Complex, Summery white wines from Cormorant Cellars

I’m back this week with some delightfully Summery wines from California’s Cormorant Cellars.

Started by Charlie Gilmore in 2018, they’ve got a really cool lineup of wines, including the brisk and bright Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay featured today. But they also make a white Rhone blend, a Vermentino, a Gamay, and a red Bordeaux blend. The sur lie-aged Sauv Blanc is what kicked them off, and the first of their wines I tasted. It’s still awesome, but I’m stoked on how they’ve branched out in recent years to fill out their portfolio.

Credit: Cormorant Cellars

I’ve tried a lot of their wines and always find them to have unique flourishes and accents to their varieties and regions. And the value is incredibly reliable.

The project is named in honor of the times Charlie and his dad spent on California’s Central Coast and the timeless seabirds they would see. As a huge bird nerd, I’m also a fan of the label and aesthetic.

If you’re looking to stock up on a few wines that bring zip and freshness. And, hey, no need to worry about tariffs!

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2022 Cormorant Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Martorana Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
SRP: $28
Pale lemon color. Spritely aromas of lemons, ruby red grapefruit, and orange peel, topped in bright, floral notes of verbena, basil, white flowers, and some chalk dust. On the palate, this is zesty and focused with nice textural depth, and flavors of lemons, oranges, green apples, and grapefruit. I really like the complex tones of minerals, chalk, white pepper, flowers, and almond skin. Really good stuff that offers a lot of depth and complexity. (92 points)

2022 Cormorant Cellars Chardonnay Zabala Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Seco
SRP: $33
Medium yellow color. The nose exudes hay, crushed chalk, limestone, and sea salt, accenting the delightful fruit (lemon meringue, nectarine, yellow apples) – so vibrant and inviting. Racy acidity and taut on the palate with pleasantly creamy texture, balancing things nicely. Oranges, green apples, lime juice, the fruit is mixed with deeper tones of honey and almond, and airy tones of chalk dust and minerals. Balanced, pique, zesty, love its flair and appeal. (92 points)

California value from Line 39

I love highlighting value-driven wines from around the world. But I’ve also found that most of the most dynamic, interesting, inexpensive wines come from places other than the United States.

Over the past 15 years or so that I’ve been closely following the wine world, I’ve been convinced a lot of regions and styles could rightfully hold the title of best value wines – South African Rhone blends, Roussillon reds, Portuguese blends of indigenous white grapes, Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, etc. But California? Nope.

So, this week I wanted to highlight two fun, Summer-friendly wines from California that deliver. Line 39 is one of those rare, widely-available brands that delivers some balance and complexity along with the value. The wines are made by Alyssa Reynolds, who oversees production of a range of organic wines. Cool, crisp, fresh, and flavorful these two wines I tried seem solid for Summer of Fall outdoor gatherings. If you’re looking for some accessible, entry-level wines that deliver and can offer pleasure for newbs and nerds alike, I think these are worth a try.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2023 Line 39 Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California
SRP: $15
Pale lemon color. Aromas of guava and white peach, with lemon zest, ruby red grapefruit, and tones of yellow flowers, mint, and celery seed. The palate is punchy and crisp with yellow apples, white peach, and kiwi, backed up by fun elements of chalk dust, celery seed, freshly-cut mint, and some mineral essence. Crisp, balanced, a lot to offer for the price. (88 points)

2023 Line 39 Rosé - USA, California
SRP: $15
Deep pink color. Ripe and vibrant on the nose with red apple peel, raspberry, floral potpourri, and some honeyed green tea. The palate pops with ripe flavors, moderate acidity, showing cranberry sauce, red cherry, and watermelon. There are some fun spicy herbal and rhubarb tones to accent the crushed sweet tarts and honey. Fun and tasty and shows some depth for the price point and wide availability. Made from Zinfandel. (88 points)

The clear, oceanic white wines of California's Cormorant Cellars

Much of the U.S. has been hit with some bitterly cold weather in recent weeks. And Winter will have more for us on the way. Many folks take a break from wine for a while around this time of year, or pull the cork on a warm red wine. But once of my favorite things about the dead of winter, is cooking up a vibrant salad, maybe a lemon-butter fish dish, and a crisp, mineral-driven white wine. I like Winter and spend a lot of time outdoors in the cold, but this helps brighten things up during the shorter months as we look forward to Spring.

One California producer that rocks the white wine category is Cormorant Cellars. Based in Sonoma’s Healdsburg, this producer is relatively new, having kicked off in 2018. Founder Charlie Gilmore, however, has been into winemaking for two decades. With this project, he sources organic grapes from Sonoma, Monterey, and the Santa Cruz Mountains, and makes wines in a unfined, unfiltered, but crystal-clear style. They have an old-school, unassuming appeal, but the depth and flavor are packed in there well. 

Sauvignon Blanc vines in the Montorana Vineyard. Credit: Allison Handbury

When I first tasted their Sauvignon Blanc, it hit differently. Vibrant, natural but focused, complex, delicious – and this coming from someone who doesn’t generally turn to California Sauv Blanc that often. To follow that up, their Chardonnay is bright and crystalline, and they also have a new Grenache Blanc-Marsanne blend that brings out the best of both grapes. 

Charlie grew up spending time on the Monterey coast, where he fell spent time with his dad watching and photographing cormorants – long-necked, fish-eating, colony-nesting birds of the coast. (Can you tell I’m a birdwatcher, too?). I grew up on the opposite coast, and my mother, who taught me to surf, also drew my attention to these oceanic birds. (Did you know they can dive for up to two minutes?) Perhaps it’s a coincidence that the wines in this post have such an oceanic essence and would go great with fish. Perhaps. But if you’re feeling a bit stale about California white wines, Cormorant is seriously worth checking out. 

Oh, and they also produce a new red bend of Merlot, Cab, and Petit Verdot, which I didn’t taste here. 

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted. 

