): Shows-off lots of oak, with toasty vanilla and anise scents, picking up black cherry, coffee, cedar and mocha, finishing with well-integrated tannins. Drink now through 2009. 550 cases made. |
|
|
1998 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$195 |
2 |
|
| |
| WS 87 (12/2000): Shows-off lots of oak, with toasty vanilla and anise scents, picking up black cherry, coffee, cedar and mocha, finishing with well-integrated tannins. Drink now through 2009. 550 cases made. |
|
| Ovid |
2012 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 95 (2/2017): The 2012 Ovid belongs to a group of vintages that includes 2007 and 2009 where the main characteristic is bold, racy fruit. A host of red cherry, pomegranate, smoke, licorice and tobacco wrap around the palate. Juicy, racy and flamboyant to the core, the 2012 needs a few years to lose some baby fat and develop aromatic complexity, but it is impressive. The 2012 is distinctly red-toned and floral in character, as so many wines are in this vintage. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94 (12/2015): The 2012 Proprietary Red is a 625-case cuvée made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot. The wine displays blueberry and blackberry fruit, some violets, a hints of charcoal embers and graphite. It is pure, full-bodied, ripe and already dramatic and ostentatious. This is a beauty to drink over the next 15 or so years. |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2009 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (6/2012): Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Napa Valley) Inky purple. Complex, heady bouquet evokes red and dark berry preserves, incense and dried flowers, with star anise and allspice overtones gaining strength with air. Juicy, palate-staining black raspberry and cassis flavors show excellent depth, with chewing tobacco and vanilla nuances contributing complexity. Finishes seamless and sweet, with outstanding energy and persistence. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2011 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$359 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (10/2013): One of my personal favorites, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard possesses flinty, wet stone-like characteristics, more rugged tannins and an overall more masculine personality than the Las Piedras. Its concentration is impressive for a 2011, the tannins are ripe, and the wine is beefy and mouthfilling. Although it may lack some of the nuances typical for this site, it is definitely a star of the vintage. It should drink well for 10-15 years. |
|
|
2016 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$650 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is bright, lifted and sensual, as is so common with wines from this site in St. Helena. Floral overtones, expressive red-toned fruit and silky tannins are some of the signatures in this very pretty and inviting mid-weight Cabernet. Today, the Dr. Crane is perhaps a touch linear, so readers should be prepared to cellar it for at least a few years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$699 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (7/2019): Saturated red-ruby. Licorice, black cherry, red- and blackcurrant, sexy soil tones and violet on the nose; conveys a strong impression of site character. Densely packed, full and youthful, conveying strong inner-mouth lift but still a bit monolithic and in need of patience. The wine's inky dark fruit, spice and graphite flavors are firm but not at all hard or spiky. Made from vines picked on the late side, this big boy may not be as graceful as the 2010 but its firm tannic structure should ensure a long, slow evolution. And this classically dry Cabernet boasts excellent definition and inner-mouth tension. Give this wine some time in a decanter if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
Nathan Coombs Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$595 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 98 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Nathan Coombs Estate is on another level. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a site in Coombsville which is a cooler terroir in the southern part of the Valley and spent 20 months in all new French oak. Sporting an inky purple/blue color and incredible notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, damp earth and leafy herbs, it incredibly concentrated, opulent and decadent, yet always balanced and pure. It's a real “Wow” wine that's going to knock your socks off over the coming 2-3 decades. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Peju Province |
1997 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$695 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Pillar Rock |
2001 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$245 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 91 (6/2004): Supple, with rich mocha and brownie flavors and lively currant and spice. While the flavors are concentrated and the wine is well-structured, it offers a sense of finesse and complexity. Drink now through 2010. 580 cases made.
VM 88 (2/2005): Bright red-ruby. Aromas of bitter cherry, espresso and mint, with a light leafy quality. A bit herbal and green yet creamy-sweet in the middle, with a firm shape. Finishes with sweet tannins and good grip. |
|
| Plumpjack |
2000 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$205 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 91 (7/2003): Wonderful harmony, intensity and concentration, with sweet, juicy currant and blackberry fruit at the center, shaded by cedary oak, which gives off a taste of sage and olive. The tannins are a bit raw but not out of line for a young wine. Best from 2005 through 2012. 10,200 cases made.
WA 87-89 (8/2002): The only 2000 I tasted was the Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. It reveals the vintage's charm, sweet tannin, and lovely ripe fruit, but those characteristics are slightly negated by the fact that it does not have the depth, persistence, layers, or concentration of a great Napa vintage. It should firm up after bottling, and be at its finest between 2005-2015. |
|
|
2006 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91-93 (12/2007): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Estate possesses a dark ruby/purple color, firm tannin, a dense constitution, and plenty of sweet black fruit characteristics intermixed with notions of new oak and scorched earth. It is more broodingly backward than the 2005, and appears to have a longer time line. |
|
|
2000 |
Oakville Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$210 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Pott |
2014 |
Actaeon Quixote Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$229 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Actaeon is one of the most complete wines in this tasting. Sweet layered aromatics, pliant fruit and silky tannins are the main signatures. All the elements are nicely balanced throughout. Actaeon is sourced from the Quixote vineyard in Stags Leap. This is very nicely done. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Actaeon Quixote Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$285 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Kaliholmanok Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$265 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaliholmanok, from a vineyard on Spring Mountain, is the most complete and deeply satisfying of these Cabernets from Aaron Pott. Pliant, creamy and super-expressive, the 2014 offers terrific depth and intensity through to the finish. A host of dark stone fruit, licorice, leather and mint notes are finely-knit in this expressive Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The Kaliholmanok makes its case more with finesse than power. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Le Nouveau Western Star Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2018): Aaron Pott's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Nouveau Western is pliant, supple and accessible, with attractive floral and savory notes that add character. Soft, silky tannins add to the wine's open-knit, accessible feel. Time in the glass brings out a host of bright red stone fruit, chalk and floral notes. This understated, polished Cabernet is classy to the core. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Predecessor |
2015 |
Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Howell Mountain Red Lake Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$425 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (10/2015): Pride's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is soft, creamy and voluptuous. Sweet cherry, rose petal, mint, plum, cinnamon, new leather and cedar open up effortlessly in the glass, with silky tannins that add to the wine's sheer appear. The Cabernet Sauvignon captures the open-knit, radiant personality of the vintage to the fullest. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$319 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95+ (12/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is going to need a few years in bottle to come into its own. Despite its obvious ripeness and inner sweetness, the 2015 is presently dominated by its firm tannins. A host of blackberry jam, leather, smoke, spice and earthy notes meld together effortlessly, while truffle, spice, dried flower and leather overtones add a distinctly wild, exotic character. Flamboyant and potent to the core, the Reserve clearly needs time to be at its best. There is plenty to look forward to, that much is obvious. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Provenance |
1999 |
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (5/2002): Deep ruby-red. Aromatic nose combines currant, plum syrup, licorice, cedar and tobacco, plus a whiff of dried herbs. Shapely and fairly intense, with subtle sweetness and rather Graves-y flavors of currant, roasted meat and tobacco. Finishes firmly tannic, with a slight dryness emerging with aeration. |
|
| Ramey |
2007 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$1,100 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2009): From Diamond Mountain, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum possesses a dense purple color, full-bodied power, and lots of scorched earth and loamy soil notes intermixed with smoked herbs, creme de cassis, and blackberries. This rich, but backward Cabernet Sauvignon needs 4-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for 25+.
WS 95 (8/2010): A bold, rich, expansive style, offering tiers of opulent blackberry and wild berry flavors, with touches of black and red licorice and a notable rustic hot brick wall earthiness, all of it dense, focused, complex and concentrated. Ends with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2020. 1,700 cases made.
