Wine Enthusiast Magazine, October 1, 2009
87 Points
"Cabernet Franc is the best Bordeaux variety grown in the Sierra Foothills, and this is a pretty good one. It’s dry and classically structured, with rich flavors of cherries, herbs and oak, and a briary character of wild mountain berries." - S.H.

2004
Wine Spectator, Web Only 2007
87 Points
"Ripe, supple and complex plum and black cherry fruit is intense without being heavy, with some ultraripe notes that provide a hint of raisin. Ends with chewy tannins. Drink now through 2011" - James Laube

2003
Wine Enthusiast, October 2006
93 Points, Editors Choice
"It really impresses for its dry finesse, a wine that exhibits true gout de terroir in the earthy, mushroomy flavors with their subtle hint of black cherries and violets."

Wine & Spirits, September 2006
89 Points, Highly Recommended
"Oak softens the earthy, mineral tones of El Dorado fruit in this smooth, smoky black wine. It feels tightly built, ready over the next several years for a grilled steak."

2006 San Francisco International Wine Competition
BRONZE medal