by Calla Lily
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by Calla Lily
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94 points: The first vines on this 20-acre estate vineyard, located in Pope Valley on the eastern side of Howell Mountain, were planted in 1995; the property also boasts a small plot of pre-phylloxera vines. Winemaker Cary Gott’s aging regimen for this blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot is 22 months in 40% new French oak. Dry, chalky tannins grip the teeth with sage and plum as graphite and deep notes of mocha keep the senses alert. This is an accessible yet exceedingly regal red, with pepper and mountain brush emerging through a veil of black cherry and tilled soil.
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Deep purple color. The nose shows gorgeous currants, black cherries, and cassis, with evocative notes of pepper, sage, menthol, mint, and a host of earthy, gravelly, stony aromas that need time so show their full effect. The palate shows tart, welcome acidity, framing the grippy tannins well, and sporting a dark core of currants, plums, […]
Vibrant purple color. Such an inviting nose, with dark, tangy currants and plums, plenty of savory nuances (tar, tobacco, pepper) with herbal earthy tones (tobacco, eucalyptus, red pepper flakes) – a lot of fun to swirl and sniff. The palate is framed with fresh acidity and grippy tannins that show the more refined edges. The […]
Aromas of leafy herbs, blackcurrants, wet stone and ink. Full-bodied with soft, silky tannins. Juicy and succulent fruit on the palate, with some lovely mineral notes poking through. Steady and nicely balanced. Nice length, too. Drink or hold.
Inviting aromas of wet minerals, black licorice, ground spice, and dried herbs. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Linear and long. Plenty of gravel and wet-stone complexity here. Nicely composed. Drink or hold.
