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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Sat, Feb 21, 2026 12:48 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2015 and 2015
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 12C |
2015 |
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
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| Abreu |
2015 |
Las Posadas Howell Mtn. Proprietary Blend  |
$300 |
2 |
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JD 98 (1/2019): The 2015 Los Posadas comes from an estate vineyard on Howell Mountain that lies at 2,000 feet in elevation, above the fog line. This singular effort has a flamboyant, mineral-laced bouquet of black and blue fruits, forest floor, camphor, chocolate, and exotic flowers, and is an incredible expression of this mountain terroir. With great, great intensity, beautiful purity of fruit, and again, this savory, mineral-driven character, it has enough tannins to warrant 2-4 years of bottle age and will keep for 4-5 decades. This cuvée is 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, 14% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot and Malbec. (Drink between 2021-2061).
VM 97 (12/2018): The 2015 Las Posadas is dark, sensual and totally inviting. Plush fruit and silky tannins push the black plum and blackberry fruit forward. Deep and resonant on the palate, the 2015 exudes class from start to finish. Like the rest of the other Abreu 2015s, the Posadas will drink well upon release. Hints of lavender and spice meld into the pliant, inviting finish. There is so much to like here. (Drink between 2023-2040). Antonio Galloni. |
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2015 |
Thorevilos Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$475 |
1 |
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JD 100 (1/2019): Another perfect wine, the 2015 Thorevilos comes in at 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec. This riveting wine boasts heavenly notes of blueberries, cassis, camphor, graphite, and forest floor, with more floral nuances developing with time in the glass. With full body, a powerful, stacked, intense profile, shocking elegance and purity, and a massive finish, hide bottles for 4-5 years if you can – count yourself lucky – and enjoy bottles for just about as long as you'd like. (Drink between 2023-2063)
VM 97 (11/2025): The 2015 Thorevilos is another fabulous wine in this flight of 2015s from David Abreu and Brad Grimes. Elegant and sophisticated, the 2015 offers an intriguing mix of power and finesse. Graphite, pencil shavings and blackberry and cloves are some of the many notes that explode from the glass. What a gorgeous wine this is. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2015 |
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$249 |
1 |
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| Arkenstone |
2015 |
Estate Proprietary Blend |
$169 |
3 |
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WA 97 (10/2017): This estate blend from Howell Mountain was formerly known as “Obsidian.” Composed of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 4% Malbec, the 2015 Proprietary Red Estate gives a deep garnet-purple color and aromas of spiced blackberries, fruitcake and plum pudding with suggestions of Indian spices, earth and underbrush, plus a touch of violets. Packed with rich, opulent fruit in the full-bodied mouth, it has a solid, fine-grained backbone and plenty of freshness, finishing long and multilayered.
JD 95 (12/2017): A step up, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Estate is more concentrated, yet also has more freshness, purity, and focus. Blackcurrants, Asian spice, licorice, dried earth and even a hint of meatiness all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, balanced, textured beauty that has terrific length. It’s another classic, structured wine that will evolve beautifully for two decades or more. (Drink between 2018-2038). |
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| Baldacci Family Vineyards |
2015 |
Heirloom Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
4 |
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| Becklyn Cellars |
2015 |
Moulds Vyd. Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$72.25 |
1 |
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| Betz Family Winery |
2015 |
Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
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JD 97 (7/2022): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Heart Of The Hill shows the riper style of the vintage and brings beautiful richness while staying balanced, pure, and even elegant. Cassis, darker berry fruits, flowery incense, and lead pencil notes all define the bouquet, and it's full-bodied, brings tons of fruit, has sweet tannins, and a great finish.
WA 95+ (6/2018): A chewy, muscular wine with considerable upside, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Heart of the Hill unfurls in the glass with notions of creamy cassis, plums, espresso roast and dark chocolate. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with considerable tannin and extract that will require some time to resolve. It's well-balanced and intense, and those tannins are ripe, so I suspect the only missing ingredient is time.
VM 91 (10/2017): Bright, dark red-ruby. Very primary aromas and flavors of cassis, blackberry and licorice. Larger-scaled but less detailed than the Père de Famille, as this wine is made from the robust clones 2 and 8 of Cabernet Sauvignon. Juicy and tightly wound; less sweet and less sensual than the Père de Famille. Still, the substantial dusty tannins are nicely integrated. This wine reminded me a bit of a Napa Valley Cabernet. (Drink between 2020-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
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2015 |
La Cote Patriarche Syrah (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
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| JD 95 (4/2018): The 2015 Syrah La Cote Patriarche is a small step back from the sensational 2014, yet is still an incredible wine. Coming from some of the oldest Syrah vines in the state, planted in the Red Willow Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, it offers beautiful blue fruits, spring flowers, licorice, and sappy herb-like aromas and flavors. It’s fresh, elegant, and silky, with fabulous purity of fruit and a medium to full-bodied richness and depth. It’s a beautiful Syrah to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years. |
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2015 |
La Cote Rousse Syrah (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
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| JD 96 (4/2018): As usual, the 2015 Syrah La Cote Rousse offers a more masculine, structured, mineral-driven style. This cuvee comes all from the warmer Red Mountain AVA and is a power-packed 2015 loaded with notions of black, black fruits, scorched earth, graphite, and charred meats. It’s a big, rich, inky effort, yet like all the wines from this estate has awesome purity of fruit and is impeccably balanced. |
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| Bevan Cellars |
2015 |
Harbison Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
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| JD 97 (12/2017): There are 1,200 cases of the 2015 Ontogeny and it’s 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot and the balance Cabernet Franc. Its deep purple color is followed by a gorgeously pure bouquet of black and blue fruits, crushed flowers (violets, lilies), lead pencil shavings, and damp earth. Deep, full-bodied, layered and multi-dimensional on the palate, with incredible purity of fruit and a seamlessness that's hard to describe, it's a gorgeous wine that's fabulous today, yet will keep for two decades or more. |
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2015 |
Ontogeny Proprietary Blend |
$115 |
9 |
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| JD 97 (12/2017): There are 1,200 cases of the 2015 Ontogeny and it’s 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot and the balance Cabernet Franc. Its deep purple color is followed by a gorgeously pure bouquet of black and blue fruits, crushed flowers (violets, lilies), lead pencil shavings, and damp earth. Deep, full-bodied, layered and multi-dimensional on the palate, with incredible purity of fruit and a seamlessness that's hard to describe, it's a gorgeous wine that's fabulous today, yet will keep for two decades or more. |
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2015 |
Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
1 |
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WA 99 (12/2017): Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard has a crème de cassis, black plums and black cherries-scented nose with touches of garrigue, fragrant earth, espresso and violets with a waft of roses. Full-bodied, rich and ripe with fantastically multilayered, perfumed black fruit flavors, it has a wonderfully velvety yet firm texture with great length and depth defining the finish.
JD 98 (12/2017): From a tiny block in a vineyard in Oakville, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard is a head turner that’s up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. With a deep purple/blue color and killer notes of blueberries, black cherries, chocolate, spice and building minerality, this beauty is full-bodied, concentrated, and pure, with a focused, clean finish that carries ripe tannin and good acidity.