2021 Cormorant Cellars Chardonnay Zabala Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Seco
SRP: $27
Medium yellow color. The aromas pop with lemon and quince, green lemon, along with plenty of white and yellow flowers, and a pleasantly natty vibe, some saline and oyster shells – lovely. The palate sports a zesty and bracing appeal with salty, rocky shoreline appeal. The green apple, kiwi, and orange peel flavors are accented with a crazy mix of dried honey, almond skin, chalk dust, sea salt. It’s intense in a lot of ways, but I think it’s incredibly well done. (92 points)

Credit: Allison Handbury

2021 Cormorant Cellars Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
SRP: $24
Pale lemon color. The nose is a bright and aromatic mix of lemon peels, orange zest, grapefruit, along with slate, crunchy sea salt, white flowers, oyster shell, and hints of almond. The palate is racy and taut with an energetic appeal but some nice textural depth. Crunchy green apples, lemons, orange peel, the fruit is infused with saline, ocean spray, honeysuckle, some mint. Such a focused wine with a mineral kick on the finish. Racy, vibrant, complex, and this should age well, too. A beautiful Dry Creek Sauv Blanc. (92 points)

2021 Cormorant Cellars Preston Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
SRP: $27
Light yellow color. Peachy keen on the nose with a great mix of green melon, peach nectar, papaya, lime zest, along with yellow and white flowers, potpourri, some pineapple candies and honey. The palate sports a rich texture but a classic Grenache Blanc salty-zesty appeal, with flavors of peaches, papaya, kiwi, and oranges. I love the intricacies and detail within the floral and spice tones, and lots of chalk and minerals. Rich but vibrant, pure and racy, this is a wonderful blend of these two varieties (Grenache Blanc with 36% Marsanne). (91 points) 

A cormorant with a fish lunch off the Jersey Shore. 

Merry Edwards continues to excel with new releases

I’ve been visiting, tasting, and writing about Merry Edwards and their wines for many years, and I love revisiting (and being revitalized by) them.

A legend of early Sonoma winemaking, Merry Edwards helped blaze a path for Sonoma Pinot Noir decades ago. Over the years, they’ve never lost their stride, keeping the classics going while experimenting with new blends and vineyards.

Since taking over winemaking four years ago upon Merry’s retirement, winemaker Heidi Von Der Mehden and her team have kept the ship running smoothly since then. I really enjoyed some of the 2021 Pinot Noirs last year, and also had a great time visiting the winery again in the Spring.

So, I was excited to taste another lineup of new releases, including a few more 2021s, another great Olivet Lane Chardonnay, and the new vintage of the iconic Sauvignon Blanc. Across-the-board, the wines are great – which are the at the top of this lineup just depends on your stylistic preferences. And while I wouldn’t describe these wines as inexpensive, the quality you get for your dollar here is very impressive. Also, if you haven’t tried aging some of Merry Edwards’ wines, it is worth it. I’ve had a 10-year-old Sauvignon before, and it was stellar. And years in the cellar coaxes out all sorts of savory nuances and elegant flourishes in the Pinot Noirs.

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2021 Merry Edwards Chardonnay Olivet Lane Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

SRP: $68
Medium yellow color. Aromatically, this sings clearly with bright tones of quince, lemon, and crunchy apricot, and I also get an infusion of saline, chalk dust, white tea, some almond skin – delightful. The palate is racy and focused, balanced with a creamy texture, and bright with fruit (apricot, papaya, drizzled with lime). The fruit is backed up with complex notes of almond, hay, honey, some chalk dusty, with a salty mineral kick that lingers long on the finish. A delightful example of a classic Chardonnay vineyard – worth stashing a few in the cellar for sure, as this will improve wonderfully. Aged nine months on the lees in 47% new French oak. (94 points)

2022 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $50
Light golden color. The nose is peachy keen with cantaloupe, lime, kiwi, and papaya, backed up with spicy white pepper, sliced jalapeno, with some almond skin, honey, and candle wax – a lot to dig into. The palate is plush but taut with a spritely appeal and flavors of papaya, yellow apples, kiwi, lemon slices. There’s a brisk infusion of minerals, chalk dust, and mountain stream, with some white pepper and dandelion and deeper tones of honey, white tea, and hay. Complex, vibrant, racy, this is a perennial winner, and another great vintage. Aged five months on the lees in 18% new French oak. (94 points)

2021 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

SRP: $60
Bright ruby color. The aromas are lively and fresh with strawberries and red currants, along with saucier notes of cranberry relish, and notes of spiced rhubarb pie, white pepper, rose petals. The palate sings with crisp acidity and the tannins show smooth edges, supporting the tangy, juicy fruit (strawberries, wild raspberries, red cherries). There’s a lot of nuance and cool elements and textures, with herbal tea, clay, rhubarb, pepper, a variety of green herbs and anise. Delightful balance and overall vibe, a great introduction to Merry Edwards’ Pinot and a solid value. Aged nine months in 47% new French oak. (93 points)

2021 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Meredith Estate - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $90
Light purple color. A deep but inviting aromatic display of black cherries, strawberry jam, red plums, with rhubarb pie, clove, nuanced cola, warm clay, violet petals. The palate shows a lush texture with suave tannins and fresh acidity, giving the wine a deep but racy feel with flavors of black cherries, plum sauce, and tangy strawberries. The non-fruit complexities abound (rhubarb, spiced tea, violets and roses, white pepper, coffee grounds). Expressive already, bright and elegant right out of the gate, but this also has the stuffing for the cellar. Aged nine months in 55% new French oak. (94 points)

2021 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Richaven - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $80 

Deep ruby color. Beautiful aromas of tangy red and black currants, raspberry jam, fresh strawberries, with an interesting mix of white pepper, eucalyptus, mint, some clove and leather – air brings all sorts of cool nuances. Racy acidity frames this wine well, with structured but smooth tannins, such poise and balance in this wine. Tangy red plums, juicy black cherries, jammy raspberries, with all sorts of floral potpourri, mint, eucalyptus, some menthol, roasted chestnut. Love the complexity of flavors and the balance and focus. Polished already but another one I’d like to taste again in five years. A newer addition to the lineup, this vineyard near the Meredith Estate was planted in 2015. Wow, does it show promise. Aged nine months in 50% new French oak. (94 points)

Sonoma Wines from Knights Bridge

This week, I’m visiting some wines from Sonoma’s Knights Valley.