VM 92 (4/2018): A rush of black cherry, smoke, torrefaction, new leather and licorice make a strong opening statement in the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum. Rich, powerful and heavily extracted, the 2007 shows the style that was in vogue a decade ago, and yet also retains tremendous depth. It will drink well for another decade or more. The Annum is the most overtly ripe wine in this range. At times, the alcohol peeks through. Otherwise, the 2007 is nicely rendered. Fruit sources are J. Davies and Larkmead. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2007 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$269 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2009): From Diamond Mountain, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum possesses a dense purple color, full-bodied power, and lots of scorched earth and loamy soil notes intermixed with smoked herbs, creme de cassis, and blackberries. This rich, but backward Cabernet Sauvignon needs 4-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for 25+.
WS 95 (8/2010): A bold, rich, expansive style, offering tiers of opulent blackberry and wild berry flavors, with touches of black and red licorice and a notable rustic hot brick wall earthiness, all of it dense, focused, complex and concentrated. Ends with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2020. 1,700 cases made.
VM 92 (4/2018): A rush of black cherry, smoke, torrefaction, new leather and licorice make a strong opening statement in the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum. Rich, powerful and heavily extracted, the 2007 shows the style that was in vogue a decade ago, and yet also retains tremendous depth. It will drink well for another decade or more. The Annum is the most overtly ripe wine in this range. At times, the alcohol peeks through. Otherwise, the 2007 is nicely rendered. Fruit sources are J. Davies and Larkmead. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2005 |
Larkmead Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$750 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/2008): Dark red. Intensely perfumed scents of kirsch, blackcurrant, dried rose and tobacco. Round and pliant, with juicy dark fruit flavors, velvety texture and slow-mounting tannins. As big and weighty as this is, there's also excellent balance and clarity. Finishes with lightly chewy tannins and Outstanding persistence.
WA 91 (12/2007): The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Larkmead Vineyard (1,360 cases produced from a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and 9% Merlot) possesses abundant amounts of creme de cassis, graphite, cedar, roasted herbs, and spice. This is an attractive Cabernet that should drink well for 15-20 years.
WS 90 (11/2008): Firm, rich and concentrated, with ripe blueberry, currant and black cherry fruit that's fleshy and well-centered, offering subtle flavor nuances of nutmeg, anise and dried berry. Best from 2010 through 2016. 3,300 cases made. |
|
|
2005 |
Pedregal Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$999 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2007): Readers looking for a Screaming Eagle look-alike should check out David Ramey’s 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal (85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot), a wine that has put on amazing richness and intensity since last year. Beautifully pure creme de cassis fruit interwoven with notions of spring flowers, espresso roast, and truffles jump from the glass of this wine. Wonderfully sweet, expansive fruit flavors, a massive, full-bodied palate, and superb elegance as well as purity suggest this stunner should drink well for 20-25+ years.
VM 95 (6/2008): Opaque ruby. Exotic perfume of dark berries, kirsch, bitter chocolate and espresso. Deep, supple and sweet, with impressively concentrated cassis and cherry compote flavors. The tannins are substantial but are buried beneath the massive fruit. Sticks to the palate like glue, eventually finishing with strong echoes of bitter cherry and high-octane chocolate. I'm not sure what you'd serve this with as its sheer depth and intensity will overwhelm all but the most full-flavored foods. That said, there's nothing heavy about it whatsoever. Pretty remarkable wine.
WS 86 (11/2008): Very rich, intense and concentrated, though notably herbal and cedary as well, which leaves the currant, mineral, pebble and sage flavors in the background. Best from 2010 through 2015. 750 cases made. |
|
| Rhys |
2013 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (7/2015): Sweet red cherry, plum, mint, spice and expressive floral notes form a super-appealing backdrop of aromas and flavors in the 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard. Open-knit and super-expressive, the 2013 boasts superb textural balance and finesse. A final burst of red stone fruit and pomegranate hits the finely-knit, delicate finish.
WA 94 (10/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard has a touch of darker fruit in its strawberry, cassis, dusty soil and earthy bouquet. This flows to a beautifully textured, seamless Pinot Noir that has sound underlying structure, medium plus-bodied richness and a great finish. Possessing both fruit and structure, it should be accessible for all of its life. |
|
|
2014 |
Horseshoe Vyd. Syrah (1.5 L) |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (8/2017): The 2014 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard is a magical wine. Interestingly, the Syrah shares much with the Pinot off this site in its structural feel and dark flavor profile. Inky blue/purplish fruit, herbs, crème de cassis, spice, lavender and mint are all beautifully delineated. Beams of supporting tannin give the wine its shape and overall intensity, yet the 2014 retains a super-classic, Santa Cruz Mountains feel of almost deceptively mid-weight structure. The 2014 was done with 100% whole clusters. Malolactic fermentation was done in steel, the wine then spent a year in barrique followed by a year in 25HL cask. What a gorgeous wine this is. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Robert Foley Vineyards |
2006 |
Claret (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 94 (2/2009): Smooth, rich and complex, this is full-bodied, with firm, focused currant, sage and dusty berry fruit that runs deep with concentration, unfolding to reveal blackberry, mineral and light cedary oak flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2010 through 2016. 1,700 cases made.
VM 91+ (6/2009): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, plum and licorice. Sweet and densely packed, with dark berry and graphite flavors along with a slight dried-fruit character. I find this a bit low-pitched for a Foley wine despite its sound ripe acidity. Finishes with chewy, slightly dry tannins that call for at least a few years of aging. This is all cabernet sauvignon in 2006, from vineyards on Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak and Calistoga.
WA 89+ (12/2008): Foley’s flagship cuvee, the 2006 Claret (a blend of Bordeaux varietals) exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue as well as a sweet bouquet of creme de cassis, blackberries, spice, and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied with gritty tannins in the background, but nice length, texture, and purity, it should merit an Outstanding score after another 1-2 years of bottle age. It will keep for 10-12 years. |
|
|
2008 |
Howell Mtn. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$349 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Rudd |
2018 |
Samantha’s Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$299 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (1/2021): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Samantha's was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 68% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it slips slowly out of the glass with captivating scents of black raspberries, Morello cherries, black currant pastilles and rose oil, followed by suggestions of cedar chest, pencil lead and black olives. The full-bodied palate is charged with amazing energy, featuring vivacious red and black berry layers and a firm backbone of grainy tannins, lifted by refreshing acidity and bags of crunchy fruit on the long finish. 617 cases were made.
VM 95 (1/2022): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Samantha's is hollow, lacking in fruit and abrupt on the finish. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Saxum |
2006 |
Booker Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Nicked Label |
$285 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (3/2009): Bold, ripe, intense and vibrant, with a full-throttle core of dark berry fruit that's rich, focused and full-bodied, offering blackberry, wild berry, plum and black cherry, picking up spice, flora, tar and black licorice flavors in spades. Syrah. Drink now through 2015. 350 cases made.
VM 92 (11/2008): (100% syrah) Vivid ruby. Highly aromatic nose offers cherry, blueberry, violet and smoky Indian spices. Sappy and finely focused, offering sweet red and dark berry flavors, tangy minerals and a late note of candied flowers. Tannins slowly gain strength on the finish but are more than balanced by fruit. "Next year this will start getting mourvedre," Smith offered. Josh Raynolds.