VM 94 (1/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard is the deepest and most flamboyant of Russell Bevan's Oakville wines. Black cherry, plum, new leather, licorice, smoke and spice infuse this rich, boisterous Cabernet. Exotic, racy and wonderfully forward, the 2015 exudes character and personality in a decidedly voluptuous style. Antonio Galloni. |
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2015 |
Tench Vyd. The Calixtro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
1 |
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WA 99 (12/2017): Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro conjures notions of lavender, wild thyme, dusty earth and pencil shavings over a core of red and black currants plus a touch of charcuterie. Full-bodied, rich, ripe and oh-so-seductive, the palate features ripe, velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, lifting the incredibly long, fruity finish.
JD 98 (12/2017): Another gem from this site in Oakville is the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro. It gives up complex notes of blackberry jam, tobacco leaf, violets, seaweed and crushed rock, and is stacked on the palate, with full-bodied richness and sweet tannin. It’s a beautifully complete, layered, balanced 2015 that does everything right. Drink it over the coming two decades. (Drink between 2018-2038) |
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2015 |
Tin Box Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
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WA 97+ (12/2017): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tin Box Vineyard gives a very deep garnet-purple color and nose of dried herbs, red currant jelly and underbrush over a core of plum preserves, crème de cassis and fungi with a waft of mossy bark. Medium-bodied with beautiful elegance and freshness in the mouth, it has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long and earthy. Needs time but should age fantastically!
JD 95+ (12/2017): From old Martini Clone Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tin Box Vineyard will be the last vintage from this cuvee. It’s a masculine, full-bodied, structured beauty that possessing lots of ripe black fruits, scorched earth, cedar and licorice aromas, and flavors. It packs serious fruit but has enough tannin to warrant 3-4 years of bottle age.
VM 95 (1/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tin Box Vineyard is distinguished by a bit more energy, freshness and linearity next to the other Oakville Cabernets in this range. The aromatics are quite open and expressive, but the wine is less expressive on the palate. Bright floral notes, espresso and red cherry fruit open up, but only with considerable reluctance. My instincts say the wine's reticence is a good sign for the future. Readers looking for a showy 2015 Cabernet will find that in other wines in this range, but not here. I would cellar the 2015 for at least a few years. Antonio Galloni. |
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2015 |
Wildfoote Vyd. Vixen Block Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
1 |
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WA 98 (12/2017): Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Vixen Block Wildfoote Vineyard offers up a very serious nose of cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry compote with hints of dried lavender, underbrush, Chinese five spice and cigar box, plus a waft of dark chocolate. Full-bodied and densely packed with black fruit preserves and earthy layers, it has a firm frame of finely grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epically long exotic spice nuances. Only 125 cases were produced.
JD 96 (12/2017): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is one of the more refined, elegant wines in the lineup and reveals a perfumed bouquet of white flowers, blue fruits, violets, and spice. It’s seamless and silky on the palate, yet has building underlying tannin and is beautifully balanced. It’s one of those wines that carry loads of intensity and texture yet just glides over the palate. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades. (Drink between 2018-2038) |
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| Blankiet |
2015 |
Rive Droite Proprietary Blend |
$195 |
2 |
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| VM 97+ (3/2018): The 2015 Rive Droite is the most reticent of these 2015s today. In 2015, the Rive Droite has more structure and power than is typically the case, which may be a result of the higher percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend. I imagine the 2015 is going to need at least a number of years in bottle to be at its best. There is plenty of intrigue, with myriad savory notes that emerge over time. Even so, patience will be rewarded. The 2015 Rive Droite is a fabulous wine by any measure. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Bond Estates (Harlan) |
2015 |
St. Eden Proprietary Blend |
$569 |
1 |
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JD 100 (1/2019): Moving to the 2015s tasted from bottle, this is an incredible vintage for this estate and there are two perfect wines in the lineup. First up, the 2015 St. Eden, from a hillside of red volcanic soils near Oakville, boasts a saturated purple color and heavenly notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, and huge crushed rock-like minerality. It’s full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with incredible concentration, yet it stays seamless, pure, and perfectly balanced. It’s a magical wine to drink over the coming 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2019-2049).
WA 99 (10/2018): Bottled in early 2018, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 St. Eden springs from the glass with exuberant blueberry pie, potpourri and spice cake scents followed by a black raspberry, cassis and preserved plums core plus a touch of wild sage. Full-bodied, plush and decadently fruited, it completely packs the palate with layer upon layer of black fruit preserves, finishing very long with those spices coming through.
VM 96 (12/2018): The 2015 St. Eden is another wine in this lineup that is not quite as expressive as it can be. Firm tannins dominate over softer contours that so often make St. Eden such an alluring wine. Time in the glass brings out an attractive set of dark cherry, plum, leather and tobacco notes. Even so, the 2015 is going to need a number of years to be at its very best. (Drink between 2022-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Booker Vineyard |
2015 |
Fracture 22 Syrah |
$95 |
1 |
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2015 |
Fracture Syrah |
$89 |
1 |
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WA 97 (9/2017): “I want my softest, most textured, rounded Syrah with density and gentle tannins to go into this label,” winemaker Eric Jensen informed me. Produced from 100% Syrah, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Fracture has a vibrant nose of crushed red currants and black cherries with hints of bay leaves, cloves, aniseed and forest floor, plus a touch of roses. Full-bodied and beautifully structured, it has a lively backbone supporting the dynamic fruit, finishing with a beautiful herbal lift.
JD 96 (8/2017): Leading off the 2015s, the 2015 Fracture is 100% Syrah that was brought up mostly in new barrels. It’s a classic, elegant Paso Syrah that delivers loads of black raspberries, cassis, toasted spices and crushed flower-like aromas and flavors. A more elegant, streamlined example of this cuvee, it shows the freshness of the vintage, supple tannin and a charming, elegant style that’s a dream to drink. It is already approachable, yet will still be better with another year or two in bottle. |
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2015 |
Fulldraw Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
1 |
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JD 96 (8/2017): The 2015 Fulldraw comes from a site located just beside Jensen’s estate Booker Vineyard and is 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah. It has a gorgeous, Châteauneuf du Pape-like (it reminds me of Domaine de Marcoux’s Vieilles Vignes cuvée) perfume of red and black fruits, spice-box, incense, fennel and cured meats. Ethereally textured and elegant, yet also ripe, powerful and concentrated, it has ripe tannin, it’s an incredible wine that builds with time in the glass. While beautiful today, it will be even better with short term cellaring and keep through 2027.
WA 95 (9/2017): A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah, the 2015 Fulldraw has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and opens with black and blue fruit notes of blackberries and blueberries with suggestions of licorice, tree bark and black soil, plus a waft of lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate has bags of elegance, with restrained, understated beauty and wonderful freshness, finishing long with velvety tannins supporting the perfumed fruit. |
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2015 |
Jada Vyd. Rhone Blend |
$69 |
1 |
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| WA 94-96 (8/2016): From a hillside vineyard just off of Vineyard Drive road (near Denner) that has lots of clay soils (so more water retention and better canopy development, which is very different from Booker Vineyard), the 2015 Jada Vineyard checks in as a mix of 55% Syrah and 45% Grenache that saw 25% stems and aging all in barrel. Full-bodied, rich, unctuous and downright sexy, with lots of jammy blackberry, cassis, roasted herbs and melted licorice (there are some floral notes hiding in there as well), it's another stacked red from Jensen that readers shouldn't miss. |
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2015 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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WA 94 (9/2017): Composed of 38% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 23% Syrah and 9% Counoise, the 2015 Oublie has a medium garnet-purple color and earth-scented nose of tar, sautéed herbs and fertile loam with a core of red currants, cranberry sauce and warm blackberries, plus a touch of bay leaves. Full-bodied and beautifully poised in the mouth, the muscular fruit is nicely matched by a firm, chewy backbone and it finishes with persistent earth and herbal layers.
