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Inventory updated: Sat, Oct 25, 2025 11:02 AM cst
Go Big: Exceptional American Reds in Magnum Format
Today at Flickinger Wines we would like to showcase our current collection of red American wines in magnum.
When it comes to fine wine, size matters. Magnums—bottles holding 1.5 liters, the equivalent of two standard bottles—are more than just impressive at the table. They offer real advantages for the serious wine drinker and collector.
American red wines in magnum format age more gracefully, thanks to the slower oxygen exchange, developing layers of complexity and nuance impossible to achieve in smaller bottles. Whether it’s a plush Napa Cabernet, a refined Sonoma Pinot Noir, or a bold Washington Syrah, these large formats showcase the very best of what American reds can be.
Beyond the cellar, magnums bring an undeniable sense of occasion. Opening one signals celebration—perfect for holidays, dinners with friends, or milestones that deserve to be marked with something extraordinary.
We’ve assembled a curated selection of American red magnums that highlight both prestige and value. From iconic producers with cult followings to hidden gems that overdeliver for the price, these are bottles designed to impress now and reward patience later.
The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2015 |
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Araujo Estate |
2007 |
Eisele Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L)  |
$495 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 95+ (6/2010): Good full ruby-red. Vibrant aromas of deep black raspberry, licorice and violet; quite expressive considering it was bottled about a month prior to my visit. Then dense, deep and very primary, with powerful yet suave flavors of blackberry, smoke, licorice, minerals, chocolate and earth spreading out to saturate the palate. An infant today but the wine's superb persistence and finishing perfume suggest it will rank among the best vintages of this bottling. If there is ever a classification of Napa Valley cabernet vineyards, the Eisele Vineyard would clearly be a grand cru. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (12/2010): Since last year’s report I have had the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard on three separate occasions, including recently at the winery. It has definitely improved over last year’s report, but it has not lived up to my barrel tasting reviews. There is no explanation for this other than that the Araujos told me that the wine was bottled three months later than normal, which seems like a negligible reason to explain the differences. A beautiful wine by any standards, it is just not one of the great Eiseles. Its deep plum/ruby/purple hue is accompanied by notes of cassis, blueberries and acacia flowers. This medium-bodied effort seems surprisingly reserved and restrained, but it has put on a little weight, revealing sweet tannin as well as a velvety texture. This offering should drink nicely for 12-15 years.
WS 87 (12/2010): Though a very good wine, this is disappointing considering the producer's history. Trim and focused, with full-bodied flavors built around dried currant, herb, mineral and sage, but ending with a clipped finish of dried berry and herb. Tasted four times, with consistent notes. Drink now through 2017. 1,710 cases made. |
|
| Bella Oaks |
2018 |
Proprietary Red (1.5 L) |
$599 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (1/2021): The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips slowly, sensuously out of the glass with expanding notions of blackcurrant pastilles, fresh, ripe blackberries and preserved black cherries with suggestions of iron ore, garrigue and dusty soil plus a waft of black olives. The full-bodied palate is tightly coiled with tons of black fruit and earthy layers supported by firm, finely grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. A highly energetic wine with an amazing array of bright sparks—this is an absolute jaw-dropper!
JD 98 (12/2023): I loved the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, a remarkably complex, elegant wine that has so much to love. Cassis, black cherries, hints of black olive, chocolate, and ripe tobacco all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with a concentrated, multi-dimensional character offering beautiful tannins and a great finish. Coming from a tiny site in Rutherford (east of Staglin) that was made famous by Joe Heitz’s single vineyard releases, this world-class beauty is based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was aged in 70% new oak. It’s approachable today yet I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 30+ years if well stored. Nigel Kinsmen has been the winemaker here starting in 2017. (Drink between 2023-2053).