Here, in the northeast corner of Sonoma, where Napa and Sonoma meet at the base of Mount Saint Helena, the climate is the warm and the soils rocky.

I recently received a group of wines from Knights Bridge from this area. This winery was formed in 2006, and the wines are made by Douglas Daneilak, who has been with Knights Bridge since the beginning. Their diverse mix of Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays offers an interesting way to analyze what this region has to offer. This was my first time tasting wines from this producer, and I found a fascinating mix of complex white wines (and a few reds) worth seeking out.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2018 Knights Bridge Sauvignon Blanc KB Estate - USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
SRP: $30
Medium yellow color. Bright and stony on the nose with apricot, grapefruit, with lemongrass, basil and chalk dust. Plump texture on the palate with crisp acidity, balancing it well. Apricot, green apple, kiwi and orange peel, mixed with honeysuckle, daisies, along with notes of river rocks and minerals. Vibrant, lively, nuanced feel. (88 points)

2019 Knights Bridge Sauvignon Blanc Fairview - USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
SRP: $70
Pale yellow color. Aromas show lemons, apricot and white peach, topped in nettle, honeysuckle, with some cream, whipped butter and sea salt. Creamy texture on the palate, fleshy but vibrant with a bright, crunchy feel, and delicious yellow apple, apricot and lemon fruit. Steel, floral, perfumed and mineral tones contrast nicely with these cinnamon, vanilla and white tea elements. Rich but complex and nuanced. (91 points)

2019 Knights Bridge Sauvignon Blanc Pont de Chevalier - USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
SRP: $40
Medium yellow. Rich and deep on the nose, with a tropical blast of papaya, green melons, topped in honey, whipped cream, white tea and vanilla candle. Full and creamy on the palate with rich texture, but medium acidity keeps it moderately fresh. Papaya, white peach and cantaloupe fruit mix with lemon crème, vanilla and cinnamon, subtle white pepper and white tea tones. A Chardonnay-esque Sauvignon Blanc, but it’s well done. (88 points)

2018 Knights Bridge Chardonnay KB Estate Unoaked - USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
SRP: $30
Light yellow color. Aromas of green apples, lemon, topped in mint, yellow flowers, hay and honeysuckle. Crisp and bright on the palate with green apples, pineapple, lemon and guava. Accents of honeysuckle, daisies and dandelion add a nice touch. Ripe but fresh and steely. Nicely done, seafood-friendly stuff that stays fresh and inviting. (87 points)

2018 Knights Bridge Chardonnay KB Estate - USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
SRP: $40
Deep yellow color. Aromas of yellow apples, lemon bars, topped in salted almonds and pecans, with graham cracker and chalk tones. On the palate, this shows chunks of yellow plums, yellow apples, lemon curd and green melon. Creamy but nuanced, moderate acidity, has a subtly salty and chalky feel to the richer elements of nutshells and whipped honey. Showing some balance and nuance, though. (88 points)

2018 Knights Bridge Chardonnay East Block - USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
SRP: $75
Light gold color. Creamy, warm, inviting aromas of yellow apples, apricot and orange marmalade, with peanut brittle, hay and white flowers. Full and creamy on the palate, but nice acidity keeps it from being heavy. Delicious fruit (creamy yellow apples, orange marmalade) mixes well with graham cracker, almond butter, creamy, waxy tones, topped in some white flowers and notes of sea salt. Lush, creamy, but also very pretty. (89 points)

2018 Knights Bridge Chardonnay West Block - USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
SRP: $85
Light yellow color. Aromas of lemon curd, baked apple, topped in cinnamon crumb and almond cake, with honey, graham cracker, also some sea salt and chalk. Plump and rich and creamy on the palate with moderate acidity. Flavors of lemon bars, yellow apples, mixed with whipped butter, mixed nuts, hay and shaved ginger. Deep, delicious, rich, yet shows nuances and complexity that keep it interesting. (90 points)

2018 Knights Bridge Chardonnay Pont de Chevalier - USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
SRP: $50
Rich yellow color. Bold aromas of graham cracker, almond cake, whipped honey and nougat, with baked apples, yellow plums and orange marmalade. Plush, waxy texture, rich and inviting, with medium-low acidity. Juicy yellow apples, baked pears, lemon bars and orange marmalade, the fruit is mixed with cinnamon crumb cake, vanilla crème, peanut brittle. Subtle chalk and white floral tones. Rich and boastful but it is undeniably delicious and sports solid complexity if you like this style. (89 points)

2016 Knights Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon KB Estate ­­- USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
SRP: $60
Deep purple color. Nose shows smoky earth, dark chocolate, cedar and roasted chestnut over top deep currant and blackberry fruit. Plush texture on the palate, with surprisingly vibrant acidity, on a chewy-textured frame with smooth tannins. Juicy plums, red and black currants, smooth, refined fruit with notes of smoky earth, graphite, anise and dark chocolate adding complexity. Violets and pencil lead on the finish, this is a deep but refreshing Cabernet showing very well at the moment but should show even better in a few years. (90 points)

2016 Knights Bridge Red Blend KB Estate - USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
SRP: $50 

Deep purple color. Aromas of plums, saucy cherries with smoky earth, grilled herbs and vanilla bean. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, some medium acidity with flavors of saucy plums and currants. Notes of tilled soil, black pepper, roasted bell pepper and grilled herbs really jive well with the deep yet silky fruit and feel. Juicy, vibrant and lush, this should open nicely in a few years. Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. (90 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Wine Reviews: California New Releases

This week, I’ve got another roundup of new releases from all over California.