JD 94 (8/2017): The 2015 Oublie checks in as a Mourvèdre heavy blend of 38% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 23% Syrah and 9% Counoise. Its deep ruby, yet translucent color is followed by an exotic bouquet of spiced plums, white pepper, menthol and pepper meat. The Mourvèdre really shines here, and it’s full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with savory tannin and powerful, yet light texture. This wine shows the more forward, supple style of the vintage, yet will have a broad drink window given its overall balance. |
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2015 |
Ripper Grenache |
$67 |
1 |
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| WA 96+ (9/2017): Made from 100% Grenache, the 2015 The Ripper (Grenache) has a pale to medium garnet-purple color and charges out of the gate with vibrant raspberry, black cherry and wild strawberries with hints of dried flowers, cinnamon stick and Sichuan pepper. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, the palate is packed with spicy red berry coulis flavors, paved with plush tannins and finishes with loads of layers. |
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2015 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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JD 95 (8/2017): A blend of 48% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 37% Mourvèdre, the 2015 Vertigo is another blockbuster 2015 from Jensen. It’s deep ruby color is followed by a sweet bouquet of crème de cassis, black raspberries, strawberries, violets, and chocolaty oak. It’s a round, supple, incredibly sexy GSM that has full-bodied richness, loads of power and depth, yet also shows the more charming, forward style of the 2015 vintage in Paso Robles. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.
WA 95 (9/2017): Comprised of 48% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 17% Mourvèdre, the 2015 GSM Vertigo has a medium garnet-purple color and nose of crème de cassis, blackberry pie and licorice with touches of dried Provence herbs, chocolate box and black pepper. Full-bodied and nicely played with firm, ripe, rounded tannins and a lively backbone supporting the generous, bright fruit, it finishes long and spicy. |
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| Cardinale |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
3 |
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| JD 97 (12/2017): The 2015 Cardinale is heavenly juice made from 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot that’s from a number of AVAs in Napa Valley. It offers a beautiful perfume of crème de cassis, black raspberry jam, graphite, and scorched earth. This gives way to a full-bodied, elegant, impressively concentrated 2015 that has the deep, concentrated fruit of the vintage, yet stays fresh, lively and graceful on the palate. This is high-class stuff that can be drunk anytime over the coming 20-25 years. These sensational wines come from winemaker Chris Carpenter, with the estate falling under the Kendall-Jackson Family umbrella. (Drink between 2018-2043) |
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| Caymus |
2015 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.0 L) |
$129 |
5 |
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JD 95 (1/2020): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Caymus is a stunner that offers ample balance and class paired with serious hedonistic fireworks. Revealing a saturated purple color and blockbuster notes of blackcurrants, cassis, chocolate, cedary spice, and hints of espresso, it’s velvety textured, full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced. It opens up with time in the glass and is straight-up loaded with fruit and texture, yet it has the balance, depth, and pedigree to evolve for two decades or more if you’re so inclined. (Drink between 2020-2040).
WA 94+ (10/2017): Deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon springs from the glass with lifted crème de cassis, violets and chocolate box notes plus hints of lilacs, raspberry leaves, anise and cardamom. The perfumed black fruit preserves and chocolate-laced notes completely pack the full-bodied palate, with soft, velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing very long and very spicy. Definitely one for hedonists seeking immediate gratification. |
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| Chappellet |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$295 |
1 |
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| Constant |
2015 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Merlot |
$60 |
3 |
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2015 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Syrah |
$60 |
3 |
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| DeLille Cellars |
2015 |
Merlot |
$39 |
1 |
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| JD 90 (4/2018): The 2015 Merlot is outstanding, with a concentrated, rich style and classic notes of black cherries, dark chocolate, scorched earth, and tobacco. It’s deep, medium to full-bodied, has beautiful fruit, and a great finish. It’s certainly approachable today but will be even better with a year in bottle and keep for a decade. Owner/Winemaker Chris Upchurch compared the 2015s from Washington State to the 2009s from Bordeaux, and given the sweltering heat in 2015, I understand the comparison. However, the 2015s come across as more focused and classic in style, in part, I suspect to the vines shutting down throughout the summer and I think the true phenolics actually lag the 2012s, 2014s, and 2016s. These wines are concentrated, have notable purity, and building tannin. They’re going to benefit from short-term cellaring. As usual, I tasted the barrel samples during my visit at the estate and the bottled wines at my office in Colorado. (Drink between 2018-2028). |
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2015 |
Chaleur Estate Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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JD 95 (4/2018): While I always think of the Harrison Hill release as the Margaux in the lineup, the Chaleur is much more Pauillac/Saint Julien in style. The 2015 Chaleur Estate checks in as 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. It’s a full-bodied, deep, concentrated effort that offers terrific cassis and black cherry fruits, graphite, scorched earth, licorice, and crushed rock-like minerality. Like all the 2015s from Delille, it has an elegant, pure, focused style and is beautifully balanced. Owner/Winemaker Chris Upchurch compared the 2015s from Washington State to the 2009s from Bordeaux, and given the sweltering heat in 2015, I understand the comparison. However, the 2015s come across as more focused and classic in style, in part, I suspect to the vines shutting down throughout the summer and I think the true phenolics actually lag the 2012s, 2014s, and 2016s. These wines are concentrated, have notable purity, and building tannin. They’re going to benefit from short-term cellaring. As usual, I tasted the barrel samples during my visit at the estate and the bottled wines at my office in Colorado. (Drink between 2018-2030).
VM 93 (11/2018): Dark red-ruby. Aromas of cassis, raspberry, blueberry and licorice, plus a whiff of lead pencil. Plush, sexy and sweet, boasting complex, highly concentrated flavors of dark berries, spicy oak and cocoa powder. Finishes very rich but quite primary, with terrific lingering boysenberry fruit and a rather muscular framework. A large-scaled, spicy Red Mountain blend with serious old-vines complexity and depth--and balanced from the start. According to winemaker Jason Gorski, this Cabernet was picked in October even in this very warm growing season. (14.2% alcohol) (Drink between 2019-2027). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92+ (6/2018): Offering up aromas of cassis, menthol, loamy soil and cherries, the 2015 Chaleur Estate is medium to full-bodied, rich and chewy, with a nice core of fruit but rather assertive, chewy tannins that might equally easily be derived from barrel or seeds. I suspect this will always be rather firm and tannic, but I wouldn't bet against it mellowing with time. It's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. |
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2015 |
D2 Proprietary Blend |
$35 |
2 |
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VM 92 (11/2018): Bright, dark red with ruby highlights. Aromas of cassis and licorice hint at a dried-berry character. Impressively concentrated for such a large blend, offering a fine-grained texture and noteworthy inner-mouth floral lift. Boasts plush, sweet dark fruit and spice flavors, with a repeating element of very ripe berries. Suggests a wider range of fruit ripeness than most of the other DeLille reds but very successful for such a disparate blend. The long finish features substantial ripe, broad tannins. Stephen Tanzer.