VM 98 (1/2021): A majestic, totally riveting wine, the 2018 Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon soars out of the glass with breathtaking aromatics. The 2018 reveals layer after layer of complexity with time in the glass in a stunning display that is hard to fully describe. Dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, dried herb and floral notes build into the sensual, utterly riveting finish. This is a mind-blowing debut from proprietor Suzanne Deal Booth and winemaker Nigel Kinsman. Wow!! (Drink between 2026-2043). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bergstrom |
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. |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2016 |
EE Cuvee Tench Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$349 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine checks in as a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot, which is the smallest amount of Cabernet Franc to date. Brought up in new barrels, it has gorgeous blue fruits, violets, spring flowers, and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and just about as seamless and silky as it gets, this is a magical wine to drink over the coming 15 years or more. |
|
|
2016 |
Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$375 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2019): Based on 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard was brought up all in new French oak, which has been absorbed beautifully. With terrific intensity in its blue fruits and floral aromatics, this terrific 2016 is full-bodied, powerful, and layered, with ultra-fine tannins that emerge with time in the glass. It has the purity and elegance of the vintage front and center, yet backs it up with both texture and depth. In short, it’s another rock star wine from this estate. |
|
| Bond Estates (Harlan) |
2014 |
Melbury Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$995 |
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) |
$975 |
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. |
|
|
2003 |
Vecina Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$600 |
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) |
$895 |
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. |
|
| Chappellet |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$575 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99+ (10/2014): The dense purple-colored 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate (one of Napa’s fashionable go-to terroirs) exhibits a striking bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, raspberries and blackcurrants. This is a compelling wine with profound depth and flavor, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a velvety integration of tannin, acidity and wood. Pushing perfection in Cabernet Sauvignon, this multidimensional, skyscraper-like offering has all the intensity one expects, but it never comes across as heavy. This gives it an ethereal character that is nearly impossible to articulate, but genius is often hard to explain. It is clearly a major superstar of a great vintage.
VM 94+ (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is rich and explosive, with tons of concentration, depth and structure. Dark blue and black fruit, mocha, smoke, menthol, licorice and spices all burst from the glass as this huge, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its pure class. Readers will have to be patient with the 2012, a wine that will blow the roof off the house with its unbridled power. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$423.15 |
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. |
|
|
2019 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$450.45 |
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. |
|
| Cirq |
2019 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$359 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (7/2023): The 2019 Pinot Noir is a jeweled ruby hue and has layered aromas of pristine cherry, cardamom, rose petal, and sweet herbs. It has incredible clarity and focus, with and a silky texture in its notes of raspberry liqueur and violets, and somehow seems to have more depth after the wine is gone. It offers fantastic balance and a sunny feel, with great refinement that lasts for ages. This wine is outstanding. Drink 2023-2032.From winemaker Michael Browne, also of CHEV and co-founder of Kosta Browne, CIRQ only produces a single Pinot Noir wine from their home in the Russian River Valley. |
|
| Continuum |
2017 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$441.35 |
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) |
$450.45 |
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 |
2012 |
Hershey Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$695 |
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. |
|
| Detert |
2018 |
Cabernet Franc (1.5 L) |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2021): Detert's 2018 Cabernet Franc is fabulous. It may very well be the single most expressive and distinctive Cabernet Franc in the valley. Deep and inky in the glass, the Detert Franc is marked by soaring aromatics and beams of saline minerality that distinguish it from the Cabernet Sauvignon in this range. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, menthol, licorice and cloves build into the huge, resonant finish. (Drink between 2026-2043). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Eisele Vineyard |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$905.45 |
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) |
$475 |
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) |
$229 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
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|
2016 |
Stones No. 1 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$425 |
1 |
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| |
|
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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 (1.5 L) |
$565 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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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. |
|
|
2016 |
Stones No. 3 Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$586.95 |
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) |
$219 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2015 |
All Great Things- Freedom Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2015 |
All Great Things- Freedom Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$313.95 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Far Niente |
2000 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$191.25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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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 |
2010 |
Bosche Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Greer |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$449 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$449 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (12/2021): In contrast, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is more round and supple, with loads of pure Napa magic in its notes of crème de cassis, toasted spice, smoked tobacco, and cedar pencil. Full-bodied, opulent, and loaded with fruit, it still stays pure, precise, and focused, with ripe tannins, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and one incredible finish. I finished my notes with “Awesome.” Both the 2018 and 2019 are incredible, singular wines readers should seek out.
VM 97 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a flat out stunner. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous depth and pedigree to burn. Dark red cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol race across the palate. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of aromas and flavors that add stunning complexity. Iron, scorched earth, tobacco and incense linger on the potent finish. What a wine! (Drink between 2025-2039). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Gundlach Bundschu |
2011 |
Vintage Reserve Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Scuffed Label |
$85 |
1 |
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| |
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2013 |
Vintage Reserve Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Slightly Depressed Cork |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Harlan Estate |
2017 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$2,002 |
1 |
|
| |
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. |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2001 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$505.75 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (11/2013): Still a young wine at age 12, the 2001 Insignia exhibits a dense purple color along with a sweet bouquet of camphor, blackberries, cassis, incense and spring flowers. Full-bodied, rich and heady with sweet tannin, stunning concentration and a fabulous finish, this remarkable Insignia has 25 or more years of life ahead of it.
