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The barrel sample of 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah, 8% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Syrah, aging in 70% new French oak. Deep ruby-black in color, it gives up luscious crème de cassis, blackberry pie, kirsch, mint chocolate, vanilla bean, coffee and grilled meats scents with touches of tobacco and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, it offers intense, expertly managed, ripe fruits and loads of spices with a firm, finely grained frame and great freshness, finishing long and spicy. RP 95 pts -
Seamlessly woven in black cherry and cocoa, the flagship Cabernet is sumptuous and seductive in structure and complexity. The palate offers flavors of hazelnut, baked plum, and cloves while brilliant acidity on the finish balances the concentration of flavors and tannins. RP 90 pts, WW 90 pts -
The Chateau de St. Cosme Gigondas displays a deep ruby color with enticing aromas of gingerbread, blackberry, and white pepper. The palate offers ample freshness, sweet tannins, and a full bodied, lingering texture. Blend: 70% Grenache - 14% Syrah - 15% Mourvedre - 1% Cinsault. JS 94 pts, JD 93 pts, WS 93 pts, RP 92 pts. -
Pale, shimmering orange. Fresh red berries, orange pith, pungent flowers and toasty lees on the incisive nose. Intense strawberry, cherry, tangerine and honeysuckle flavors smoothly blend depth and delicacy and show no rough edges. Closes taut, long and precise, with repeating toastiness and lingering red fruit character. V 93 pts. -
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Crossbarn comes from the superstar winemaker Paul Hobbs and is a solid value in 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet. Upfront violets, plums, exotic spices, and orange blossom notes all emerge from this expressive, medium to full-bodied, plush effort that has lots of charm. It has the vintage's slightly firm tannins yet should keep nicely for 7-8 years, if not longer. JS 93 pts, JD 91 pts, RP 90 pts. -
Aromas of exotic spice, Craisins, dried thyme, black currant, vanilla and black licorice are out front. Fruit and barrel play off each other nicely on an elegant, cranberry-filled palate. It has a pleasing mouthwatering sense to it.?WE 90 pts. -
Fontodi is located at the heart of Chianti Classico. 100% Sangiovese grapes are hand-picked and fermented using indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks, then aging in barrel for 18 months. Notes of black cherries, dark chocolate, and wild berries. -
The 2017 Arise offers a rich attack with sweet, plush tannins and notes of cherry, plum, and smoked duck in a long finish of coffee, plum, and blueberry. An ideal 2016 harvest season resulted in rich fruit of uncompromised character. The 2016 Arise is Blackbird at its core of supple winemaking. Blend: 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. RP 92 pts, WW 92 pts, WS 90 pts -
Fresh and pure, with a pretty beam of raspberry and cassis notes, flecked with savory, lavender and rooibos tea accents. A mineral edge adds length and tension on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2032. JS 93 pts. JD 92pts, WS 92pts, RP 90 pts. -
The 2015 Valadorna (65% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) is a dark and thickly endowed red wine that boasts a rich and lasting grip on the palate. The bouquet offers depth and complexity with dark fruit, leather, cured tobacco and spice. There are also softer notes of chocolate and ground espresso beans. WA 95 pts -
Classic Far Niente style with aromas of grilled citrus, melon and honeysuckle with hints of white fig, gardenia and toasted hazelnuts, background of mild toasted oak that adds supportive warmth and richness. A silky entry builds on the palate with a rich texture that continues to evolve. Possessing great structure and length, a sweet core of melon and citrus is supported by white floral and toasted vanilla and baking spice notes. The broad mid palate comes back together with a long bright finish. WW 92 pts, WS 90 pts.