WS 92 (12/2008): Vivid ruby. Highly aromatic nose offers cherry, blueberry, violet and smoky Indian spices. Sappy and finely focused, offering sweet red and dark berry flavors, tangy minerals and a late note of candied flowers. Tannins slowly gain strength on the finish but are more than balanced by fruit. "Next year this will start getting mourvedre," Smith offered. |
|
| Scarecrow |
2017 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,800 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97+ (1/2020): The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is more closed and backward, yet has stunning currants, roasted coffee, smoked tobacco, and gravelly minerality and shows more violet and floral notes with time in the glass. Full-bodied, powerful, and structured on the palate, this is an elegant, tight, closed Scarecrow that's going to need 4-5 years of bottle age. It's going to age beautifully, though.
WA 97 (10/2019): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Scarecrow opens with notions of warm cassis, baked plums, black raspberries and boysenberries with accents of dried mint, pencil shavings and fragrant soil plus a waft of cast iron pan. Full-bodied, firm and grainy, it has a solid backbone of fantastically ripe tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.
VM 97 (1/2020): The 2017 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon is stunning. Seamless on the palate, with remarkable depth and richness, the 2017 has so much to offer. Black cherry jam, blackberry, chocolate, licorice, spice and menthol build in a rich, sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon that hits all the right notes. Best of all, the 2017 will drink well with only minimal cellaring. It is without question one of the wines of the vintage. Antonio Galloni.
WS 93 (11/2020): A rich, enveloping wine, built on warmed fig, boysenberry and plum compote flavors, while melted licorice, menthol, tar and Turkish coffee notes push through. For fans of the powerful style. Best from 2022 through 2032. 1,450 cases made. |
|
|
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,695 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2021): Pure perfection in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Scarecrow’s 2018 reveals a dense purple hue as well as an incredible bouquet of pure crème de cassis, toasted spices, chocolate, darker currants, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied, dense, off-the-charts sexy 2018 that has the vintage’s purity and freshness backed up by flawless balance, a layered mouthfeel, and building yet elegant tannins. This cuvee is hard to resist given its texture and wealth of fruit, but it will ideally be given 3-5 years and should evolve for 30 years or more.
WA 98 (11/2020): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Scarecrow is deep garnet-purple in color, slipping slowly, measuredly out of the glass with sensuous notes of blackberry pie, blackcurrant pastilles and Morello cherries, leading to hints of raspberry leaves, oolong tea, cardamom and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of energy, delivering vivacious, mineral-sparked black fruit preserves flavors with a firm, grainy texture and a refreshing lift on the long, long finish. Simply gorgeous!
VM 97 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon shows why this Rutherford site is so highly regarded. A Cabernet of pedigree and stature, the 2018 Scarecrow makes a strong opening statement. Seemingly endless waves of fruit completely bury the tannins. A bit of coaxing releases an exotic melange of gravel, spice, smoke, grilled herb and licorice nuances that meld into the super-concentrated dark fruit. This is another stellar effort by the team led by winemaker Celia Welch and vineyard manager Mike Wolf. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Schrader |
2019 |
MMXIX "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,299 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (12/2021): A selection put together by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky is one of the true gems in the vintage, as well as a perfect wine. Thrilling black fruits, crème de cassis, tobacco, tapenade, and iron notes all emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied and has a similar purity to the CCS release, with ultra-fine tannins and one hell of an incredible finish. Napa Valley Cabernet, or red wine for that matter, doesn't get any better. Give bottles 2-4 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following two decades or more. |
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|
2019 |
MMXIX "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,450 |
1 |
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| |
| JD 100 (12/2021): A selection put together by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky is one of the true gems in the vintage, as well as a perfect wine. Thrilling black fruits, crème de cassis, tobacco, tapenade, and iron notes all emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied and has a similar purity to the CCS release, with ultra-fine tannins and one hell of an incredible finish. Napa Valley Cabernet, or red wine for that matter, doesn't get any better. Give bottles 2-4 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following two decades or more. |
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|
2016 |
MMXVI "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$2,050 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (10/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky is very deep purple-black in color with a wonderfully pure nose of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves and black cherry pie with nuances of dried bay leaves, dusty soil, garrigue and new leather plus touches of unsmoked cigars and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, concentrated and jam-packed with flavors, the palate is pure hedonism with a solid line of ripe tannins and great freshness, finishing very long. |
|
| Sean Thackrey |
2010 |
Sirius Eagle Point Ranch Petite Sirah (1.5 L) |
$165 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (5/2014): Deep, bright ruby. Lovely expressive aromas of black raspberry, violet, licorice and bitter chocolate. Concentrated, dense and sweet, with excellent inner-mouth energy and lift to the flavors of dark berries, dark chocolate and flint. Perhaps most impressive today on the very long, ripely tannic back end. Long on personality for the variety. Showed eucalyptus and licorice pastille notes after 72 hours in the recorked bottle without losing its verve. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Seaver Vineyards |
2017 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$995 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (1/2020): The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon GTS is powerful, dense and brooding, with massive tannins that may never be balanced. Game, licorice, tobacco and graphite add layers of complexity, but it is hard to get past tannins that are huge and overpowering, even within the context of Diamond Mountain. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2018 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$550 |
1 |
|
| |
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2020 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$650 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Sequoia Grove |
2012 |
Cambium Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$245 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Rutherford Bench Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Shafer Vineyards |
2015 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$595 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (10/2018): Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select comes bounding out of the glass with gregarious scents of crème de cassis, warm black cherries, plum preserves and Indian spices with hints of lilacs, garrigue, stewed tea and cigar box plus a waft of charcuterie. Full-bodied, rich, boldly fruited and wildly decadent, it has a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing with loads of earthy and savory layers.
JD 98 (1/2020): I was able to taste four vintages of the estate’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, their Hillside Select. This first growth-like cuvee was first made in 1978 and always comes from their estate Hillside Vineyard just above their estate in Stags Leap. This is a 54-acre south-facing, amphitheater-like vineyard of thin, rocky, volcanic soils. Today the cuvee is always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spends upwards of 32 months in new French oak. It is consistently one of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignons in the world. Starting with their 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select, it boasts a deep, saturated purple hue as well as a heavenly bouquet of sweet blueberry and cassis fruits interwoven with plenty of graphite, tobacco, and lead pencil notes, with ample minerality emerging with time in the glass. This was a hot, low-yielding vintage for Napa, and while this beauty is massively concentrated, it’s also silky and seamless, with great tannins, no sense of over-ripeness or heaviness, and a finish that goes on for nearly a minute. This is a brilliant, incredibly sexy wine to enjoy over the coming 30-40 years.
VM 96 (1/2020): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is a total knock-out. Given the heat and tiny yields of the year, one might reasonably expect a big wine; this, however, has really grown into an elegant, polished Cabernet. Silky, perfumed and rich, the 2015 is exquisitely beautiful, super-elegant and expressive. Gorgeous dark red/purplish fruit, floral and spice inflections lead into the beautifully persistent finish. Antonio Galloni.
WS 95 (10/2020): A big wine waiting to unwind. When it does, the core of steeped plum, blueberry and açaí reduction flavors should stretch out nicely over melted licorice and Black Forest cake elements. A graphite spine holds everything together, while embers of smoldering apple wood flicker through the very long finish. Best from 2022 through 2038. 2,400 cases made. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2014 |
Capo dei Putti Syrah (3.0 L) |
$2,900 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2018): Leading off the reds, the extended barrel-aged 2014 Syrah Capo Dei Putti boasts an insane bouquet of cedarwood, white chocolate, caramelized meats, candle way, and assorted red and black fruits. With full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and an incredible elegance, it changed every time I came back to the glass and is a multi-dimensional, riveting red wine from California. A blend of 90% Syrah and the balance Viognier, Petite Sirah, and Grenache, partially destemmed and aged 38 months in 94% new French oak, give this beauty 2-3 years of bottle age, count yourself lucky, and enjoy bottles over the following 10-15 years.