VM 95+ (4/2016): (from an early harvest, like 2015; the first vintage of a ten-year spell without any Cabernet Franc): Dark red with ruby highlights. The aromas of currant, graphite minerality and dark chocolate convey an inviting warmth. Wonderfully suave, fleshy and sweet, especially for its 13.9% alcohol. Deep, broad flavors of raspberry, sandalwood and soy are energized by a subtle mineral quality and harmonious acidity. Outstanding intensity and tight grain here. Finishes with serious but integrated tannins that spread out horizontally on the very long finish. This wonderfully balanced, still-young wine has clearly benefited from the firming influence of its 8% Petit Verdot element, the highest to this point. Incidentally, this was the last vintage of the Insignia with measurable brettanomyces--but it works for me!
WS 88 (6/2011): Enticing aromas of mixed berries, mocha, cedar and tobacco. Full-bodied, focused and intense, with touches of mature flavors that turn simpler and fade on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Drink now. 18,000 cases made. |
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|
2017 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$479 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| Kinsman Eades |
2019 |
Anjea Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$800 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (2/2023): Last of the 2019s, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea (always 100% Clone 22 Cabernet Sauvignon) is more floral and aromatic, with perfumed red, blue, and black fruits as well as lots of floral, truffle, chocolate, and tobacco nuances. As with the other 2019s here, the balance is flat-out perfect, and the wine is medium to full-bodied, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish.
VM 98 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard is the most sensual of the Kinsman Eades Cabernets, as it always is. Silky tannins wrap around a core of inky red fruit, blood orange, mint and crushed flowers. Classy and alluring the Anjea is a total knock-out. It's a tremendous example of Sleeping Lady and the vintage. Readers lucky enough to own it should be thrilled. (Drink between 2026-2039). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96+ (9/2022): Sourced from the Bettinelli Family's Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville, the 2019 Anjea offers up a bouquet of mixed cherries and complex baking spices, plus hints of mint and thyme. It's full-bodied, with crisp acids that serve to accentuate the wine's soft tannins, resulting in a slightly hard edge on the long, lingering finish. Give it a few years in the cellar. |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2019 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$265 |
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. |
|
|
2020 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2021 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$289 |
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. |
|
| Lail Vineyards |
2014 |
J Daniel Cuvee Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$377.65 |
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) |
$450.45 |
2 |
|
| |
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. |
|
|
2007 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$495.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2016 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 LMV Salon is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry and espresso open up in a very pretty, aromatically expressive wine. Cabernet Franc takes the leading role in the LMV Salon in 2016, and that comes through very nicely here. Bright, vibrant and full of character, the 2016 hits all the right notes. What a gorgeous wine it is. |
|
| Lazy Susan Ranch (The Vineyardist) |
2009 |
Diamond Mt. District Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Leonetti Cellars |
2018 |
Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
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. |
|
| Newton |
2018 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$200 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 95 (2/2023): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard Mount Veeder has plenty of gravelly earth and loamy soil nuances as well as chocolate, red and black fruits, and savory spices. This big, medium to full-bodied, structured wine has serious tannins and is going to benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age, but it’s seriously good. I suspect it will see its 20th birthday in fine form. (Drink between 2027-2038).
WA 93+ (9/2022): From another part of the Chandon property, now being redeveloped under a 50-year lease, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder Estate features bold cassis fruit, with herbal, sage-like complexities. This medium to full-bodied effort is firmly tannic but ripe, with a lingering, fruit-filled finish. Give it a few years in the cellar, then drink it over the next 15 years or so. |
|
|
2018 |
Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$200 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 94+ (2/2023): Another gem, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard Yountville has the vintage’s fresher, vibrant, utterly classic style as well as pure cassis fruits, notes of lead pencil shavings and tobacco, full-bodied richness, and building tannins. It’s a beast of a wine that needs to be forgotten in the cellar for 4-6 years at a minimum. (Drink starting 2027).