I recently tasted two new releases (an Albarino and a Gamay Noir) from Eighty Four wines. This Shafer side project, based in Carneros and named after the year in which Doug Shafer and winemaker Elias Fernandez began working together, has impressed me in the past, and these two wines continue that trend.

Well-known producer Cliff Lede’s new Sauv Blanc and Cab Sauv have a lot to offer, while Frank Family’s new Carneros Pinot and Chard consistently deliver.

South African-born winemaker Graham Weerts, who now makes his home in Sonoma, produced two solid wines under the Legacy label. And a few exciting wines from Lodi make an appearance in this report as well, including a thrilling, old-vine Carignan.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

Whites

2018 Beckmen Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc - California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
SRP: $20
Pale straw color. Nose shows lemon, grapefruit, along with verbena, lemongrass, musk, sea salt and light perfume. Lovely texture on the palate with vibrant acidity, and integrated creamy and honeyed lemons. Lemon, cantaloupe, green apples, the fruit is mixed with lemongrass, green onion and verbena, but this notes accent, they don’t dominate. Lovely Sauv Blanc for the price. All stainless steel, no maloactic fermentation. (88 points)

2018 Acquiesce Ingenue - California, Central Valley, Lodi
SRP: $32
Light straw color. The nose is super tropical with white peaches, pineapple, papaya, lots of baby’s breath, honeysuckle and sliced cucumber notes as well. Crisp and bright on the palate with a nice mix of papaya, peaches, drizzled in lime. I get strong floral perfume, nettle, wild greed herb notes, too. Fun, fresh, with a crisp, spicy, salad-friendly appeal. 35% Grenache blanc, 35% Clairette Blanche, 20% Bourboulenc, 10% Piquepoul. (87 points)

2018 Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc - California, Napa Valley
SRP: $25
Light yellow color. A burst of aromas: lime, apricot, white peach, with salted almond, honeysuckle, chalk dust. On the palate, this is lively but creamy, with bright acidity supporting deep texture. The fruit (orange, apricot, lemon) is infused with some honeysuckle, sea salt, oyster shell – a really cool combo. The green elements in some Sauv Blancs are dialed back, and the pure, mineral, brightness really shines through, this is a beautiful Napa Sauv Blanc, and really exciting for the price. Fermented in a mix of French oak, stainless steel and concrete eggs, this includes 10% Sémillon, 3% Sauvignon Vert. (91 points)

2018 Eighty Four Wines Albariño - California, Napa, Carneros
SRP: $28
Light yellow color. Lively aromas of yellow flowers, honey, sea salt, with lemon, apricot and white peach. Medium+ bodied, really fresh and inviting with pleasant texture and crisp, lip-smacking acidity. Lemon curd, apricot and white peach fruit mixes nicely with chalk dust, salted almond, hints of mint and basil. Lovely depth yet this is s vibrant and gluggable, a great wine to drink all Spring and Summer. This spends four months on the lees in stainless steel (no oak, no maloactic fermentation). (89 points)

2017 Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay - California, Napa/Sonoma, Carneros
SRP: $38
Rich yellow color. Aromas of lemon curd, apricot jam, baked apple, with nougat, honey, salted almond and fresh biscuits. Juicy and plum on the palate with rich texture and medium acidity. Flavors of glazed pear, apricot, orange marmalade, along with notes of almonds, sea salt, honey butter, biscuits and ginger. Warm yet fresh, bold but nuanced. A fine Carneros Chardonnay, as to be expected from Frank Family. Aged nine months in a third new French oak. (90 points)

2015 Legacy Chardonnay - California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley
SRP: $75
Rich, almost neon color. Nose of buttered popcorn, peanut shells, on top of baked apple, orange marmalade, with ginger, almond cake, sea salt notes. Rich, bold, waxy, honeyed, this is full-throttle in style, but it has freshness underneath, too. Warm and nutty with buttered popcorn, salted almond, peanut brittle, with apricot and yellow apple fruit. Big and luscious but well-made with underlying perfume and floral notes. Fermented and aged 12 months in French oak, 37% new. (89 points) 

Reds

2016 Prie Vineyards Carignane Ancient Vine Spenker Ranch Vineyards - California, Central Valley, Lodi
SRP: $29
Bright ruby color. Gorgeous nose: raspberries, red cherries, strawberries, topped in spiced tea, rhubarb, clay, dusty earth, an elegant, evolving aromatic display. Medium/full-bodied with smooth tannins and vibrant acidity, the balance is lovely. Strawberries, cherries, raspberries, crunchy yet deep fruit with elements of spiced tea, rhubarb, anise, tilled soil, herbs and rose petals. Complex, elegant, wow, this is really impressive stuff. (92 points)

2016 Mettler Family Vineyards Pinotage - California, Central Valley, Lodi
SRP: $25
Bright purple color. Nose shows saucy black cherries, roasted plums, raspberry jam with anise, sweet chai, dark chocolate. On the palate, this is velvety and smooth with fresh acidity and tart but sweet fruit (fig paste, roasted plums, black cherry jam), with anise, earth and cedar notes. This is fun, juicy, spicy stuff, and a rare iteration of California Pinotage that is worth checking out. (87 points)

2017 Eighty Four Wines Gamay Noir - California, Napa Valley, Carneros
SRP: $35
Deep ruby color. Aromas of raspberries, fresh cherries, along with violets, spiced tea, clove, earthy-charcoal notes. Full-bodied (14.9%) with dusty, smooth tannins and refreshing acidity. The fruit is ripe and juicy (raspberries, black cherries), and touched with notes of miner, violets, earth, along with some cola and birch notes. Lots of fun, but the complexity and depth are in here, too. I’m a big supported of American growers working with Gamay, and it seems this producer has found quite the spot for it. The first vintage of this wine, and they’re off to a great start. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. (90 points)