JD 91 (4/2018): The largest production Bordeaux blend from this estate is their D2 release, which is named after the famed highway leading up to the Médoc from the city of Bordeaux. The 2015 D2 is 58% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It offers a Pomerol-like bouquet of black cherries, leafy herbs, graphite, and lead pencil, and is medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant. Readers wanting a taste of the style – and quality – from Delille should absolutely check this wine out. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years.
WA 90 (6/2018): Exhibiting aromas of loamy soil, crushed currants and creamy new oak, the 2015 D2 Proprietary Red Wine is medium-bodied, chewy and rustic, with a good core of juicy fruit but a firm, somewhat drying finish that seems to be marked by tannins derived from its time in 55% new oak but which could also simply reflect the vintage. It's a blend of 58% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. |
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2015 |
Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
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WA 94 (6/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags reveals an attractive bouquet of cassis, black plums, dark chocolate, warm spices and loamy soil that has already nicely integrated its 100% new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a chassis of rich, fine-grained but firm tannins, good concentration and a long, youthfully firm finish. This is very impressive and an appreciable step up above the D2 this year. It will demand several years of bottle age and enjoy two decades of longevity, perhaps more.
JD 94 (4/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags comes from the top four vineyards in any vintage and in 2015 is 30% Grand Ciel, 30% Upchurch, 25% Ciel du Cheval, and the rest from Klipsun. It’s a rich, powerful wine that offers boatloads of ripe black cherries, crushed violets, incense, and Asian spice aromatics. Rich, full-bodied, supple, and impressively concentrated, it shows the ripe yet focused/elegant style of the vintage.
VM 93+ (11/2018): Bright ruby-red. Musky aromas of dark raspberry, mocha and black pepper. Boasts lovely clarity and thickness of fruit, with serious intensity to its flavors of dark berries, bitter chocolate and cocoa powder. Wonderfully suave, classy wine with fine-grained tannins and outstanding rising length. And pliant from the start; this wine can be drunk even now without pain. "Like a Chave version of Cabernet Sauvignon from four different soils on four hills in close proximity," noted executive winemaker Chris Upchurch. Incidentally, DeLille Cellars did not make a Shaw Cabernet in 2015; this juice went into the D2 bottling. (Drink between 2020-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
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2015 |
Grand Ciel Syrah |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (11/2018): Bright medium ruby. An aroma of black raspberry eau de vie is complicated by hints of prosciutto and tea leaf. Juicy, sharply delineated flavors of dark berries, cardamom and pie spices are lifted by a floral topnote. Wonderfully fine-grained and suave, delivering uncommon detail and cut for a 2015 red. "How Syrah should be," notes executive winemaker Chris Upchurch, who added that "DeLille's middle name is tannin management." Finishes with outstanding rising length and a captivating light touch. This wine should evolve gracefully in bottle over the next decade or more. (14.6% alcohol) (Drink between 2020-2028). Stephen Tanzer.
JD 93+ (4/2018): The flagship Syrah is the 2015 Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard and it’s all from a single vineyard on Red Mountain, was completely destemmed, and aged in 30% new French oak. Similarly colored to the Signature Syrah, it offers more black cherry, currants, scorched earth, smoke, and mineral characteristics to go with a big, rich, concentrated style on the palate. Beautifully balanced, with both tannin and acidity, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will shine over the following decade. |
|
|
2015 |
Harrison Hill Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2018): Incorporating 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, as well as the fruit of Washington State's oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines (planted in 1962), the 2015 Harrison Hill is superb, wafting from the glass with notes of cassis, cherries, black tea, sweet cocoa nib and subtle pencil shavings. On the palate, it's full-bodied, velvety and layered, with superb depth and dimension, its tannins abundant but beautifully pixelated and its finish tangy and lingering. I'd expect this absolutely superb Bordeaux blend to see out its 30th birthday in style, but plan on cellaring it for 4 or 5 years at the bare minimum to allow it to realize all its considerable potential. Effortlessly balanced, this was my favorite of the DeLille Cellars wines reviewed here.
JD 96 (4/2018): I always find a subtle Château Margaux-like quality in this cuvée and the 2015 Harrison Hill is no exception. Beautiful notes of sandalwood, sweet cassis, blueberries, forest floor, and graphite are just some of the nuances here. Hitting the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, it has sweet, elegant tannins, beautiful balance, and a terrific sweetness of fruit that keeps you coming back to the glass. It needs a healthy decant if drinking anytime soon and will be even better with 3-4 years of bottle age, at which point it will drink nicely for two decades or more. The blend of the 2015 is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, aged all in New French barrels.
VM 94 (11/2018): Dark red with ruby tones. Aromas and flavors of black raspberry and licorice are lifted by a floral topnote. At once juicy and deep, conveying an uncanny creaminess of texture (the oldest vines here were planted in 1962 but even the youngest are now 24 years of age). Seriously complex wine with captivating sweetness of fruit complicated by a savory herbal quality and sexy oaky lift (75% new). Executive winemaker Chris Upchurch noted that this fruit smells like cannabis when it's crushed. Delivers a remarkable combination of texture, sweetness and weightlessness and finishes extremely long, with suave tannins and no edges. A great vintage for this bottling. (14% alcohol) (Drink between 2020-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2015 |
Metier Proprietary Blend |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2017): Bright, dark red. Brambly red berries, crushed cherry, spices and hints of smoked meat and herbs on the nose. Plush, sappy and utterly seamless, conveying a creaminess of texture to the flavors of dried red berries, cherry and tree bark firmed by underlying minerality. Really terrific flavor intensity here without any heaviness or phenolic roughness. The pH is "3.8 at the most," according to winemaker Chris Upchurch, and the very long finish is lifted by a pungent note of pomegranate. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2015 |
Red Willow Vyd. Malbec |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2018): The 2015 Malbec Red Willow Vineyard is one of the finest Malbec coming from the state. Offering up a huge nose of blueberries, blackberries, crushed flowers, toasty oak, and Asian spices, this beauty is full-bodied, has a seductive, ripe, layered texture, sweet tannin, and a great finish. It’s a rocking good wine to enjoy over the coming 5-7 years.
VM 91 (11/2018): Bright ruby. Aromas of dark berries, licorice, tree bark and sagebrush, plus a wilder note of garrigue. Tactile and thick but bright as well, with its dark fruit, lavender, licorice and chalky mineral flavors complemented by a lower-toned note of tobacco. In a plush, fine-grained style, combining savory notes and hints of very ripe fruit. Finishes with suave tannins and excellent length. Very Malbec! (14% alcohol) (Drink between 2019-2024). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2015 |
Signature Syrah |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (11/2018): Bright medium ruby. Sexy aromas and flavors of blackberry, blueberry, crushed stone and violet. Doesn't offer quite the detail of the superlative 2014 model but delivers a lovely combination of sweetness and salinity. This tactile, suave wine finishes with perfectly integrated tannins and noteworthy freshness. Boasts serious spine but there's nothing dry or austere about this young Syrah. Stephen Tanzer.