VM 98 (9/2018): The 2014 Syrah Capo dei Putti, from Eleven Confessions, is another absolutely stunning wine from Elaine and Manfred Krankl. Bright and vibrant in the glass, the 2014 offers tremendous aromatic intensity and freshness to play off the dark Syrah fruit. There is an sense of explosive energy running through the 2014 that adds to the wine's total allure. I would prefer to cellar the Capo dei Putti for at least a few years. I imagine it will always be a wine of gravitas, concentration and power. The 2014 spent 38 months in French oak, 94% new. The blend is 90% Syrah, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 2% Grenache and 4.8% Viognier, done with 43% whole clusters.
WA 96+ (8/2018): The 2014 Syrah Capo dei Putti saw an amazing 38 months in fully 94% new oak, and it was showing superbly when I tasted it, unfurling in the glass with brooding aromas of blackberry preserve, cherries, bay leaf and a remarkably integrated framing of smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, hyper-concentrated and deep, with an incredibly dense core of fruit that's definitely ripe but avoids overt sucrosity—and is complemented by an impressive degree of savory nuance. It's a blocky, dense Syrah that will merit some time in bottle, but it is sure to make a considerable impact whenever it's opened. 896 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced. |
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|
2019 |
Distenta I Syrah (1.5 L) |
$599 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (8/2022): The 2019 Syrah Distenta 1 is brilliant, and certainly one of the Syrahs of the vintage. Sporting a vivid ruby, almost opaque hue, it offers awesome, textbook Syrah notes of assorted red and blackberry fruits, bacon fat, smoked meat, and an incredible floral character that develops with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's a more elegant, restrained Sine Qua Non revealing flawless balance, beautiful freshness and elegance, silky tannins, and one heck of a finish. Still a baby that needs a lengthy decant if drinking any time soon (this bottle showed best on the second day, at which point it was drunk), it will benefit from a solid 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise for two decades after that.I’ve been visiting with Sine Qua Non for a decade now, and I never cease to be amazed at the quality consistently coming from this address. In addition, Krankl somehow manages to deliver brilliance with just about any variety out there, and whether it’s Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Touriga Nacional, Roussanne, or even Petit Manseng, you can expect a truly riveting wine, as well as a wine with singular characteristics. Unfortunately, it’s all too common, particularly for those who don’t drink the wines often, to assume all California cult wines are over-ripe or heavy. The reality, however, couldn’t be more different, and great wines deliver intensity and depth while staying light on their feet and elegant. And these latest releases from Sine Qua Non are great wines. |
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|
2021 |
Distenta III Syrah (1.5 L) |
$549 |
1 |
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| |
VM 98 (8/2024): The 2021 Syrah Distenta III is another magnificent offering in this great vintage. A wine of penetrating depth and vibrancy, the 2021 explodes onto the palate with copious dark fruit, new leather, licorice and spice. It possesses statuesque energy and pedigree to burn. The Distenta III is one of my favorite recent SQN wines. The blend is 81.7% Syrah, 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvèdre, 2.1% Petite Sirah and 1.6% Muscat and Petit Manseng. Antonio Galloni.
WA 95+ (8/2024): Just over half of the 2021 Syrah Distenta III was sourced from The Third Twin Vineyard, with roughly equal parts Cumulus and Eleven Confessions making up the balance. It includes 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvèdre, 2.1% Petite Sirah and small portions of Muscat and Petit Manseng. The nose is meaty and savory, showing aromas of cured meats, pepperoncini and barbecue smoke aromas melded with rich, creamy, toasty new oak aromas. The palate is extraordinarily extracted and powerful, filled to the brim with sumptuously sweet concentration, which cascades into the decadent, staining finish. Despite the immense power and flashiness here, it leaves something to be discovered, continuously unfurling in the glass while remaining generally balanced. Integrating its alcohol more effortlessly than its Grenache-based counterparts, this is a highlight of the Sine Qua Non lineup. |
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|
2019 |
Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah (1.5 L) |
$749 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (6/2023): The 2019 Syrah Eleven Confessions Vineyard is elegant and perfumed and includes 13.1% Grenache, 3.3% Petite Sirah and just a splash—0.8%—each of Viognier and Muskateller (a.k.a Muscat). It was crafted with 13% whole clusters, matured in 66% new French oak for around 39 months and was bottled in January 2022. This gorgeous Syrah opens over several days and never seems to diminish. It offers pure aromas of crème de cassis, tar, salami and ringing tones of violet. The full-bodied palate is incredibly velvety in texture, and despite its concentration and powerful style, it manages noticeable freshness and detail, with that magical violet perfume echoing across the long finish. This will develop gracefully in the cellar over the next two decades or more. 968 cases and 240 magnums were made. |
|
|
2014 |
Piranha Waterdance Syrah (1.5 L) |
$695 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (9/2017): Blended of 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Touriga Nacional and 1% Graciano, sourced from 34% The Third Twin, 35% Eleven Confessions and 31% Cumulus (all estate vineyards), the provocative, inky purple colored 2014 Syrah Piranha Waterdance was made using 26% whole cluster and hits the scent scene with exuberant, pure crème de cassis, blackberry cordial and blueberry coulis notes with hints of espresso, licorice, garrigue and menthol, plus a gorgeous underlying perfume of red roses. The full-bodied palate is oh-so-elegant and pretty, revealing very finely pixelated tannins that beautifully frame the almost electric intensity, culminating in an epically long, licorice and chocolate-laced finish. Too stunning for mere words and rude to even try-just drink it. 1,839 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
VM 95-97 (9/2016): A striking, vibrant wine, the 2014 Syrah Piranha Waterdance is beautifully focused and energetic from start to finish. Plum, blueberry, lavender, mint, violet and sweet spices all take shape in the glass. This is an especially nuanced, sculpted Syrah long on class and personality. There is so much to like here. The 2014 is 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Touriga Nacional and % Graciano, done with 26% whole clusters, all from Sine Qua Non's estate vineyards: 35% Eleven Confessions, 34% Third Twin and 31% Cumulus. Antonio Galloni.
WS 94 (9/2017): Rich, ripe and powerfully built, with deep and expressive smoky beef, cracked pepper and currant flavors that charge like a bull toward big but polished tannins. Best from 2019 through 2025. 1,800 cases made. |
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|
2014 |
Shakti Grenache (1.5 L) |
$725 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (8/2017): One of the more elegant, ethereal releases from this incredible address, the 2014 Grenache Shakti checks in as blend of 88% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and the rest Touriga Nacional that was fermented with 42% whole clusters and aged 21 months in just 6% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels. Its ruby/purple semi-opaque color is followed by a thrilling bouquet of black raspberries, black olive tapenade, leafy herbs, pepper and spring flowers. It’s not a small wine by any measure, yet it’s graceful, lively and elegant on the palate, with a full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet, polished tannin, no hard edges and a gorgeous finish. Drink this beautiful Grenache anytime over the coming 15+ years. I loved the 2013s from Manfred Krankl, and these are reminiscent of the 2010s (as are the 2015s). The 2014s are more plush and sexy, with a forward style that’s already impossible to resist. The 2015 reds were all tasted as barrel samples, and these show the firm, structured style of the vintage and I suspect are going to require bottle age to show at their best. I’ve also included the “The Third Twin” releases here, and it, like the Next Of Kyn releases, are released under a separate label and focus on the estate The Third Twin vineyard located outside of Los Alamos.
