DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL 95 PTS, SF Chronicle Wine Competition
90 PTS, Wine Enthusiast “This wine packs a punch and overdelivers quality for the price. This is a crowd-pleaser in its lush, soft and fruity combination of grilled meat, bacon and smoky tannin. Those big bold elements are complemented by plenty of black-cherry jam.”
93 PTS, James Suckling "An intense and concentrated red with notes of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, wet stones and vanilla. Full-bodied and dry with an array of plush tannins, deep fruit and a touch of graphite. Long, velvety finish. Try in 2023."
92 Points, Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast "Impressive at any price, but especially notable at this cost, this 100% varietal red is a testament to the power and concentration of the vintage, integrated with a push of tannin on the back of the tongue. Spicy clove and pepper ride a wave of cassis, dark cherry and chocolate, needing time to unwind in the glass. It will do well in the cellar through 2028."
92 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "The wine hits the palate with a voluptuous texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel, silky tannins and a long, long finish. At $42.00 a bottle, it is a steal." - Robert Parker
92 PTS, James Suckling "Notes of mulberries, blueberries and plums with woody undertones. It’s full-bodied and structured with firm tannins and a long, energetic finish. Drink in 2023."
92 PTS, James Suckling "Reserved character here, with notes of cedar wood, tobacco, spices and lead pencil to the red fruit. Medium to full-bodied with firm tannins and juicy dark fruit on the palate. Dry and polished with a long, even aftertaste. Drink or hold."
91 PTS, Wine Enthusiast "Thick grippy tannins surround a core of mountain sage and dried herb in this 100% varietal wine. Tart underlying acidity brightens a triumvirate of cherry, cassis and red currant, with the promise of rocky minerality lingering on the finish." - V.B.
90 PTS, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast "This is well made and offers outstanding value, It's a well-made red, with good grip and integration that shines in briary black cherry and blackberry. The nose invites in sweet oak and tobacco as supple tannins support the full-bodied weight." - V. B.
90 PTS, Wine Enthusiast This wine displays a vibrant, ruby plum color. The aromas are deep with Bing and Rainer cherries while backed with vanilla and slight caramelized raw sugar notes. The palate is intense with wild raspberry, blackberry and bramble. These flavors are backed by intense earthy notes from black pepper to mushroom followed by toasted oak and clove. The finish overall expresses ripe berry and leather with a silky envelope of toasted vanilla.
90 PTS, Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Dark, inky purple, plum color. The intense aromas express blue-berry and huckleberry fruit notes. The wine is refined with a rich French Oak barrel profile which is quite integrated in the mid-palate and a silky platform for the cassis spice and sappy vanilla flavors. The wine is well structured and full bodied with elegant tannins allowing the flavors and character of the variety to shine through. The finish is rich with dark chocolate and creamy Tahitian vanilla.
90 PTS, Wine Enthusiast "This is a value-driven wine that overdelivers on its price point, offering black cherry, vanilla and dried herb around an oaky center. Made in a full-bodied, fleshy and lush style, it finishes in earthy varietal character and drops of cinnamon." - V. B.
90 PTS, Wine Enthusiast This wine pairs well with Bolognese pastas or stews as well as anything off the grill from seared skirt steak to pan seared Filet Mignon served with truffle mashed potatoes and haricots verts seasoned with sea salt. For a vegetarian option try it with Dal (curried lentils) over basmati rice and serve with yogurt, mint chutney and onion naan. This is a nice Cabernet Sauvignon for sipping anytime and anywhere.
90 PTS, James Suckling "A fruity chardonnay with apricot, poached pear, papaya, lemon pith and vanilla on the nose. Some toasted brioche and oyster shell, too. Full-bodied and buttery with a ripe, flavorful palate. Drink now."