JD 91 (4/2018): The 2015 Signature Syrah (which includes 2%) comes from Ciel du Cheval, Grand Ciel, and Boushey Vineyards and was completely destemmed and aged in 20% new French oak. It’s another Rhône look alike and offers classic notes of blackberries, black olives, bacon fat, and peppery herbs. It’s medium-bodied, fresh, nicely concentrated, and balanced, with present, yet ripe, tannin. It will keep for a decade.\ |
|
| Diamond Creek |
2015 |
Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow is super-expressive in the glass, especially in its aromatics. Cedar, tobacco, lavender, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and a host of dark stone fruits emerge with time in the glass, but only with some reluctance. The 2015 is going to need a few years to fully open up, but it, too, is shaping up to be relatively accessible by Diamond Creek standards. In this tasting, the Gravelly Meadow is the least open of the 2015s. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$219 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill is the most savory and mineral-driven of these three Cabernets from Diamond Creek. Graphite, gravel, crème de cassis, lavender, menthol and plum are all finely sketched. The Volcanic Hill shows a good deal of the nuance that makes wines from this part of the estate so compelling, but in a far more approachable style than I can recall encountering previously. I would prefer to give the 2015 a few years to develop a bit of aromatic complexity, but opening a bottle on the young side is hardly a crime. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| L' Ecole No. 41 |
2015 |
Estate Ferguson Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Efeste |
2015 |
Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2015 |
Petit Verdot |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$90 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Fairchild Estate |
2015 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
4 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2015 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$269 |
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. |
|
|
2015 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$269 |
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. |
|
|
2015 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$325 |
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. |
|
|
2015 |
Stones No. 2 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295.75 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Stones No. 2 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$614.25 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Stones No. 3 Perrarus Block Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Stones No. 3 Perrarus Block Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$565 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Stones No. 3 Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$591.50 |
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. |
|
| Fantesca |
2015 |
All Great Things- Freedom Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$313.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Far Niente |
2015 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Force Majeure |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (4/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a beautiful effort. Sporting a deep ruby/purple color and terrific notes of blackcurrants, cassis, crushed rocks, lead pencil shavings, and chocolate, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, powerful, yet still elegant profile that carries incredible fruit and richness, yet no sense of weight. With beautiful purity of fruit, a balanced, layered style, building tannin, and a great finish, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will cruise for two decades in the cellars. Now focusing almost exclusively on their Red Mountain estate vineyards, Force Majeure is making some of the most compelling wines in Washington State, as well as in the United States. Winemaker Todd Alexander (previously at Bryant Family in Napa Valley) came on board in 2014 and today the wines show another level of purity and finesse, all while not sacrificing depth of fruit or texture. Both the 2015s and 2016 are terrific wines, with a small edge going to the 2016s. Trust me, these are gorgeous wines you need to try. (Drink between 2020-2040) |
|
| Gemstone |
2015 |
Alluvial Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 92 (1/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Alluvial Selection is one of the most intriguing wines I have tasted from Gemstone in some years. Vibrant and powerful in the glass, with plenty of polish, the 2015 has a lot to offer. Black cherry, graphite, menthol, licorice and plum abound in this super-expressive Cabernet Sauvignon. The Alluvial Selection includes a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. (Drink between 2018-2027). Antonio Galloni.
WA 92+ (12/2017): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Estate 'Alluvial Selection' Cabernet Sauvignon is a little youthfully mute, providing glimpses at black cherry compote, baked blueberries and spice cake with an undercurrent of charcuterie, underbrush and tar. The full-bodied palate is taut and chewy, offering up savory layers and dried berry flavors, finishing with the spices coming through. |
|
| George Wine Company |
2015 |
Sonoma Coma Pinot Noir (5.0 L) 5-liter bottle; Cracked Wax Capsule |
$300 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Greer |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$215 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Greer Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Hartford Court |
2015 |
Hailey’s Block Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95+ (6/2018): From the cooler Green Valley region of the Russian River, the 2015 Pinot Noir Hailey’s Block was completely destemmed and spent 16 months in 27% new French oak. Hailey's Block is a block within the Arrendell Vineyard, named after Don and Jennifer Hartford's daughter. It’s another beautifully Burgundian wine from this estate that offers crisp black cherry, crushed rock, charcoal, and wood smoke aromas and flavors. It’s fresh, focused, and youthful, with fine tannin and high yet integrated acidity. Give it a year or three and it will keep for a decade or more.
WA 94 (12/2017): Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Hailey's Block gives up Bing cherry, ripe raspberries and pomegranate notes with touches of baking spices, tree bark and wild thyme. Medium-bodied, very finely crafted and refreshing in the mouth, it has lovely silken-textured tannins framing the vibrant fruit, finishing long.
VM 92 (4/2018): The 2015 Pinot Noir Hailey's Block is tightly wound and reticent next to the other wines in the range, but it nevertheless offers striking purity in its raspberry, blood orange and pomegranate flavors. I would prefer to cellar the 2015 for at least a year or two, as it is not ready to offer maximum pleasure just yet. (Drink between 2020-2025). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Heitz Cellar |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hendry |
2015 |
Pinot Noir |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Block 13 Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Block 14 Malbec Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$20 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Block 7 & 22 Zinfandel |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Hendry Vyd. Primitivo |
$20 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Napa Valley Red Wine |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2015 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$229 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is rich, voluptuous and racy, as wines from this site tend to be. Sweet red cherry, raspberry, spice, new leather and white chocolate infuse this expressive, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon from Paul Hobbs. This has really come together nicely over the last year. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Horsepower Vineyards |
2015 |
Sur Echalas Vyd. Grenache |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (4/2018): The 2015 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard is a classic expression of both the terroir and the variety. Black cherries, strawberries, ground pepper, and forest floor notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, silky Grenache that has incredible character and depth. Drink it over the coming decade. |
|
|
2015 |
Sur Echalas Vyd. Syrah |
$114.75 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 93+ (4/2018): The 2015 Syrah Sur Echalas Vineyard is a savory, tertiary effort that’s reminiscent of red wine filtered through a rocky riverbed. Earth, chalky minerality, wood smoke, and sous bois notes, as well as both red and black fruits, give way to a medium to full-bodied, seamless Syrah that has light tannin, no hard edges, and a singular, transparent character. It’s going to gain weight with 2-3 years in bottle and drink well for a decade. |
|
|
2015 |
Sur Echalas Vyd. Syrah |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 93+ (4/2018): The 2015 Syrah Sur Echalas Vineyard is a savory, tertiary effort that’s reminiscent of red wine filtered through a rocky riverbed. Earth, chalky minerality, wood smoke, and sous bois notes, as well as both red and black fruits, give way to a medium to full-bodied, seamless Syrah that has light tannin, no hard edges, and a singular, transparent character. It’s going to gain weight with 2-3 years in bottle and drink well for a decade. |
|
|
2015 |
The Tribe Vyd. Syrah |
$115 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95+ (4/2018): Cut from the same cloth, the 2015 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard offers slightly more depth and length. Blackcurrants, ground pepper, smoked earth, and a beef broth-like meatiness all emerge from this full-bodied, deep, layered Syrah that offers more purity and floral nuances with time in the glass. Like the Sur Echalas Vineyard release, it has silky tannin, integrated acidity, and a great finish. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age and it’s going to drink nicely for a decade. If drinking anytime soon, don’t be afraid to give all these Horsepower releases plenty of airtime. |
|
| Justin |
2015 |
Savant Proprietary Blend |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Kongsgaard |
2015 |
Fimasaurus Proprietary Blend |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2018): The 2015 The Fimasaurus is plump, juicy and delicious, all qualities that make it easy to drink young. Soft, polished tannins give this Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend much of its allure. The intensity of the drought is evident, but at the same time, the Fimasaurus is much more accessible and pliant at this stage than Kongsgaard's Cabernet Sauvignon. Black cherry, mocha, plum, new leather and spice add nuance to the fleshy, voluptuous finish. Best of all, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Fimasaurus is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon that are fermented together. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2015 |
Firebelle Proprietary Blend |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 90 (4/2018): The 2015 Firebelle shows the challenges of the growing season in its slightly roasted flavor profile and brooding, potent tannins. Just as it was from barrel, the Firebelle is decidedly virile. More importantly, the tannins feel not fully ripe. It will be interesting to see if the 2015 gains more polish over time. I have my doubts. Antonio Galloni.