VM 95-96 (9/2016): The 2014 Grenache Shakti wraps around the palate with sumptuous fruit. Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and new leather flesh out as this totally seductive Grenache from Sine Qua Non. Striking aromatics, super-expressive, bright fruit and silky tannins are some of the signatures in a delicious, delicate Grenache that is totally alluring. I suppose the 2014 is not the most structured or complex Grenache ever from Sine Qua Non, but it is a total pleasure bomb. The blend is 88% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and 2% Touriga Nacional, done with 42% whole clusters. Vineyard sites are 51% Cumulus, 21.5% Eleven Confessions, 18% Third Twin and 9.5% Bien Nacido. I tasted the 2014 from tank just prior to bottling. Antonio Galloni.
WS 90 (7/2017): Dark and brooding, this showcases ripeness and intensity, offering notes of licorice, smoky pepper, beef and dried currant. Tannins frame the finish. Drink now through 2023. 1,150 cases made. |
|
|
2014 |
Testa dei Cherubini Grenache (3.0 L) |
$2,900 |
1 |
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| |
JD 99 (10/2018): As with the extended aged Syrah release, the 2014 Grenache Testa Dei Cherubini (80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah and Viognier) comes all from the estate Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and spent just under 38 months in 25% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels (varying sizes). Layers of black raspberry, cassis, white chocolate, white flowers, and Asian spices flow to a full-bodied, supple, powerful Grenache that has silky, silky tannins, a seamless texture, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s already approachable, yet in my experience, this extended elevage results in a very stable wine, and I suspect this beauty will have another two decades of longevity.
WA 98+ (8/2018): The 2014 Grenache Testa dei Cherubini saw fully 37.5 months in wood, some 25% new, but its influence is imperceptible; the wine is strikingly pure and vibrant. Krankl commented that the longer the wines spend in barrel, the more slowly they seem to evolve in bottle. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of juicy red cherries, peonies and plums, it's initially quite reserved, becoming more expressive with air. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and very concentrated, with strikingly fine-grained, revolved tannins, juicy acids and impressive length and depth. Like the 2015 Le Chemin Vers l'Heresie also reviewed in this report, it's remarkably pure and integrated and ranks as one of the finest Grenache bottlings I've tasted from Sine Qua Non. It's also one wine that will clearly benefit from bottle age, no matter how tempting it may be when it's released in November of this year. The blend includes 15.5% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and a tiny 0.5% of Viognier, and 895 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced.
VM 98 (9/2018): The 2014 Grenache Testa dei Cherubini, from Sine Qua Non's Eleven Confessions vineyard, is positively explosive on the palate. Even so, the 2014 is precise and beautifully delineated, with striking nuance and terrific freshness to balance things out. The blend is 80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier that spent 38 months in 600-liter French oak barrels. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2012 |
The Writing on the Wall Petite Sirah (1.5 L) |
$4,495 |
1 |
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| |
VM 98 (8/2015): The 2012 Petite Sirah The Writing on the Wall is beyond beautiful. Wonderfully delineated and nuanced, with none of the edginess or rusticity Petite often shows, The Writing on the Wall is a real stunner. Bold red cherry, pomegranate, spice and sweet floral notes are all underpinned by veins of acidity and tannin that give the wine its freshness and polish. The 2012 is 94% Petite Sirah and 6% Viognier, done with fully destemmed fruit and aged for 23 months in French oak, 20% new. Vineyard sources are 80% Third Twin, 14% Cumulus and 6% Eleven Confessions. Manfred and Elaine Krankl take Petite Sirah into a whole new realm. Unfortunately, The Writing on the Wall is also one of the rarest wines Sine Qua Non has ever made. Just 350 magnums were sold, all of them in the Sine Qua Non art label book box set. That is a real shame, as most readers will never have a chance to experience just how moving the 2012s is. Antonio Galloni.
WA 97-100 (8/2014): The 2012 Petite Sirah The Writing on the Wall should be the greatest Petite Sirah to ever come out of California (or the world?). Made from 94% Petite Sirah and 6% Viognier and aged in 80% old hogsheads and 20% in new French oak, it’s bottled only in magnum and will be sold along with the new Sine Qua Non label art book. A massive, full-bodied effort that offers incredible depth and richness without ever seeming heavy or cumbersome, it offers up blockbuster-styled aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, crushed rocks, beef blood and licorice. It should age for decades. |
|
| Somnium Cellars |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$165 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$260 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$260 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Spottswoode |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$525 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2009): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, which has taken on much greater complexity and intensity since I tasted it right after bottling, is largely all Cabernet Sauvignon with just a small amount of Cabernet Franc in the blend. The owner’s daughter, Beth Novak, and her assistants, Rosemary Cakebread and Jennifer Williams, made an intelligent decision in bottling this wine later than normal to resolve some of the tannin issues, and they have certainly succeeded. This wine, which I believe will evolve for 25 or more years, has a gorgeous nose of violets, black currants, licorice, camphor, and a hint of graphite. Layered, rich, and full-bodied, the wine has an opaque purple color as well as wonderful purity and balance. It could be considered the wine world’s version of haute couture at a top address in Paris. It’s a beauty, perfectly balanced and as flawless and seamless as a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa can be. Drink it over the next 25 years.
WS 92 (4/2010): Drying herb, mineral and graphite join grilled meat and dried currant in this taut, tannic, structured and backward youngster. Firmly tannic and chewy, very concentrated and tightly wound. Best from 2011 through 2018. 2,743 cases made.
VM 90 (6/2009): Deep ruby-red. Superripe aromas of black fruits, licorice, mocha and espresso; not currently showing the classic floral character of this wine, despite the presence of 12% cabernet franc. Big, broad, chewy and dry, with cassis and boysenberry fruit flavors currently in the background. Finishes quite tannic and a tad dry. This was bottled late, in December of '08, owing to its tannic structure and its tightness in barrel, according to winemaker Williams. (I once again scored the wonderfully fleshy yet suave 2005 estate cabernet 93 points. This wine may yet shut down in bottle but was smooth, sweet and captivating in March.) |
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2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$399 |
1 |
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| |
WA 95+ (12/2010): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a glorious perfume of spring flowers, blueberries and black currants, good acidity and serious tannins as well as concentration. It is slightly more restrained and backward than the seamless, compelling 2007, but the 2008 possesses lots of stuffing as well as elegance married with purity, power and rare equilibrium. Drink it over the next 2-3 decades.
VM 90-92 (6/2010): (includes 6% cabernet franc) Good medium ruby. Blackberry and bitter chocolate aromas perked up by violet, mint and a hint of pepper. A fruity, supple midweight with precise cabernet character and excellent purity of flavor. The tannins begin quite fine but mount with air, ultimately cutting off the wine's lingering dark fruit flavors. Still, this young cabernet has the edge over the estate's 2006 today. Winemaker Jennifer Williams extended the skin contact during the vinification by 7 to 10 days in 2008 (up to 41 days for some lots) and believes that this approach resulted in a softening of the tannins in the tank. The big challenge in 2008, said Williams, was to pick in multiple passes and then sort carefully. |
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|
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$595 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (12/2012): Another super-impressive effort, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts stunning depth and sheer power. Black currants, pencil shavings, mocha, incense and melted road tar are all woven together gracefully in this powerful, opulent wine. The tannins remain firm, so another few years of cellaring is a must. There is serious density and sheer power to burn. Today the 2009 is a touch less vibrant than the 2010, but more overt and voluptuous. A brooding, muscular finish rounds things out beautifully. The 2009 is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.