WA 92+ (9/2022): From a rocky knoll at the back of the Chandon site, near Dominus and Blankiet, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Estate is herbal, even close to bell pepper but not quite there. Instead, it's nicely complex, with hints of thyme and sage accenting dark fruit notes of black cherries and cassis. Medium to full-bodied, richly tannic and firmly structured, this is another Newton red wine that needs a bit of time to come around. |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2016 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 10 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$519 |
3 |
|
| |
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. |
|
|
2017 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 11 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$550 |
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! |
|
|
2018 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 12 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$585 |
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2014 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 8 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$635 |
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. |
|
|
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) |
$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. |
|
|
2018 |
Numero Quatro Touriga Nacional (1.5 L) |
$575 |
2 |
|
| |
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. |
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|
2017 |
Numero Um Touriga Nacional (1.5 L) |
$550 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Oakford Vineyards |
1998 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$200 |
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. |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2011 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$299 |
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. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$499 |
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) |
$399 |
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. |
|
| 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 |
Oakville Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$210 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Pott |
2014 |
Actaeon Quixote Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$194.65 |
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. |
|
|
2014 |
Kaliholmanok Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$225.25 |
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. |
|
| Predecessor |
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 |
|
| |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| Provenance |
1999 |
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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 (1.5 L) |
$250 |
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 |
Pedregal Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (12/2009): Ramey’s sensational 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Petit Verdot. Notions of blueberry pie, charcoal, camphor, blackberry, cassis, and smoky oak are followed by a wine with sizeable tannins as well as structure. The extravagant fruit, richness, and intensity result in a remarkable, young Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Napa-s finest areas, the Oakville Corridor.
VM 93-95 (6/2009): Deep ruby-red. Hypnotic bouquet of cherry-cola, cassis, incense, dried rose and smoky minerals. Structured red and dark fruit flavors are improbably graceful and finely etched, picking up brown spice and floral pastille qualities with air. The floral and mineral notes carry through the strikingly pure, very long finish. |
|
| Realm |
2019 |
The Bard Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (12/2021): The 2019 The Bard checks in as 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, and it’s another dense, rich, powerful wine from this team that readers are going to absolutely love. Coming from throughout the valley (it’s always a great representation of the vintage), it offers up a brilliant nose of crème de cassis, ripe plums, graphite, scorched earth, and chocolate. About as seamless as they come on the palate, it’s full-bodied and has a thrilling texture, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It’s one of those wines where I feel like I’m overusing adjectives, but it’s warranted.
WA 97 (9/2021): A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the fruit for the 2019 The Bard fetches from Calistoga to Coombsville, including portions from illustrious vineyards such as Dr. Crane, Moonracer, Houyi and Larkmead.
VM 96 (1/2022): The 2019 The Bard is classy and elegant from start to finish. Inky blueberry jam, lavender, spice, rose petal and blood orange lend brightness to this beautifully layered, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from Realm. Silky and creamy, The Bard is a winner in 2019. Core vineyard sources are Blair, Houyi and Upper Range for the Cabernet Sauvignon, Farella and Orchard for Merlot and Dr. Crane for Petit Verdot, spread across a total of about 20 separate lots. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rhys |
2013 |
Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$297.50 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (10/2015): Not made since 2006 and described by Kevin as the ultimate expression of the vineyard, the 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Hillside Vineyard was a cellar selection (done blind) that ended up coming all from the same block of steep, east-facing vines. It has an almost Horseshoe like level of minerality in its gunpowder, flinty minerality, dusty soil, dried roses, and sweet red fruit aromas and flavors. Fresh, vibrant and weightless, yet with rocking depth and texture, it's a serious wine that tastes like the Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir on steroids. It has more fruit and depth than the straight Alpine release, so its actually more enjoyable today, yet will age even better.
VM 96 (7/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard Hillside is endowed with a real sense of vertical lift. Beams of tannin give the 2013 much of its energy and overall tension. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, graphite, mint, lavender and spices are all super-expressive, with considerable aromatic intensity added by the inclusion of 100% whole clusters. This powerful yet sleek Pinot won't be ready to drink for a number of years, but it is compelling, even today. Antonio Galloni.