JD 93 (12/2017): The Merlot-dominated cuvee of the estate is the 2015 Firebelle and it checks in as 71% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 65% new French oak. It offers a terrific bouquet of black cherries, leafy herbs, lavender, and dried violets, medium to full body, loads of minerality, and a fresh, focused, beautifully balanced style. It’s ideal for drinking over the coming 15 years. Located north of Saint Helena and pulling all from their estate vineyard located around the winery, owner Cam Baker and winemaker Dan Petroski have produced some true superstars in 2015. These are ripe, full-bodied, majestic, yet structured wines that are going to age beautifully. There’s been a distinct stylistic shift with the 2016s, which were harvest far in advance of when most were harvesting, and the wines are certainly still beautiful, yet more tannic, backward, and angular. They’ll be beautiful wines, but certainly in a different style than previous vintages. |
|
| Cliff Lede |
2015 |
Songbook Cabernet Sauvignon |
$215 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (3/2018): Lede's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook, a blend of fruit from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch and Thorevilos, appears to have a bright future. Like all of these wines, though, it is going to need time to settle down. There is no shortage of intensity or power in this virile, structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Time in the glass only seems to bring out the wine's inherent power even more. A blast of ripe red stone fruit, iron, smoke and tobacco leaves a lasting impression. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Lewelling Vineyards |
2015 |
St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (12/2017): The base 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is no entry level wine and offers incredible purity and elegance in its blue fruits, cassis, graphite, and violet-tinged aromas and flavors. This beauty has classic, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon richness, polished tannin, no hard edges, and a great finish. Tasting just like a slightly toned-down version of the Wight Vineyard (Bordeaux lovers will probably prefer this cuvee as it’s slightly more classic in style) it’s a beautiful, layered, multi-dimensional Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the coming 15+ years. I loved both the 2014s and 2015s from Lewelling, but have to give the nod to the 2015s, which have that extra dimension. |
|
|
2015 |
Wight Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (12/2017): The flagship cuvee from this estate is the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight Vineyard and it’s always a cellar selection of top lots from the estate vintage. I was able to taste this cuvee from two bottles and this is an undeniably majestic, ethereal effort from the Weight Family. Huge amounts of blue fruits, spring flowers, sandalwood, lavender, and potpourri notes all literally soar from the glass and this beauty has just about everything you could want in a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. With a full-bodied, deep, concentrated style, incredible complexity, hints of background oak, and layers of sweet tannin, give bottle 2-3 years of bottle age and drink over the following 2-3 decades. Bravo! I loved both the 2014s and 2015s from Lewelling, but have to give the nod to the 2015s, which have that extra dimension. (Drink between 2018-2048) |
|
| Matthews |
2015 |
Colombia Valley Claret |
$25 |
6 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (4/2018): The 2015 Claret checks in as a 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot which spent 20 months in 51% new French oak. Cassis, blueberries, leafy herbs, and liquid flower notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, lively, fresh, elegant blend that shines for its purity and sheer drinkability. These Matthews releases are made by Aryn Morell, who has a hand in a number of top wines in this report. (Drink between 2018-2028) |
|
|
2015 |
Colombia Valley Reserve Claret |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (4/2018): The 2015 Claret Reserve checks in as 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that saw more new oak, spending 22 months in 80% new barrels. Similarly inky colored, with beautiful blue fruits, violets, cedar and incense aromatics, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, fine, polished tannin, and nicely integrated acidity. It's balanced, has beautiful purity, and a great finish. |
|
| Maybach |
2015 |
Amoenus Cabernet Sauvignon |
$205 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2017): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Amoenus Cabernet Sauvignon features vibrant, youthful crushed blackberry and black currant notes with touches of wild thyme, charcoal, pencil shavings and damp soil. Full-bodied, richly fruited and packed with vivacious black fruit and savory layers, it has lovely, ripe, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing with great persistence. 240 cases produced.
JD 97 (12/2017): From a site in the northern part of the Valley, in Calistoga, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus offers a perfect expression of this ripe, sexy vintage. Loaded with notions of blackberry jam, toasted spice, dried flowers and licorice, it has a beautiful opulence and sweetness of fruit that stays balanced, elegant and fresh. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 20 months in 80% new French oak, it has awesome tannin quality, a majestic, layered personality, and will drink nicely for three decades. |
|
| Philippe Melka |
2015 |
Metisse Jumping Goat Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (12/2017): Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard sports a very deep purple-black color and nose of crème de cassis, dark chocolate, licorice and tar with touches of sage, cigar box and pencil lead. Full-bodied and densely packed with concentrated black berries and savory layers, it has a firm structure of grainy tannins and tons of vivacity, finishing long with exotic spices coming through.
VM 96 (1/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Jumping Goat Vineyard Métisse from Melka's vineyard in St. Helena near Spottswoode and Madrona Ranch, is radiant, supple and flamboyant in style, with all of the richness of the vintage very much in evidence. Black cherry, smoke, mocha, dark chocolate French oak notes all flesh out in this ample, voluptuous Cabernet Sauvignon. There is so much to like here. (Drink between 2020-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2015 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 9 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$507.50 |
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) |
$525 |
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) |
$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) |
$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. |
|
|
2015 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 9 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) No Capsule |
$625 |
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 |
Numero Um Touriga Nacional |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (10/2018): The first Touriga Nacional from California I’ve ever tasted, the 2015 Touriga Nacional comes all from the Cumulus vineyard in Oak View and is 80% Touriga Nacional, 8% Mourvèdre, 6% Syrah, and the rest Viognier that was mostly destemmed, and spent 34 months in 62% new French oak. This beauty gives up a voluptuous, sexy yet also incredibly elegant profile to go with notes of blueberries, violets, white chocolate, and cherry pie. Full-bodied, deep, and layered, it has fine tannins as well as remarkable purity and freshness. In short, it’s an incredible expression of the variety that I suspect will keep for 10-15 years. |
|
| Ovid |
2015 |
Experiment P5.5 Proprietary Blend |
$155 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Pahlmeyer |
2015 |
Merlot |
$79 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Passing Time |
2015 |
Horse Heaven Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
JD 96+ (4/2019): Tons of smoked black fruits, high-class smoke tobacco, graphite, and background oak emerge from the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills. Deep, full-bodied, tannic, and concentrated, it’s a powerhouse wine that needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will keep for 25+. (Drink between 2023-2043).