WS 96 (10/2012): (WS #80 wine of 2012) This beautifully crafted red is marked by a distinctively complex and subtle mix of dried herb, baking spices and floral scents, with a tight core of currant and blackberry flavors. Finishes with a surge of flavors that build and expand. Best from 2014 through 2028. 2,992 cases made.
VM 94 (5/2012): Full ruby-red. Cassis, dark chocolate and violet on the lively nose. Seamless and lush in the style of the year, showing the roundness and finesse of the best Spottswoode vintages. Finishes with toothcoating sweet tannins and a complete absence of rough edges. This doesn't show the tannic mass of the more backward and powerful 2008 but it's suaver and has plenty of structure for a graceful evolution in bottle. |
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2017 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$399 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (10/2019): Made of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color and prances out of the glass with vivacious blackberries, crushed black cherries, warm black currants and red currant jelly scents plus exotic hints of cassia, cardamom, fenugreek and star anise with a waft of underbrush. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic energy and beautiful poise, with bags of bright, crunchy black and red fruit plus a firm, fine-grained texture, finishing long and spicy.
JD 96 (1/2020): Looking at the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, which was bottled two months prior to my tasting, it too has a Château Margaux-like complexity and elegance, with beautiful notes of crème de cassis, sandalwood, dried flowers, tobacco leaf, and lead pencil. Harvested all pre-fire, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, silky tannins, and remarkable purity, all making for a quintessential Spottswoode that’s going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for 20+ years.
VM 96 (1/2020): Spottswoode's 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon has been simply tremendous on both occasions I have tasted it so far. Sweet red cherry, red plum, flowers and mint give the 2017 striking freshness to complement its decidedly mid-weight structure. The intense heat of the vintage caused ripening to slow down and yielded a wine with just 13.7% alcohol, which is low for both the estate and Napa Valley in general. Spottswoode was one of the first estates in the valley to adopt a more moderate approach to farming and that really paid off in 2017, as a wine of this level in that year could have only resulted from impeccable farming. In a word: magnificent! Antonio Galloni.
JS 96 (10/2019): A soft, velvety red with dark-berry, blackcurrant and plum aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, creamy and delicious. Pretty tension of fruit and tannins. Very refined. 89% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. Drink or hold.
WS 95 (11/2020): Features a sleek and racy edge, with damson plum, bitter cherry and black currant fruit working together, revealing pinpoints of savory, sage and iron scattered throughout. The mouthwatering finish shows the vintage's slightly brambly grip, but with superior integration and energy to most of its peers. Best from 2022 through 2038. 4,019 cases made. |
|
| Staglin Family Vineyards |
2017 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$550 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (12/2018): The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is an attractive, racy wine with plush fruit, soft contours and tons of sheer immediacy. Sweet red berry fruit, floral notes, spice and mint are all nicely lifted in this enticing, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon from Staglin. The 2017 offers lovely freshness and aromatic presence in a medium-bodied Cabernet that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| T-Vine |
2012 |
Doc Gold Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Teachworth |
2001 |
Manzanita Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$179 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2001 |
Rattlesnake Ridge Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$179 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Terlato Vineyards |
2008 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$269 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 90 (4/2014): Dense and powerful, rustic and tannic, offering a core of dark berry, mocha, cedar and tobacco, marked by chewy, grainy tannins that give the flavors traction. Needs time. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2015 through 2028. 1,000 cases made.
WA 88 (10/2013): The 2010 Proprietary Red Episode (44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot) is a more Pomerol-styled effort displaying a deep ruby color, lots of mocha and black cherry notes, soft tannins and a round, hedonistic appeal. This elegant, pure 2010 is ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years. |
|
| Tor |
2019 |
Black Magic Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$850 |
1 |
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| |
WA 97 (5/2022): A best-blend, best-barrel selection, Tor's 2019 Black Magic offers up waves of cassis, black cherries, dark chocolate and dark loam. It's full-bodied and rich, expansive, plush and velvety. A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot and 9% Cabernet Franc, there are 300 cases of this incredibly seductive effort. The only question well-heeled buyers will have to consider is whether it is really that much better than some of the single-vineyard efforts.
VM 97 (1/2022): The 2019 Black Magic is a fabulous conclusion to this tasting with Tor Kenward and Jeff Ames. Ample and flamboyant to the core, the 2019 Black Magic captures all the natural intensity of the Tor house style. Layers of dark fruit, chocolate, espresso, licorice, sweet spice and copious new oak build over time. Black Magic is the flagship wine in this range, but it is a bit pushed in style and not my personal favorite in the range, for what that is worth. Antonio Galloni.
JD 98 (12/2021): Based on co-ferments of Cabernet Sauvignon (76%), Petit Verdot (15%), and Cabernet Franc (9%), mostly from the To Kalon and Vine Hill Ranch vineyards, the 2019 Black Magic is a stunning wine that flirts with perfection, and I'd put it up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. It offers a kaleidoscopic array of red, blue, and black fruits, notes of sandalwood, graphite, iron, and tobacco leaf, full-bodied richness, silky tannins, and a monster of a finish. The balance here is spot on, it has the supple, round, classic 2019 mouthfeel, and while it's already a sensational drink, it's going to evolve for 25+ years. It's another incredible wine from this team. |
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|
2015 |
Napa Valley 2 Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$350 |
1 |
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| |
| VM 94 (1/2018): The 2015 Red Wine is a blend of 44% Petit Verdot from Vine Hill Ranch, 44% Cabernet Franc from To Kalon and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon from To Kalon. Dark, rich and explosive, the 2015 hits the palate with serious intensity and brooding power. Gravel, graphite, smoke, and black cherry infuse this persistent, super-intriguing wine. The Red Wine is eccentric and massively tannic, but also very long on class. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2014 |
Napa Valley Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$350 |
1 |
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| Verite |
2014 |
La Joie Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$599 |
1 |
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JD 97+ (12/2017): The estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon dominated release is the 2014 La Joie and it’s an incredible wine based on 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot. Reminding me of a top vintage of Ducru-Beaucaillou (the 2010?) with it’s incredibly classic Cabernet character, it offers thrilling notes of crème de cassis, exotic flowers, liquid rock-like minerality, and graphite and lead pencil nuances. Deep, concentrated, and backward, it has perfect balance, good acidity, and an undeniable Bordeaux-like weight and texture. It’s nowhere near primetime and needs 5-7 years of cellaring and is going to keep for three decades.
VM 97.5 (3/2017): The 2014 La Joie exudes freshness, energy and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender espresso and expressive spiced notes are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, mint and gently spiced notes are laced into the super-expressive, silky finish. A final kick of Cabernet Sauvignon intensity adds lift in the 2014 La Joie, Vérité's Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. Antonio Galloni.
WA 95 (8/2023): Deep ruby-garnet, the 2014 La Joie is alluringly tertiary on the nose with tones of iodine and truffle, old cigars, dried tobacco and blackcurrant. The medium-bodied palate is velvety and seamless, and the wine is showing a structural harmony and ideal balance of fruit and umami character. It's drinking beautifully! |
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|
2014 |
La Joie Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$625 |
2 |
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JD 97+ (12/2017): The estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon dominated release is the 2014 La Joie and it’s an incredible wine based on 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot. Reminding me of a top vintage of Ducru-Beaucaillou (the 2010?) with it’s incredibly classic Cabernet character, it offers thrilling notes of crème de cassis, exotic flowers, liquid rock-like minerality, and graphite and lead pencil nuances. Deep, concentrated, and backward, it has perfect balance, good acidity, and an undeniable Bordeaux-like weight and texture. It’s nowhere near primetime and needs 5-7 years of cellaring and is going to keep for three decades.