2017 Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir - California, Napa/Sonoma, Carneros
SRP: $38
Deep ruby color. Nose of raspberries, cherries, plums, juicy and rich but spicy and lively, too, along with notes of clove, rose petals, rhubarb, cola and cedar woven in well. Full but fresh on the palate with velvety tannins and moderating acidity. Juicy raspberry, red plum, cherry pie, rich fruit but lively and nuanced. Notes of rhubarb, violets, clove, cola and spiced black tea. Velvety and fruit-forward, but also nicely balanced and integrated. Aged 10 months in one-third new French oak. (90 points)

2016 Rombauer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - California, Napa Valley
SRP: $65
Bright purple color. Aromas of juicy, warm black cherries and cassis, laced with lavender, clove, coffee, earth, touched with cedar and vanilla. Full-bodied with a velvety, slightly chewy mouthfeel, but clean, refreshing acidity keeps it lively. Cassis, black cherries and plums are mixed with a good amount of espresso, mint, lavender, bay leaf scorched earth – really nice mix of flavors. An underlying rocky/mineral element underneath, rich but lively. Drinking well now but could age. Includes 8% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged 16 months in 80% new French oak. (90 points)

2016 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five - California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
SRP: $95
Deep purple color. The fruit is deep but tart on the nose, with waves of black currants and blueberries, laced with spicy pipe tobacco, violets, earth, mint, clove, vanilla. Full and velvety on the palate, serious structure but it’s smooth, and the acidity is quite fresh, keeping it vibrant. Laced with complex tobacco, dusty earth, with clove, earth, lavender, vanilla, cedar. An underlying graphite and mineral element that is so good. Just gorgeous now, but it will be a real treat with age. All Cabernet that spends 20 months in 100% new French oak. (94 points)

2016 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District - California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
SRP: $78
Really bright purple color. Nose boasts black currants, cassis, plums, rich and loaded but mixed with a host of coffee, cocoa, anise, mint chocolate chip, roasted herbs and graphite. Full-bodied and big on the palate (15.2%) but it’s built well with solid grip, enough acidity to hold it all together. Rich and velvety with waves of plums, black cherries and blueberries. The fruit is mixed with complex earth, graphite, iron, anise, along with coffee, mint chocolate chip and cedar. Accessible and delicious now but plenty of time ahead. Includes 11% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, aged 21 months in about half-new French oak. (92 points)

2013 Legacy Winery Legacy Red Wine - California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley
SRP: $100
Medium purple color. Deep, gorgeous nose of cassis and black currants, laced with a complex mix of earthy, smoky savory notes (charcoal, mesquite, grilled meat, black olive, pepper) with notes, also some vanilla, cedar. Structured but velvety on the palate, full but fresh, with moderating acidity. Rich blackberry and tart black currant fruit, topped with generous notes of charcoal, graphite, bay leaf, pepper, earth — the savory and spicy elements in here are lovely. I think age has really done wonders for this wine already, but it has many years of evolution ahead. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, aged 26 months in 62% new French oak. (93 points)


This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Santa Ynez Producer Kita Continues to Excel

The Camp 4 Vineyard in California's Santa Ynez Valley. Credit: Kita Wines.

I’ve been a big fan of Tara Gomez’s Kita wines for a few years now, and the new releases are true to form.

These wines are mostly sourced from the Camp 4 Vineyard, a former Fess Parker vineyard located on the eastern edge of the Santa Ynez Valley. (For a full backgrounder, check out this post from last year.) While the wines boast plenty of fruit and ripeness, there’s a vibrant, fresh, complex aesthetic in all of the wines that I find really attractive, not to mention the price points.

I recently tasted through a range of Kita’s wines (their 2017 whites, and some reds from 2015 and 2016) and was impressed yet again. These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2017 KITÁ Sauvignon Blanc Camp 4 Vineyard - California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
SRP: $24
Pale yellow color. Lovely aromas of lemon, apricot, white peach, with steely, floral tones, baby’s breath and lemon verbena. Medium-bodied, pleasantly plump, creamy but bright. Kiwi, lemon, pineapple, the fruit is mixed with honey, almond, floral perfume, subtle notes of lemon verbena and jalapeno. Fresh but generous and highly delicious. (90 points)

2017 KITÁ T'aya Camp 4 Vineyard - California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
SRP: $22
Lemon color. Nose showed salted almond, brisk salty tones, chalk dust, on top of sour apples, lemon curd and pineapple. Crisp acidity frames the palate, and the wine has a pleasant chalky texture with flavors of white peach, lemons, green apples. Complex notes of honeysuckle, honeycomb, candle wax, a salty, honeyed tea element too. Lively but generous. 50% Marsanne, 44% Roussanne and 6% Grenache Blanc, aged 7 months in 20% new French oak. (91 points)

2017 KITÁ Chardonnay Hilliard Bruce Vineyard - California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
SRP: $30
Pale lemon color. Nose shows limes, apricots, along with dusty seashells, raw almond, hay and chalky/floral notes. So crisp and steely, salty, too, Chablis-esque appeal with bracing acidity and stony minerals. Lemon, limes, green apples, mixed with hay, almond, white flowers, and complex elements of crushed chalk. Lovely, vibrant style, complex and it should do some really cool things in the next few years. Aged 7 months in French oak, 15% new. (92 points)

2017 KITÁ Grenache Rosé Camp 4 Vineyard - California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
SRP: $18
Medium salmon color. Aromas of strawberries, raspberries, nettle, basil, white pepper. Crisp and dry on the palate, this is a fresh and tangy rose with white cherries, red apple and watermelon fruit. Spicy, floral, herbal notes (rhubarb, white pepper, spiced apples). Delicious, vibrant, spicy, crisp rose. (89 points)

2015 KITÁ Pinot Noir Hilliard Bruce Vineyard - California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
SRP: $55
Light ruby color. Aromas of tangy strawberries, sour cherries, red apple, with notes of spicy herbs, white pepper and rhubarb. Medium-bodied with tangy, crisp acidity and dusty tannins. A vibrant, lip-smacking approach, with crunchy red apples, strawberries, raspberries. Dusty, herbal, peppery notes add complexity, with some mushroom as well. Tart throughout, no jammy fruit here, this is elegant and so bright. Love it. Aged 18 months in 20% new French oak. (93 points)