VM 93 (10/2017): Bright, saturated medium ruby. Alluring violet lift to the mouthfilling aromas of cassis, black cherry, violet, licorice and black olive. Silky, fine-grained and light on its feet, offering a plush, edge-free texture to the flavors of cassis, cocoa powder and coriander. Terrific, lightly saline vinosity and peppery lift here. A classic, elegantly styled Cabernet in an Old World style, finishing suave and very long, with noble tannins, restrained sweetness and terrific lift. Impeccably balanced wine. (Drink between 2018-2026). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 87 (6/2018): Aromas of plum preserve, berry fruit liqueur and charred new oak introduce the 2015 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, a firm, astringently tannic wine with overripe flavors of fig and prune and a somewhat diffuse but simultaneously chewy finish. While some of Passing Time's 2015s are undeniable successes in their overtly sun-kissed, fruit-forward register, this bottling wasn't one of my favorites. |
|
| Peacock Family |
2015 |
Saltonstall Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Predecessor |
2015 |
Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$379 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Howell Mountain Red Lake Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$386.75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Purlieu |
2015 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (10/2017): Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard opens with wonderfully expressive crème de cassis, plum preserves and mulberries notes over suggestions of chocolate-covered cherries, underbrush, exotic spices and lavender. The full-bodied palate struts all the opulence and seduction that exemplifies To Kalon, with multilayered black fruit preserves and spicy layers accented by earthy nuances and framed by plush, velvety tannins, finishing with epic length. |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2015 |
Columbia Valley CVR Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
7 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2018): A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and the balance equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2015 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine offers up a generous bouquet of ripe red cherries, licorice and creamy new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and velvety, with an open-knit core and a generous personality, concluding with a chewy, richly fruity finish. |
|
|
2015 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Radio-Coteau |
2015 |
Savoy Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Rewa |
2015 |
Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (11/2019): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) slips sensuously out of the glass with open-knit notes of baked blackberries, crème de cassis and stewed plums with hints of garrigue, bay leaves, tilled soil and fallen leaves plus a waft of pencil lead. Full-bodied, rich and jam-packed with ripe, opulent fruit, it has a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. |
|
| Reynvaan Family Vineyards |
2015 |
The Contender Syrah |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2018): Co-fermented with 4% Roussanne, the 2015 Syrah The Contender is more aromatically reserved than the In The Rocks bottling, but it's similar in profile, unfurling in the glass with notes of dried rose petals, ripe plums, grilled meats and coffee grounds. On the palate, it's fuller in body, with a richer attack and an ampler core of fruit, framed by similarly fine tannins and concluding with a savory, licorice and coffee- inflected finish. While it's a little more powerful than the In The Rocks, The Contender is quite supple and elegant this year. |
|
|
2015 |
The Stonessence Syrah |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (4/2018): The most expensive Syrah from Matt is the 2015 Syrah Stonessence and there’s a scant 325 cases made. Its deep ruby/plum color is followed by a salty, bloody Syrah that has loads of complexity, full-bodied richness, sweet tannin, and a big finish. Black raspberries, peppery herbs, dry aged beef, and hints of lavender all emerge from the glass and while it’s already singing, it’s going to evolve gracefully for 10-15 years. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (12/2017): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga has a very deep purple-black color and opens with absolutely seducing crushed black cherries, blueberries and black raspberry aromas plus underlying violets, rose hip tea, spice box, powdered cinnamon and dusty earth notes. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly knit, revealing great tension and depth with the firm, fine-grained frame, finishing long and refreshing. 204 cases were made.
JD 97 (12/2017): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga always comes from the Larkmead vineyard just north of Calistoga. Aged 20 months in 80% new French oak, its deep purple color is followed by a sweet bouquet of cassis, blackberry jam, liquid violets, and brambly spice. Pure, opulent, and incredibly sexy, it stays elegant and graceful on the palate with awesome purity of fruit. Drink it anytime over the coming 2+ decades.
VM 93 (3/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a gorgeous entry-level wine. Pliant and supple, the 2015 offers considerable near and medium term appeal. Mocha, espresso and plum flesh out in this ample, juicy Cabernet from Rivers-Marie. This is a fabulous appellation-level wine. Don't miss it. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (3/2018): Super-ripe red cherry, plum, mint and pomegranate rush onto the palate in the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga). Even with all its ripeness, the 2015 has quite a bit of depth and textural resonance, not to mention tons of personality. The Calistoga Cabernet emerges from one of the choicest areas in Larkmead. My only hesitation at the moment with the 2015 is the tannins, which are a bit grainy and suggest that ripening was not totally even. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (12/2017): Deep purple-black colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard has a wonderfully expressive, savory nose of char-grilled meat, truffles, sauteed herbs and Bovril with a core of crème de cassis, blackberry tart, menthol, mocha and pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the palate simply sings with intense black fruits accented with loads of savory layers, framed by grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing with epic length. 232 cases produced. |
|
|
2015 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2017): Deep purple-black, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard gives up compelling notes of fenugreek, turmeric and cumin seed over a core of blackberry compote, chocolate-covered cherries and smoked meat plus a touch of scorched earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate features layers of vibrant black fruit plus earth and exotic spice accents, supported by fine tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note. 300 cases produced. |
|
| Round Pond |
2015 |
Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2017): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a deep garnet-purple color with a crème de cassis, plum preserves and balsamic-scented nose with hints of dried herbs, cedar and black olives. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated in the mouth with a velvety texture, it's spicy on the finish. |
|
| Rutherford Hill |
2015 |
Napa Valley Merlot |
$15 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Union Sacre |
2015 |
La Passion du Diable Cabernet Sauvignon |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (5/2018): Another Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée, also from the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, the 2015 La Passion du Diable reveals classy aromas of crushed currants and tobacco leaf, framed by new oak. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, with a good core of fruit underpinned by nice balancing acids, but it turns a bit compact and austere on the finish. It's an attractive wine, but I wouldn't mind seeing a lighter touch with extraction and oak tannin. |
|
| Salt Vine |
2015 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Schrader |
2015 |
LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98+ (12/2017): Coming from the Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, from blocks C and E that are planted to clones 337 and 4, respectively, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Lpv has a very deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed black berries, black currant cordial and garrigue with wafts of sage, mocha and cedar chest plus a hint of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, very firm and very tightly knit, the palate reveals great elegance and sophistication, with slowly revealing layers and a lovely minerality coming through on the long finish. 2,017 cases produced. |
|
| Sea Smoke |
2015 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$79 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$99 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Sheridan Vineyard |
2015 |
L’Orage Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (4/2018): The Cabernet Sauvignon dominated (there’s a small amount of Cabernet Franc) 2015 L’Orage is another brilliant wine from this estate. Dried red currants, cedarwood, incense and lead pencil notes all flow to a ripe, sexy, medium to full-bodied Cabernet that has sweet tannin, impeccable balance, and a great finish. Drink this pleasure-bent beauty anytime over the coming decade. (Drink between 2018-2028). |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2015 |
Reuling Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (3/2017): Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard has a fragrant nose of lavender, oolong tea and fertile loam over a red currant and Bing cherry core with a waft of underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is just beautiful with very finely grained tannins and seamless acidity framing the elegant red berry and earthy flavors, finishing with a slight minerality. |
|
|
2015 |
Riddle Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (3/2017): The 2015 Pinot Noir Riddle Vineyard has a medium ruby-purple color and compelling nose of roses, kirsch, cranberry sauce and eucalypt plus touches of cloves and fallen leaves. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with taut red berry and menthol-laced flavors, structured with ripe, firm, finely knit tannins and finishing in thought-provoking layers. |
|
|
2015 |
Ridgetop Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (3/2017): Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir Ridgetop Vineyard has intense notes of ripe red and black cherries, black raspberries and roses with touches of chocolate box and Provence herbs. Medium to full-bodied and offering tons of ripe raspberry inspired flavors, it possesses wonderfully silky tannins and a lovely seamlessness. |
|
|
2015 |
Wohler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (3/2017): Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2015 Pinot Noir Wohler Vineyard has some tar and charcoal notes over a core of mulberries and red plums plus a touch of fungi. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a generous amount of plummy fruit and chewy tannins, though perhaps lacks some of the presence and sophistication of some of the other Sojourn vineyards in 2015. |
|
| Somnium Cellars |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2015 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$130 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Napa Valley Pinot Noir |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Substance |
2015 |
BX Klein Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Orin Swift |
2015 |
Papillon Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Tamber Bey |
2015 |
Sabino Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Todd Taylor |
2015 |
Clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Turnbull |
2015 |
Amoenus Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 95+ (1/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus from Turnbull's estate vineyard in Calistoga, is fabulous. Exuberant fruit and striking mid-palate richness give the wine much of its immediacy and sheer appeal. Today, the 2015 is naturally very primary, but it is both hugely delicious and promising. Lavender, licorice, black cherry, crème de cassis and plum explode onto the dramatic, baritone-inflected finish. What a gorgeous wine this is. (Drink between 2020-2035). Antonio Galloni.