VM 97.5 (3/2017): The 2014 La Joie exudes freshness, energy and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender espresso and expressive spiced notes are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, mint and gently spiced notes are laced into the super-expressive, silky finish. A final kick of Cabernet Sauvignon intensity adds lift in the 2014 La Joie, Vérité's Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. Antonio Galloni.
WA 95 (8/2023): Deep ruby-garnet, the 2014 La Joie is alluringly tertiary on the nose with tones of iodine and truffle, old cigars, dried tobacco and blackcurrant. The medium-bodied palate is velvety and seamless, and the wine is showing a structural harmony and ideal balance of fruit and umami character. It's drinking beautifully! |
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2013 |
La Muse Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$665 |
2 |
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| WA 96 (8/2023): The 2013 La Muse is maturing gracefully and offers noticeable detail at this stage. Deep garnet in color, its dried wild black and blue berry fruit is complemented by umami-like wafts of shiitake, steak sauce and aniseed. The full-bodied palate is softening and fresh, with a generous core of juicy fruit, heightened complexity from savory notes of maturity and a singular, umami-and-berry finish. It's drinking wonderfully, although it's not quite at its peak. |
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|
2014 |
La Muse Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$695 |
2 |
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WA 100 (8/2016): The 2014 La Muse (2,800 cases ) is a legendary effort. The wine offers an opaque purple color and a gorgeous nose of lead pencil shavings, blackberry, incense, Asian spice, cocoa, plum, and a touch of chocolate and barrique. On the palate, more cassis and blackberry come to the forefront. The wine is unctuous, with adequate acidity and a stunning energy underneath the massive fruit and body. This is a spectacularly fragrant and, at the same time, dense wine, with enough structure (somewhat surprising in this vintage) to last 35-45+ years. The final blend was 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.
JD 97+ (12/2017): A gorgeous effort as well, the 2014 La Muse is a Merlot-dominated cuvee blended with 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. This deep ruby/purple-colored beauty boasts a terrific perfume of black raspberries, cassis, graphite, chocolate, and a beautiful earthy minerality. This isn’t your over the top, opulent Merlot and shows incredible class and purity, as well as full-bodied richness, high, yet integrated tannin, impeccable balance and a great finish. It’s not anywhere close to primetime (which is rare for a 2014) and needs 4-5 years at a minimum. It’s going to be incredibly long-lived.
VM 96 (3/2017): A huge, opulent wine, the 2014 La Muse wraps around the palate with tons of super-ripe dark red fruit, chocolate, spice and menthol. La Muse often shuts down after bottling, but the 2014 is still remarkably intense and voluptuous, with soft contours, silky tannins and exceptional balance. The purity of the flavors here is remarkable. Antonio Galloni. |
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2013 |
Le Desir Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$675 |
2 |
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| WA 99 (10/2015): The 2013 Le Desir represents 2,500 cases. This is the softest of the three wines in 2013, and this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec emerges with more than half of the cuvée coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 37% from Chalk Hill and the rest tiny dollops from Bennett Valley and Knights Valley. Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength. |
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|
2014 |
Le Desir Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$675 |
2 |
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| |
JD 99 (12/2017): A blend of 53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Malbec, the 2014 Le Desir is monumental stuff that has a Château Ausone-like character that’s hard to describe. its vibrant purple color is followed by a to-die-for bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, cedar, tobacco leaf, and charcoal. This gives way to a concentrated, rich, yet incredibly delineated wine that has fine, fine tannin, notable freshness and purity, and a great finish. While blockbuster stuff, it’s for consumers with cold cellars and lots of patience. I’d hide bottles for 7-8 years and it’s going to keep for another 3+ decades.
VM 97 (3/2017): The 2014 Le Désir is the most inward of these 2014s from Vérité. Dark raspberry jam, wild flowers, spice, pencil shavings, mocha, lavender and licorice infuse this deep, powerful, structured Cabernet Franc-based blend. The interplay of dense, sumptuous fruit and aromatic freshness makes for an absolutely compelling wine.
WA 98 (10/2016): The 2014 Le Désir (53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec) has an inky purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate, black truffle, forest floor, black raspberry and black currants. Opulent, but again structured and super-dense and pure, this is another massively concentrated wine meant for the long haul (and for our grandchildren). Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 35-40 years. Remarkably, Pierre Seillan told me that 2014, while a drought year, was not actually that hot in the micro-terroirs he was working, but in terms of quality, it turned out to be the most surprisingly positive vintage he’s ever witnessed. |
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|
2018 |
Le Desir Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$675 |
2 |
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JD 98+ (7/2021): The Cabernet Franc blend of the trio, the 2018 Le Desir is 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec, and as with all these wines, it was brought up in new barrels. Ruby/purple and not completely opaque, it offers up a classic Cabernet Franc nose of mostly red fruits, spring flowers, damp earth, cedary spices, and truffle. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shines for its incredible elegance and purity more than outright power, yet it still brings plenty of richness. With ultra-fine tannins, perfect balance, and one heck of a great finish, it's another great, great wine from this estate.
WA 97+ (7/2021): Composed of 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 6% Malbec, the 2018 Le Désir was aged for 16 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little closed to begin, soon unfurling to offer glimpses at notes of kirsch, raspberry preserves and mulberry scents, plus hints of cedar chest, crushed rocks, bay leaves, Sichuan pepper and lavender with a waft of sandalwood. The medium to full-bodied palate has tons of freshness to support the melange of preserved red and black fruits, textured by grainy tannins, finishing with a lingering peppery kick. It may require just a little more time to come around than the La Joie and La Muse, and then I suspect this beauty is going to reward the patient. |
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| Viader |
1996 |
Proprietary Blend (3.0 L) Vintage Written on Label |
$389 |
1 |
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| |
VM 90 (6/1999): Good deep ruby-red. Very complex, slightly roasted aromas of plum, cassis, cedar, tobacco and smoky oak; has a liqueur-like ripeness. Large-scaled, soft and harmonious; not as dense or deep as the '97 but quite lush and plummy for the vintage. Finishes with firm, tongue-coating tannins.
WA 88 (12/1998): A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Cabernet Franc, from Viader's beautiful hillside vineyards, this 1996 is made in a polished, graceful style. Medium-bodied, with lush, herb-tinged, raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with mineral and lead pencil notes, this lovely, stylish, restrained offering already provides pleasant drinking, yet should keep for 10-12 years. |
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|
1996 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 90 (6/1999): Good deep ruby-red. Very complex, slightly roasted aromas of plum, cassis, cedar, tobacco and smoky oak; has a liqueur-like ripeness. Large-scaled, soft and harmonious; not as dense or deep as the '97 but quite lush and plummy for the vintage. Finishes with firm, tongue-coating tannins.
WA 88 (12/1998): A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Cabernet Franc, from Viader's beautiful hillside vineyards, this 1996 is made in a polished, graceful style. Medium-bodied, with lush, herb-tinged, raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with mineral and lead pencil notes, this lovely, stylish, restrained offering already provides pleasant drinking, yet should keep for 10-12 years. |
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| Vineyard 29 |
1999 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$255 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (8/2002): The 1999 exhibits cassis and licorice characteristics, along with considerable smoky new oak. Although the finish is angular and tough, everything else is impressive, including pure, ripe, concentrated fruit, medium body, Bordeaux-like, austere tannin, and good density, sweetness, and richness. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following decade. |
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| Whitehall Lane |
1995 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$295 |
1 |
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| |
WA 91 (12/1998): The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (2,400 cases) dominated a flight that included fourteen of its peers. It exhibits a saturated purple color, as well as a youthful yet promising nose of toasty new oak, briery fruit, cassis, and licorice. The wine is concentrated and pure, with sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and medium to full body. A seamless, beautifully proportioned Cabernet Sauvignon, it should be at its peak with another 2-3 years of bottle age, and keep for 15 or more.