2015 KITÁ Spe'y Camp 4 Vineyard - California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
SRP: $30
Light ruby color. Aromas of spicy herbal tea, clove, white pepper, rose petals, all whipped up together with raspberries and red apple peel. Medium-bodied frame, silky yet structured, so crisp with tart raspberries, red cherries, hints of blackberry. Complex flavors of clove, leather, roses, grilled herbs, with some underlying iron and mineral tones. Vibrant, exciting Grenache-based blend, with 25% Carignan and 23% Syrah, aged 18 months in 25% new French oak. (92 points)

2016 KITÁ Syrah Camp 4 Vineyard - California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
SRP: $30
Vibrant purple color. Aromas of black cherries, saucy plums, lots of smoke, barbecue spice rub, pepper and leather. Crisp acidity on the palate (like all wines from this vineyard it seems), but dusty tannins. Tart black cherries, spicy red currants, loaded with smoky charcoal, leather, roasted red pepper, cracked black pepper. Such a pretty, complex wine, gorgeous now but should age well over the next five years. Aged 18 months in French oak, 30% new. (92 points)

2015 KITÁ Cabernet Sauvignon Camp 4 Vineyard - California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
SRP: $40
Rich purple color. Gorgeous waves of tart cherries, black and red currants, summer plums, mixed with eucalyptus, wild rosemary, tobacco and cedar/coffee notes. Medium-bodied (13.5%) with vibrant acidity and velvety but structured tannins. Crunchy black currants, tangy red cherries, gushing plums, the fruit is matched with notes of smoky tobacco, eucalyptus, roasted bell pepper and espresso. Complex but vibrant, showing well now but can cellar for at least a half-dozen years. Aged in 40% new French oak. (91 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Moraga's Ambitious California Wines (from Bel Air, Los Angeles)

Moraga Estate in Bel Air, Los Angeles. 

So, there’s this wine... it’s sourced from a vineyard within Los Angeles city limits and the estate is owned by Rupert Murdoch. 

If you haven’t tasted Moraga, I can’t blame you for being highly skeptical. 

But, after tasting these wines, it’s clear to me that this is no novelty wine, no vanity endeavor.

The small estate (only six acres combined) is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc, is located within the city limits of Los Angeles, in the Santa Monica Mountains of Bel Air. (As in, “Yo homes, to Bel Air!” – Fresh Prince). This is the sole winery that sources estate grapes from within LA, and it is likely one of the most valuable plots of vineyard land in California. (I’m sure a developer would love to have a crack at this hillside, so I think it’s great vines are still there.)  

Tom Jones, former Northrop Grumman CEO, purchased this property in 1959, and slowly converted the small ranch into a winery and estate vineyards. He first planted vines in 1978, and but 1989 was Moraga’s first vintage. Conservative media titan Rupert Murdoch purchased Moraga in 2013. Murdoch had fallen in love with the property and wine, and, as part of the purchase, he agreed to keep the estate contiguous. He also kept the long-time winemaker, Scott Rich. Today, Moraga produces about 10,000 bottles per year (approximately 70% red, 30% white).

The vines are planted on steep slopes of Santa Monica shale. Yes, this area can get lots of heat, but the Pacific Ocean sits just a few miles away, and cooling influences are pulled inland through a canyon that connects the vineyard to the sea.

The white sells for about $115 and the red sells for about $175, so these wines don’t come cheap. But, if you’re a high roller looking for something unique to add to a California collection, these should fit the mold.

I received these wines as trade samples and tasted them sighted.

2015 Moraga Vineyards White Bel-Air - California, South Coast, Los Angeles County

Rich yellow color. Aromas of honeysuckle, lemon pith, apricot jam, almond and sea salt. Viscous texture on the palate but vibrant acidity which plays well with waxy/honeyed elements and rich fruit (bruised pear, apricot jam, also some lemon meringue). Notes of honeyed tea, almond, nougat, vanilla, some white pepper and spice flavors that say “Hi, I’m Sauv Blanc,” but this is a uniquely rich style of this grape. The oak influences (20% sees new French oak, the rest stainless steel) is obvious but not overwhelming. A bold take on the grape but it’s done very well, and the depth of flavors is very impressive. (90 points)

2013 Moraga Vineyards Bel-Air - California, South Coast, Los Angeles County

Medium purple color. Nose shows tart black currants, gushing black cherries, roasted figs, mixed in with charcoal, violets, espresso, vanilla bean, some bell pepper and tobacco. Full-bodied, structured well but rounded edges on the tannins, and medium acidity offers some surprising but needed freshness. Roasted plums, fig paste, black currant, rich, roasted fruit but delicious for sure. Laced with cocoa powder, tobacco, vanilla, coffee grounds, grilled bell pepper, tobacco. Bold but silky with a smooth presence but this could age nicely (5-8 easily). Opens up nicely, so decant if drinking soon. Aged in 100% new French oak and two years in bottle before release. I’m seriously impressed, this is legit Cabernet-based wine from Los Angeles. (91 points) 

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Wine Reviews: New Releases from California & Washington State

Good morning, everyone. This week, I have a round-up of recent wines from California and Washington State. There are a few Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays from California that represent a good spread on the spectrum of price and style. Napa’s Ehlers Estate impresses with their Bordeaux blends, per usual. And I also received some seriously good value wines from Washington State, which is consistently a good source of wines high in quality and value.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2016 Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc - California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
SRP: $25
Pale straw color. Smells of ruby red grapefruit, guava and lemon with honey, perfume and hints of sliced green peppers. Medium+ bodied with a pleasantly plump texture but vibrant acidity. Chunky pineapple and guava fruit with a drizzle of lime juice, and I get some waxy/honeyed elements, white tea, vanilla, almond. A rich style but stays vibrant and crisp. The French oak barrel-fermented notes are woven in well and don’t dominate the other elements. Includes 5% Semillon. (88 points)