BH 92 (4/2016): An overtly floral-suffused nose offers up cool and admirably pure aromas of red cherry, pomegranate and subtle spice nuances. There is fine energy and volume to the lightly mineral-laden middle weight flavors that possess both good focus and delineation, all wrapped in a dusty and ever-so-mildly austere finale. This is beautifully harmonious and understated and while there is sufficient mid-palate fat to allow it to be enjoyed young, the supporting structure is sufficiently firm to suggest that it will require at least 5 to 7 years to soften and reward at least a decade's worth. Drink 2021+. Outstanding! |
|
|
2013 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$133.45 |
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. |
|
| Rudd |
2016 |
Leslie’s Blend Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$589 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (10/2019): This is the first vintage of this label, named after the recently departed Leslie Rudd, who particularly loved this vineyard. Composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 3% Malbec and aged for 22 months in French oak, 38% new, the 2016 Leslie’s Blend Mt. Veeder Estate displays a deep garnet-purple color. WOW - it has a fantastically profound nose of black currant cordial, plum preserves and mulberries with hints of mocha, aniseed, dried bay leaves, tilled soil and oolong tea. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with loads of black fruit and savory layers, featuring a rock-solid frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. Still very youthful, give it another couple of years in bottle and drink it over the next 40 years+.
VM 93 (1/2020): The 2016 Mt. Veeder Estate Leslie's Blend is powerful and dense, with tons of concentration and sheer richness. Gravel, smoke, spice, black fruit, chocolate and leather all develop nicely. In the end, though, the 2016 is dominated by heavy torrefaction notes from the oak, which masks some of the Veeder character. Now that the Edge Hill wines are under the Rudd label, my hope is that this bottling can be refined a bit. There is clearly so much potential here. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sans Liege |
2009 |
en Gedi Grenache (1.5 L) |
$90 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94 (12/2011): One of the few Grenache based wines from California that can match the power and intensity of a top Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the brilliantly done and totally hedonistic 2009 Sans Liege Grenache En Gedi delivers bombastic and borderline over the top levels of sweet kirsch, licorice, incense, and spiced meat like characteristics that just come soaring from the glass. Full bodied, voluptuous, and sweetly fruited, yet with ripe underlying tannin and structure, as well as beautiful length and focus, this is a thrilling example of Grenache, yet not for those that shy away from large scaled, sweetly fruited wines. I'm a huge fan however and would drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years.
VM 90 (11/2012): Ruby-red. Deep, smoky, rather powerful aromas of red and dark berry compote, dried cherry and vanilla. Fleshy and sweet, displaying an exotic array of red and dark fruit and floral scents underscored by anise and espresso. The plump, expansive finish is long, appealingly sweet and gently tannic. Josh Raynolds.
WA 88 (8/2012): Another standout, the 2009 En Gedi (Grenache) is bigger and riper in style than the Offering. It shows good intensity in its fruit but the oak tannins appear to dry out the finish, which is surprising considering the vast majority of the barrels are seasoned. Hints of tobacco, anise and spices are layered into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. |
|
|
2018 |
The Offering Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$49 |
10 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (8/2020): Based on 39% Grenache, 36% Syrah, and 25% Mourvèdre, the 2018 Offering sports a deep ruby color as well as lots of pretty blackberry, blueberry, peppery herbs, and subtle meaty aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with plenty of fruit, good acidity, and a clean finish, this solid Rhône-like blend will keep for 4-6 years. Drink between 2020-2026. |
|
| Schrader |
2019 |
MMXIX "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,450 |
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. |
|
|
2015 |
MMXV "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,275 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (12/2017): A barrel selection coming from the best barrels of Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky has a deep garnet-purple color and savory/meaty nose of yeast extract, chargrill, sauteed herbs and smoked meat over a core of crème de cassis, cigar box, red currant jelly and wild blueberries plus a touch of powdered cinnamon. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with black fruit preserves, savory and baking spice layers, with a very firm backbone and very long, multilayered finish. 438 cases produced. |
|
|
2016 |
MMXVI "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,375 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2018 |
MMXVIII "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,595 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (1/2021): There are few vintages of Old Sparky that don't merit a perfect rating, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky isn't one of them. This flawless wine offers up a wild smorgasbord of aromas and flavors, with loads of crème de cassis, blueberries, scorched earth, lead pencil, violets, blood orange, tobacco, and flowery incense all developing with time in the glass. Deep purple-hued and incredibly full-bodied, it has ripe, silky tannins, perfect balance, and a finish that won't quit. This magical wine stays weightless and elegant on the palate, never seeming heavy, cumbersome, or over the top, and it's a wine that just begs to be drunk yet will evolve for decades. Hats off to winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown for yet another heavenly Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that could come from nowhere else in the world. Life is too short not to have experienced this cuvée! (Drink between 2021-2041) |
|
| Screaming Eagle |
2020 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$4,500 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (2/2023): The 2020 Screaming Eagle is one of the great surprises of the year. Energetic and vibrant in the glass, the 2020 offers a bit more energy than most readers are likely used to. All the elements are so well balanced. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, menthol, spice, leather and a soft touch of all fill out the layers effortlessly. In 2020 Screaming Eagle is not as immediately alluring as it so often is, so a measure of patience is warranted. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| 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) |
$370 |
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. |
|
|
2018 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$390 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$390 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Shafer Vineyards |
2017 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$545 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (1/2021): In the running for the wine of the vintage, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is an incredible success and offers more depth, opulence, and purity than just about every other wine out there. Revealing a dense purple color as well as a killer nose of blueberries, chocolate-covered cherries, scorched earth, tobacco, violets, and exotic spices, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, pure, incredibly layered mouthfeel, building tannins, and a great, great finish. As with most top 2017s, it stays tight and compact on the palate, with notable structure and impressive concentration. It has some up-front appeal given its purity of fruit and balance, yet it's going to take 7-8 years to hit prime time and will be a long-lived bottle of Napa Cabernet. Hats off to Doug Shafer and the team for yet another magical Cabernet Sauvignon!