WA 94 (12/2017): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus Vineyard offers up crushed red and black plums, black currets and sawdust notes with hints of potpourri, forest floor and baking spices. Full, plush and rich, the palate is packed with spicy red and black fruits, with just enough freshness and great length. |
|
| Upchurch Vineyard |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (6/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch Vineyard is showing very well from bottle, unfurling in the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, crème de cassis, licorice, subtle cigar ash and a judicious framing of new oak. On the palate, it's full-bodied, richly tannic and layered, with a deep core of dark fruit, juicy balancing acids and a serious structural chassis. The upside here appears to be considerable, so cellar it for another 4 or 5 years, then follow it for two decades.
JD 94 (4/2018): The top cuvée is the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from a tiny parcel at the southern end of Red Mountain. It's a classic expression of this terroir and offers lots of red and black currant fruit, dried earth, graphite, and leafy herbs aromas and flavors. Like the Counterpart cuvée, it's tight and structured, with good acidity, and short-term cellaring is going to be your friend. It's a gorgeous wine, though, that's going to have 2-3 decades of overall longevity. Chris Upchurch releases his own wine under his Upchurch label which is sourced exclusively from his estate vineyard on Red Mountain. (Drink between 2018-2038).
VM 94 (11/2018): Bright, full ruby. Cassis, blackberry, licorice and a whiff of mocha on the nose. A step up in sweetness and pliancy--not to mention depth of flavor--from the Counterpart blend, but still with terrific floral lift to its red fruit flavors. (Upchurch uses an old Oakville clone that retains acidity well.) This plush wine delivers a near-perfect combination of ripeness and structure (like the best Red Mountain wines) and spreads out horizontally to saturate the palate on the long, building aftertaste. Upchurch's vines are only ten years old but the high quality of the site is already obvious. His 18.5 acres include 2 of Merlot. (Drink between 2020-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Venge |
2015 |
Silencieux Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (12/2017): Starting out, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Silencieux is a pretty, complex, balanced beauty that offers loads of mulberry, blackberry, spicy oak, and forest floor aromas and flavors. It’s upfront, frontend loaded, seamless, and already impossible to resist, and is well worth checking out. It’s not going to make old bones but it’s one seriously delicious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers the goods. |
|
| Vincent Wine Co. |
2015 |
Temperance Hill Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$42 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Vineyard 29 |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (3/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard 29 Estate is tremendous. A big, ample wine, the 29 Estate packs a real punch. Even so, there is fabulous balance, especially for such a big, potent wine. A rush of black cherry, smoke, chocolate, licorice and cloves all build into the plush, flamboyant finish. The 2015 is not a shy wine, but it is impeccable in its balance. I loved it. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| WildAire Cellars |
2015 |
Fairsing Pinot Noir |
$19 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Andrew Will |
2015 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2018): The 2015 Champoux Vineyard is stunning, busting from the glass with a precocious bouquet of ripe cherries, minty blackberries, violets and anise. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and almost voluptuous, with velvety, melting tannins that frame a succulent core of beautifully delineated fruit. The finish is long and fragrant. Infinitely seductive and exquisitely balanced, I struggle to remember an Andrew Will Champoux that was quite this delicious straight out of the gates, yet the wine clearly has the potential to evolve for two decades. The 2015 is a blend of 51% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.
JD 96 (4/2018): The 2015 Champoux is a beauty. Concentrated, rich, full-bodied and layered, it offers a rocking nose of blackcurrants, graphite, lead pencil, iodine, and salty minerality. Ripe, rounded, and opulent, yet with good freshness and purity, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades. I was able to taste both the 2014s and 2015s from Vashon Island-based Andrew Will, which is run by Chris Camarda. As always, Chris releases two appellation blends (Esploso and Sorella) and a bevy of single vineyard blends from some of the top sites in Washington State (Champoux, Ciel du Cheval, Mays’ Discovery, and Two Blondes. Readers looking for classic, age-worthy Bordeaux blends from the United States can’t go wrong here and these wines continue to fly too far under the radar. Give these a try! (Drink between 2020-2040).
VM 92+ (11/2018): Bright ruby-red. Brooding aromas of dark berries, bitter chocolate and violet Concentrated, sappy, dense and energetic, conveying a pungent, slightly herbal inky character that suggests somewhat less consistent ripeness than the Sorella is showing today. The primary flavors of cassis, blackberry, violet and herbs show a strong medicinal element. This densely packed but lively wine finishes with serious but smooth tannins that call for patience. An impressively structured Merlot-based blend. (Drink between 2021-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2015 |
Sorella Champoux Vyd. |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (6/2018): The 2015 Sorella is superb, unwinding in the glass with a youthful but already complex bouquet of crushed cassis, cherries, pencil shavings, subtle cigar smoke and espresso roast. On the palate, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a rock-solid core, juicy acids and a beautifully fine-grained but firm chassis of structuring tannins. If it's the most promising of these 2015s from Chris Camarda, it's also the most backward and in need of cellaring, and as the track record of this bottling demonstrates, its tenth birthday will be just the beginning of the excitement.
JD 96+ (4/2018): The flagship 2015 Sorella Champoux Vineyard is another include Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend that’s up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Cassis, black raspberries, toasted spice, candle wax and graphite notes all emerge from this tight, concentrated, fresh beauty that really needs 4-5 years of bottle age. A wine that gains depth with time in the glass, it has fine tannin, beautiful balance, and a classic, elegant style. I was able to taste both the 2014s and 2015s from Vashon Island-based Andrew Will, which is run by Chris Camarda. As always, Chris releases two appellation blends (Esploso and Sorella) and a bevy of single vineyard blends from some of the top sites in Washington State (Champoux, Ciel du Cheval, Mays’ Discovery, and Two Blondes. Readers looking for classic, age-worthy Bordeaux blends from the United States can’t go wrong here and these wines continue to fly too far under the radar. Give these a try! (Drink between 2022-2042).
VM 91+ (11/2018): Dark ruby-red. Aromas and flavors of blackberry and licorice are lifted by violet and spice notes. Suave and expressive, conveying a distinctly juicy character to its dark berry and spice flavors. Already shows a captivating glossiness to its fruit but its firm tannic spine calls for some patience. (Drink between 2019-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
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