2016 Matanzas Creek Winery Sauvignon Blanc - California, Sonoma County
SRP: $15
Medium yellow color. Lots of ruby red grapefruit on the nose with guava and gooseberry along with sliced jalapeno and cut grass. Fresh and lip-smacking on the palate on a medium-bodied frame with lots of ripe fruit: chunky pineapple mixes with grapefruit and gooseberry. Honeysuckle and oregano add some interesting spice, but it’s balanced quite nicely. Solid for the price. Includes 4% Semillon, fermented in stainless steel with 8% old French oak, made from three different vineyards in Knights, Alexander and Bennett Valley. (87 points)

2016 Matanzas Creek Winery Sauvignon Blanc - California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley
SRP: $20
Light yellow color. On the nose, I get grapefruit with white peaches and lime juice along with white and yellow flowers, some saline and chalk notes. Medium-bodied with zesty acid on the palate and pleasant creaminess, but the wine stays bright. Green pear, white peach, drizzled with lime juice, laced with green tea, lilies, chalk dust and ocean spray. Crisp, vibrant, lip-smackingly good stuff. Includes 7% Semillon, fermented in mostly stainless steel with 15% old French oak. (88 points)

2016 Rombauer Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc - California, Napa ValleySRP: $24
Light yellow color. Bursting with aromas of guava, pineapple, lime, lemongrass, honeysuckle. Plenty of texture on the palate, a plush feel but bright and crisp acidity. Lemon/lime on top of pineapple, guava, banana peel, with notes of lemongrass, nettle and honeycomb. Lots of flavor and fruit but solid complexity and this retains such a sense of freshness and vibrancy. Lovely stuff. 90% stainless steel, 10% old oak. (89 points)

2016 Shooting Star (Jed Steele) Sauvignon Blanc - California, North Coast, Lake County
SRP: $14
Deep straw color. Nose shows lemons, apricot and guava with some white pepper and green onion elements. Medium-bodied with creamy texture and moderate acidity. Tropical approach with pineapple, guava, a squeeze of lime, and hints of white pepper, lemongrass and whipped honey. Fun, crowd-pleasing stuff at a solid price. (86 points)

2015 Shooting Star (Jed Steele) Chardonnay - California, North Coast, Mendocino County
SRP: $14
Pale yellow color. Nose of buttered bread, baked pears and rich yellow apples with some whipped honey and toasted almond. Full-bodied with a bold and creamy texture but some moderate acidity keeps it balanced. Juicy apricot and yellow plum fruit mixes with baked pear, cinnamon apple, and some toasted nuts and whipped honey. Straightforward, tasty stuff. (86 points)

2015 Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch - California, Napa, Carneros
SRP: $52
Rich golden color. A gorgeous nose of lemon crème, apricot jam, baked apples, lime juice, walnut, crumb cake, some floral and salty notes thrown in there as well – wow. Full-bodied, rich and waxy with plenty of creaminess, but the acidity is so clean and refreshing. Tart lime mixes with guava, lemon curd and baked apple, backed up by complex elements of ginger, buttercream, honeyed tea, almond, chalk dust – the complexity is awesome. This wine would be heavy and way too rich, weren’t for the brisk acidity and vibrancy, so the balance is very impressive. Aged 14 months in 75% new French oak, the rest stainless steel. (93 points)

2015 J. Rochioli Chardonnay - California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $49
Light gold color. Aromas of nougat, walnut and honey butter mix well with sea salt and chalk dust, on top of lemon meringue and juicy apricot. Plump and rich texture but this is bright and shows a refreshing personality. Lemon curd, key lime pie, apricot and green apple, the fruit is mixed with complex almond, caramel, ginger, sea salt and sea shell notes. Complex, balanced, an exciting Russian River Chardonnay, aged 9 months in 30% new French oak. (91 points)

2014 Shooting Star (Jed Steele) Cabernet Sauvignon - California, North Coast, Lake County
SRP: $15
Deep ruby color. Bursting with sweet plums, red cherries, even pomegranate, with some cola and bell pepper. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and medium/low acidity. This is a rich but balanced Cabernet with an accessible style and friendly black cherries and summer plums. Notes of vanilla, dark chocolate and eucalyptus add some complexity. In the dice-rolling category of $15 California Cabernets, this is solid stuff. From Dorn Family Vineyards and Shannon Ridge vineyards in Lake County, this is aged 15 months in 20% new oak. (87 points)

2014 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc - California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
SRP: $60
Deep ruby color. Gobs of vibrant red and black cherries on the nose along with a medley of violets, graphite, loamy earth, balsamic glazed mushroom. Medium/full-bodied with structured but velvety tannins and gushing black cherries and dark plums. Waves of fruit with notes of loam, pencil lead, black tea, mushroom and cedar. Rich, complex, but also approachable and downright fun. Delish. All Cab Franc aged in 50% new French oak. (91 points)

2014 Ehlers Estate Merlot St. Helena - California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
SRP: $55
Deep ruby color. Suave and enticing aromas of red and purple flowers, accenting juicy plum and red currant fruit, with notes of red clay, roasted herbs and cigar box. Such fresh acidity on the palate, which frames the wine nicely while velvety tannins give it backbone. Tart red currant and some dark cherry notes, mixed with allspice, tobacco, sage, roses and cedar. A rocky mineral and floral finish. Very pretty but should age nicely for at least 4-6 years. Includes 7% Cabernet Franc, the wine’s aged in 50% new French oak. (92 points)

2014 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon “1886” - California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
SRP: $110
Rich purple color. Aromas of tart black currant and blueberry with lots of graphite, loam, eucalyptus, hint of tomato leaf, and add in some cedar and vanilla notes. Full-bodied but so, so silky with suave but structured tannins and delightfully refreshing acidity. Crushed blackberry, tart blueberry, such pretty fruit with elements of coffee, dark chocolate, pencil shavings, sage and eucalyptus. Long, stony, earthy minerality on the finish. This has a ton of fruit and flavor, but it’s not your extracted, overly heavy, brooding style of Napa Cabernet – this is vibrant, fresh, gorgeous, gravelly St. Helena Cabernet. (94 points)