VM 97 (1/2021): The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is an insanely beautiful wine. The aromatics alone are pure seduction. Juicy, red berry fruit, crushed flower, cinnamon, blood orange and spice give the 2017 quite a bit of complexity, but it is the wine's textural finesse and impeccable balance that elevate it to its place among the very finest wines of the year. Stylistically, the 2017 is a bit more red-toned in profile. Texturally, it is a bit lighter and less opulent than the norm, but that is not a bad thing. The 2017 has always been stellar from barrel, but the from-bottle tasting is the proof in the pudding. It's a tour de force from Proprietor Doug Shafer and Winemaker Elias Fernandez. Antonio Galloni.
WS 94 (5/2022): This drips with rich blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry fruit flavors and is liberally laced with licorice root and singed alder notes, delivering a nice tarry tug through the finish as the fruit drips. Shows a twinge of the vintage's rusticity in its tannins, but it's a heck of an effort in this tricky year. Best from 2023 through 2036. 2,400 cases made. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2006 |
A Shot in the Dark Syrah (1.5 L) |
$1,500 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (8/2010): The soon-to-be-released 2006 A Shot in the Dark is composed of 96.5% Syrah and 3.5% Viognier from the 11 Confessions Vineyard in the cool Santa Rita Hills. Performing better from bottle than it did from barrel, this prodigious red exhibits incredibly velvety tannins, a seamless style, and no noticeable oak (which is remarkable given the fact it spent 32 months in barrel). Dense purple to the rim with an extraordinary perfume of blueberry pie, blackberries, soy, Asian spices, and hints of forest floor and charcoal, this is a complex, rich, seamless, well-balanced tour de force in winemaking. A full-bodied, exuberant, unabashedly California Syrah, it will offer stunning drinking over the next 10-15+ years.
VM 96 (12/2010): (includes 3.5% viognier) Inky violet. Captivating, varietally expressive nose melds cassis, boysenberry, olive tapenade, cracked pepper, licorice and Indian spices. Suave, velvety and deeply concentrated, with restrained sweetness for a wine with this much power and thrust. Firm acids give the lush dark fruit and floral flavors excellent focus. Finishes chewy, suave and very long, with velour-like tannins and strong mineral character. Really compelling wine that is shockingly approachable now. |
|
|
2019 |
Eleven Confessions Vyd. Syrah (1.5 L) |
$636.65 |
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. |
|
|
2006 |
In the Crosshairs Grenache (1.5 L) |
$1,700 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2010): The extended barrel aged Grenache, the 2006 In the Crosshairs, will be released in a few months. A blend of 84% Grenache, 12% Syrah, and 4% Viognier from the estate's 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, this cuvee was aged completely in French oak, many of the barrels being demi-muids. It spent 32 months in wood, which goes against nearly every conventional rule about how Grenache reacts to wood. This contrarian notion is the genius of Krankl. An extraordinary wine, it may turn out to be his greatest Grenache since the 2000 Incognito (a wine that is currently at a magical maturity point). No shy wine at 16.3% alcohol (similar to a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape), it exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color as well as a luxurious bouquet of raspberry jam, kirsch liqueur, lavender, licorice, and spice box. Full-bodied and sumptuously textured with stunning power as well as elegance, this hedonistic and intellectual turn-on should rock and roll (or is it Rock and Rhone?) for another 10-15 years.