WS 88 (12/2005): A ripe, robust wine, with lots of rich currant, plum and funky cedary oak nuances and the flavors, while rustic, are focused and persistent and the tannins are ripe and in balance.--1995 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now through 2009. 2,400 cases made. |
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|
1997 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$950 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 97 (10/2000): Deliciously ripe, rich and deeply flavored, with juicy layers of coffee, herb, currant, sage, chocolate, toffee and spice, with a long, complex, integrated finish. Best from 2002 through 2012. 2,850 cases made. |
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| Williams Selyem |
2020 |
Estate Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$245 |
2 |
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| |
|
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2017 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (6/2019): In the same thread, the 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley shows classic Russian River fruit (although not much cola) as well as plenty of spice, underbrush, and floral notes. Giving up plenty of wild strawberry and Bing cherry fruit, medium to full body, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. it has plenty of upfront charm, yet I suspect capable of lasting for 8-10 years. |
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2018 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$175 |
1 |
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| VM 89 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is plump and juicy, with a lovely sense of immediacy that runs through it. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, wild flowers, mint and cinnamon are all nicely kicked up in this mid-weight, gracious appellation-level Pinot from Williams Selyem. Antonio Galloni. |
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| | USA White |
| Donelan |
2015 |
Venus Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (6/2019): The 2015 Venus is cut from the same cloth yet doesn’t have the texture or density of the 2014. White currants, white peach, and citrus notes as well as a touch of salty minerality all emerge from this medium-bodied, elegant, streamlined white that’s going to continue drinking nicely for another 7-8 years (probably longer). |
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| Kosta Browne |
2015 |
Special K Bootlegger’s Hill Chardonnay (1.5 L) |
$215 |
1 |
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JS 98 (1/2018): Layered and phenolic. What a texture. Full body. Four square. Full body. Oyster shell and lemon rind character. Gorgeous fruit. Great depth and character. Reserved. So structured. Only three barrels. Drink or hold.
JD 94+ (10/2017): Sporting a slightly cloudy color (due to included lees), the 2015 Chardonnay Bootlegger’s Hills comes from the Russian River Valley and was brought up all in neutral oak and concrete eggs. Released only in magnums, it has an exotic bouquet of orange blossom, Meyer lemons, buttered citrus and hints of white flowers. Deep, rich and concentrated on the palate, it has racy acidity, impressive density, and a great finish. Forget bottle for 2-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades.
VM 92 (8/2017): The 2015 Chardonnay Bootlegger's Hill is a powerful wine that shows a more phenolic expression of Chardonnay. Winemaker Nico Cueva gave the 2015 12 months in oak followed by 3 months in concrete. Even that longer aging has not been enough to soften some of the contours. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2015 for at least a few more months. This is a decidedly dense style, but it all works very nicely. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Peter Michael Winery |
2022 |
Cuvee Indigene Chardonnay (1.5 L) |
$400 |
1 |
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| WA 97-100 (2/2024): I tasted the 2022 Chardonnay Cuvée Indigène from tank as bottling was taking place at Peter Michael Winery. Brown sugar and meringue aromas give way to intense peach cobbler and jasmine underpinned by stony notes. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated, shimmery citrus and spice flavors, and its luxurious, satiny texture drives a hauntingly long finish. |
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|
2018 |
Point Rouge Chardonnay (1.5 L) |
$750 |
1 |
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| WA 100 (2/2021): The 2018 Chardonnay Point Rouge is composed of the best barrels from the entire estate. Floral notes of citron blossoms and honeysuckle leap from the glass, over a core of grapefruit, yuzu and ripe pears with hints of struck match, almond croissant and lime zest. The medium to full-bodied palate has a racy backbone supporting the tightly wound citrus and pear flavors with a lovely creaminess to the texture and a very long finish packed with tension and bursting with fruit. While it is tempting to drink now, it’s going to really impress with another 2-3 years in bottle and drink for a further 15 years+. |
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| | Australia |
| Hundred Acre |
2005 |
Summer’s Block Ancient Way Shiraz (1.5 L) |
$895 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2014): Opaque ruby. Deeply pitched dark fruit preserve aromas show a superripe, decadent character, with notes of candied flowers, olive paste and pipe tobacco adding complexity. Broad, fleshy and smoky on the palate, offering an array of dark fruit liqueur and exotic spice flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Finishes with serious cling, plush tannins and resonating smoke and berry compote notes. Josh Raynolds. |
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| Torbreck |
2005 |
The Laird Shiraz (1.5 L) Lightly Scuffed Label |
$1,500 |
3 |
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| WA 100 (12/2010): The Laird is Powell’s new baby, coming from a single 5 acre / 2 hectare vineyard of Shiraz in the Marananga sub-region planted in the 1960s that recently became available for contracting. This is a very different wine from Run Rig. What is most striking about it is the combination of power and elegance in this first vintage, coming from a very good year in the Barossa. Matured for 3 years in new Dominique Laurent “Magic Casks” (Troncais French oak barriques with thicker staves designed for the long aging of Shiraz), 2005 The Laird gives a deep garnet color and pronounced nose that shows savory and spice notes over the fruit, with aromas of hung meat, Peking duck, fertile loam, underbrush, tree bark, anise, cumin seed, menthol, dried roses and lavender over warm black cherries, crush blackberries and fruit cake. The tight-knit, full-bodied palate is very fine with a high level of silt-like tannins and crisp acid running through the concentrated fruit and savory flavors, finishing very long with lingering earth and spice notes. At 14.8% declared alcohol, this is by no means one of the biggest wines in the Barossa, but it is most certainly one of the best. It’s an absolute joy to drink now but it is recommended readers give it 4-5 years more in bottle to soften and marry and enjoy it to 2030+. |
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| | USA Red |
| Araujo Estate |
2005 |
Eisele Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$575 |
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| B Cellars |
2013 |
Star Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$195 |
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| Bryant Family Vineyard |
2019 |
Bettina Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$695 |
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| Caymus |
2014 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$399 |
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| Diamond Creek |
1996 |
Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$850 |
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| Dominus |
2014 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$485 |
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| Joseph Phelps |
2007 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$695 |
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| Lail Vineyards |
2013 |
J Daniel Cuvee Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$495 |
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| Lewis Cellars |
2014 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$285 |
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| Ovid |
2013 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$529 |
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| Parallel |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$89 |
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| Paul Hobbs |
2010 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$459 |
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| Plumpjack |
2005 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$450 |
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| Pott |
2015 |
Her Majesty’s Secret Service Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$235 |
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2015 |
Kaliholmanok Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$185 |
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| Ridge Vineyards |
2019 |
Monte Bello (1.5 L) |
$409 |
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| Shafer Vineyards |
2007 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$995 |
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| Silver Oak |
1996 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$995 |
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| Sine Qua Non |
2013 |
Jusqu’a l’Os Grenache (1.5 L) |
$895 |
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2013 |
Le Supplement Syrah (1.5 L) |
$895 |
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2009 |
The Thrill of Stamp Collecting Syrah (1.5 L) |
$695 |
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2009 |
Turn the Whole Thing Upside Down Grenache (1.5 L) |
$595 |
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| Spottswoode |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$395 |
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2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$445 |
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