2013 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley
SRP: $55
Rich purple color. Aromas of tart black cherries and currants, loamy soil, graphite, charcoal, spiced coffee and eucalyptus. Full-bodied with silky but structured tannins and refreshing acidity that keeps the wine bright despite the rich black currant and dark plum fruit. Notes of incense sticks, roasted coffee, black tea mix with toasted nuts, vanilla and cedar elements. Packed with flavor and fruit but shows significant complexity and freshness. Ready to go but should age nicely for 3-5. Includes some Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, this wine is aged we months in a mix of French and American oak. (90 points)


Washington

2016 Long Shadows Wineries Pinot Gris Nine Hats Benches Vineyard - Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $14
Pale yellow color with a slight spritz. Aromas of peach, guava, sea salt, cucumber slices, honeysuckle and dandelion. Medium-bodied with fresh, crisp acidity, this wine has an exciting minerality and vibrancy to it but shows some creamy texture. Flavors of apricot, white peach, salted lime, crisp but generous fruit, with notes of orange blossom, floral perfume and sea salt. Very impressive for the price. (90 points)

2016 Long Shadows Wineries Julia's Dazzle Rosé Benches Vineyard - Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills
SRP: $20
Medium copper color. Aromas of sour cherries, strawberries, nettle, white pepper, some hops and basil notes. Medium-bodied with a fruity/chunky mouthfeel but bright acidity. Plump peach and melon meets red apple and tart strawberry, backed up with honeyed tea, nettle, spicy white pepper and basil notes. Finishes with crispness and a shot of minerality. This is a Pinot Gris rosé sourced from the Benches Vineyard, and it’s a cooperation from Long Shadows founder Allen Shoup and winemaker Gilles Nicault. (88 points)

2013 Shooting Star (Jed Steele) Blaufränkisch Blue Franc - Washington
SRP: $14
Pretty ruby color. Crisp, cool red cherries and red apple peel on the nose with black pepper, tobacco and some bay leaf and earthy elements. Medium-bodied, soft tannins, moderate acidity, this is a pleasant and easy-drinking wine but very tasty with its ripe red cherries, plums and red apple. Notes of clove, pepper, rose hips and tobacco. Juicy and playful but also interesting and complex, especially for the price. All Blaufrankisch from Horse Heaven Hills, Washington. (88 points)

2015 Long Shadows Wineries Nine Hats - Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $20
Light purple color. Aromas of black cherries, a mix of blackberry and raspberry jams, with vanilla, cola and some pepper. Plush texture on the palate with light tannins and medium/low acidity. Bold and fruity with black cherries and blackberries, some roasted figs, and ntoes of cocoa powder, vanilla and slight earth. Simple, fun, early-drinking, crowd-pleasing. 50% Syrah with 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 2% Malbec. (86 points)
This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist. 

Capture Wines - Denis Malbec Project Will Live On

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Capture Wines is a California North Coast project aimed at producing Bordeaux variety wines from high elevation sites in Napa, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino Counties. It was founded by Denis Malbec (what a last name!), who was born and raise at a little shack you may have heard of, Chateau Latour. His father was Latour’s cellar master, and Denis took over in 1994. But he moved to California, founded Capture, and began seeking Napa and Sonoma sites for high-end Bordeaux varietal wines. Unfortunately, just a few weeks after I tasted these wines, Denis tied in a tragic car accident at the age of 46.

The Jackson Family purchased Capture Wines in 2014, and they seem to be sticking to this relatively narrow focus with their range of wines. Graham Weerts now oversees winemaking for Capture, with the help of Sam Teakle, who has worked in South Australia and France.

The label’s two Sauvignon Blancs are blended from Sonoma County and Lake County fruit. They’re not cheap, but they definitely deliver for the price. I found the Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon to be very impressive and worthy of a long sleep in the cellar.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2014 Captûre Wines Sauvignon Blanc Tradition – California, Lake County/Sonoma County
SRP: $30
Bright and zesty aromas, an enticing mix of lemon/lime peel, baby’s breath, honeysuckle along with a kick of spicy green herbs and ginger. Rich texture on the palate, nice and creamy but stays bright with crisp acidity. I like the mix of lime, green apple with richer notes of papaya and white peach. Clean, bright, a hint of creaminess bounces off notes of white flowers, white pepper and ginger. Long finish, clean as a whistle. Mostly Lake County fruit with 35% from Sonoma, mostly fermented in stainless steel with a bit of old oak. (90 points)

2014 Captûre Wines Sauvignon Blanc Les Pionniers – California, Lake County/Sonoma County
SRP: $45
Richer, deeper aromatics than the tradition, I get more tangerine and guava here, but it’s still refreshing with lime, honeysuckle and sea spray. Full-bodied, a bit creamier on the palate, a lovely smooth texture but kept in balance with fresh acid. Nectarine, white peach, yellow and green apples, the fruit is pure and complex, and laced with notes of ginger and honeyed green tea. Beautiful stuff here. About even split between Lake County and Sonoma County fruit, and about even split between fermentation in stainless steel and old oak. (91 points)

2012 Captûre Wines Alliance – California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
SRP: $90
Deep purple color. Rich and intoxicating on the nose, with bold black currant, blackberries, the fruit is pure and vibrant and mixed with notes of sage, eucalyptus, cedar and loamy soil. Full-bodied and punchy on the palate with velvety but firm tannins and moderate acid that keeps it moving forward. The black currant, blueberry and blackberry fruit is rich but shows verve. Complex elements of loam, cedar, eucalyptus, sage, mint, dark chocolate shavings. A whole lot going on here. Serious structure for the cellar but it’s vibrant and alive now. Beautiful, opulent stuff. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot and Cab Franc. Aged 18 months in 60% new French oak. (93 points)