VM 96 (12/2010): (includes 12% syrah and 4% viognier) Opaque ruby. A wild bouquet exudes scents of candied red and dark berries, incense, smoked meat and black olive. I'd have guessed that there was a lot more syrah in here. Lush and palate-coating black raspberry and boysenberry flavors are lifted by zesty acidity and complemented by exotic floral pastille and spice flavors. Strikes an impressive balance of richness and vivacity and finishes with Outstanding clarity and smoky, spicy persistence. With air some fine-grained tannins peeked out, but this is really a wall of seductive fruit, floral and spice qualities. |
|
|
2004 |
Ode to E Grenache (1.5 L) |
$1,500 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2014): Leading off with the Grenache-driven efforts, and easily the greatest expression of the variety I’ve ever tasted from California, the 2004 Ode to E (Grenache) is mind-blowing stuff that will stand toe-to-toe with the greatest Grenache-based wines ever made. Coming from Manfred’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard and comprised of 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, it sports a still vibrant purple color to go with off-the-hook aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, melted licorice, graphite, smoked herbs and assorted meaty nuances. Full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with incredible purity and a perfect texture, it can be consumed anytime over the coming decade.
VM 97 (8/2015): The 2004 Grenache Ode to E is absolutely stellar. There's not too much more to say. Still young, fresh and vibrant, the 2004 is incredibly impressive. Exotic spice, rose petals, raspberry jam all open up in an effortless, nuanced wine bursting at the seams with personality. Exquisitely nuanced and balanced, the 2004 is a gem. Readers who own the 2004 should be thrilled; as it is a magnificent wine by any measure. My favorite age to drink Sine Qua Non wines is around ten years. The Ode to E Grenache delivers the goods, and then some. The blend is 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 2% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2007 |
Pictures Grenache (1.5 L) |
$650 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2011): A blend of 87% Grenache, 11.5% Syrah, and 1.5% Viognier, this wine has wonderful floral notes intermixed with black raspberries, black cherries, licorice, graphite and some camphor. In the mouth, more white chocolate notes appear, along with meatiness and some silky tannins. Its great purity, density and richness make me think this wine could even improve a few points and flirt with perfection. This stunning wine should drink nicely for another 10-15 years.
VM 95 (11/2010): (87% grenache, 11.5% syrah and 1.5% viognier) Deep, bright ruby. Wild aromas of black raspberry compote, mocha, Asian spices and incense. Expansive and deeply concentrated, with obvious sweetness to its very intense red fruit, floral and spicecake flavors. Shows real spine and Outstanding finesse for a rich wine. Finishes vibrant and extremely long, with great spicy perfume. Josh Raynolds.
WS 91 (6/2010): Intense, vibrant and full-bodied, with tightly wound wild berry, black cherry, pepper, spice and cedar flavors that are pure and focused, long and persistent. Drink now through 2016. 764 cases made. |
|
|
2014 |
Shakti Grenache (1.5 L) |
$725 |
1 |
|
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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. |
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| Somnium Cellars |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
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2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
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2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$195 |
1 |
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2017 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
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2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$175 |
1 |
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| Spottswoode |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$446.25 |
1 |
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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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2017 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$363.09 |
1 |
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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. |
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| Staglin Family Vineyards |
2017 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$475 |
2 |
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| 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. |
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| Teachworth |
2001 |
Manzanita Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$250 |
3 |
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2001 |
Rattlesnake Ridge Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$250 |
4 |
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| Terlato Vineyards |
2008 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$211.65 |
1 |
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2009 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$169.15 |
1 |
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2010 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$228.65 |
1 |
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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. |
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| Verite |
2014 |
La Joie Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$568.75 |
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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2013 |
La Muse Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$605.15 |
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) |
$632.45 |
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) |
$614.25 |
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) |
$614.25 |
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) |
$614.25 |
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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| Williams Selyem |
2020 |
Estate Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$245 |
2 |
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| Antica Terra |
2011 |
Ceras Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$425 |
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| Chimney Rock |
2004 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$135.15 |
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Sold Out
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| Continuum |
2016 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$432.25 |
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Sold Out
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| Heitz Cellar |
2001 |
Trailside Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$211.65 |
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Sold Out
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| Scarecrow |
2017 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,638 |
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