2015 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Proprietary Red

2015 Juslyn Perry’s Blend Spring Mountain Proprietary Red

JUSLYN 

2015 PERRY’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN 

2015 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Proprietary Red
The best wines I taste leave me with an indelible stamp in my mind and an overall feeling that becomes part of the wine’s identity.  The first impression I had when I tasted Juslyn’s 2015 Perry’s Blend was one of shattered expectations, and those were set high, given the high quality of wines that the winery has produced over the last several vintages. They’ve also attracted some incredible talent…  Assisting in their constant pursuit of perfection, consulting winemaker Angelina Mondavi, who’s worked alongside Jayson Woodbridge at Hundred Acre… At the retail price of $95/btl, this is a brilliant bottle of wine and a great representation of Spring Mountain terroir.
 
At 81% Cabernet Sauvignon this vintage of Perry’s Blend is stunningly powerful and oozes sweet mulberries, chocolate covered cherries, pen ink, graphite and hints of savory spices.  This wine conveys all of the noble traits that make Spring Mountain so desired, and immediately out of the bottle it’s absolutely rocking and promises another 12-15 years of enjoyment.  I’m predicting mid 90’s scores aren’t far behind and I wouldn’t wait for the reviews to get yours… 
 
JUSLYN 
2015 PERRY’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $95.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “…Enticing aromas of ripe blueberries, rich blackberries, powerful cassis, black currants and delicate floral notes rise from the glass.  On the palate, terraced layers of wild red and black berries, cocoa powder, black plum and pen ink build over time.  Compact and rich with a focused center palate of densely concentrated fruit intermixed with spring flowers and hints of pencil lead and subtle sweet vanilla.  Powerful on the palate, with firm, slightly dusty tannins, this wine is simply gorgeous now and promises another 12-15 years of enjoyment.”
 
2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel

2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel

GAMBA 

2016 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH

 
2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Russian River Valley Old Vine ZinfandelWhat pairs best with Memorial Day & 4th of July holidays?  For me, the answer is Zinfandel. Although the grape allegedly originated in Croatia, Zinfandel thrives better in California than any place else, period.  For that reason, Zinfandel is purely American.  If I had to choose only one Zinfandel to serve, it would have to be Gamba.  A perennial crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are gaining world-wide acclaim.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers “...Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa.
Fashioned from an organically farmed vineyard planted in 1920, the ancient vines have relied on winter rains as their sole source of irrigation for over 95 years.  Yielding just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit, the 2016 exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel. It’s simply stunning and absolutely rocking…
 
GAMBA 
2016 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes:This 2016 Old Vine Zinfandel from the Gamba Starr Road Ranch offers hints of dried raspberry, blueberry compote, herbs, and candied plum on the nose. Dark and alluring in color, and the palate is bold yet well-integrated, with a velvety texture and weighty, yet graceful structure. Fully ripe, this Zin showcases knockout layers of mouth filling blackberry cobbler, herb and leather on the palate. This sumptuous wine embraces concentration and velvety richness. Robust, it finishes dusted in allspice, and cinnamon toast.
 
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Vineyard Zinfandel 2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  This Zinfandel arose from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party…  All you need is a couple 15-packs of Gamba and you can be that person, every time.  Always a crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are quickly gaining world-wide acclaim.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers, “… Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa.”
2012 Prim Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Prim Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

PRIM 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 HOWELL MOUNTAIN

2012 Prim Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
There’s something magical that happens when a powerful Howell Mountain Cabernet has a few extra years in the bottle…  As good as they can be at release, they really blossom into something even more incredible with a little extra age. The two challenges in enjoying one on a regular basis are the high cost, and patience to wait that long.  With the average cost of 2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet likely well over $100, you get the picture…  The 2012 Prim Howell Mountain Cabernet is a stunningly brilliant example that’s riveting, deeply focused, and underlines all of the qualities that make Howell Mountain wines so wonderous. On CellarTracker a consumer tasted this wine a year ago and wrote, “$80 retail and worth it.”  I couldn’t agree more, and it’s even better now…  Of course I recommend grabbing as much as you can, because this likely won’t last the day.
Crafted by Rudy Von Strasser who’s been making hits since the 1980’s.  He gained experience while interning at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, then at Icons Trefethen and Newton.  Reigning from a vineyard perched at 1,700 feet, Prim’s 2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet has developed into a wine that I just can’t get enough of… 
 
PRIM 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $80/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes:Enticing aromas of crushed blackberries and cassis are complemented by dark chocolate. Black licorice, cocoa powder, and espresso add complexity to this opulent wine. Exceptional concentration and a rich mouth-feel create a powerful impression that finishes with polished tannins enticing minerality, an exceptional vintage from our Howell Mountain vineyards.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 92% | Malbec 6% | Petit Verdot 2% 
2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino

2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino

LIVIO SASSETTI 2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino

2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

 
If you could only drink only one Brunello di Montalcino, what would it be?  Robert Parker wrote “it would have to be Pertimali.”  The only problem is they’re a microscopic Italian producer owning only 7 hectares (about 17 acres), and they’re highly-desired…  Antonio Galloni wrote that Livio Sassetti is “One of Italy’s finest,” and they’ve been making hits since 1982… Their 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is indescribably gorgeous with an intoxicating perfume of wild violets, crushed raspberries, cola and black truffle.  At under fifty per bottle, you may want to skip to the order button…
 
Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons.  With attention to every detail, their Brunello has become a Sommelier favorite, gracing the Grand Award winning wine lists of Emeril Lagasse, Thomas Keller and many others as well…  Because of the minuscule production, there’s simply never enough of this wine to satisfy demand.  I strongly recommend securing your case, before this one runs out… 
 
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl
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From The Wine Enthusiast:Floral and refined, this opens with alluring scents of violet, iris, perfumed berry, earth and a whiff of pressed powder. The savory, elegant palate offers up juicy wild cherry, raspberry, truffle, anise and white pepper framed in a network of silky tannins. It’s already extremely accessible and will offer fine drinking pleasure for the near and mid-term.”  94 Points
Customers who enjoy Livio Sassetti’s 2011 Brunello Pertimali may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2013 Moulin De Tricot Margaux 2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo
MOULIN DE TRICOT
2013 MARGAUX
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
Tasting Notes:With striking aromas of crushed violets, black raspberry, wild rose and plum, Moulin de Tricot’s 2013  Margaux is deep, plush and remarkably elegant. Well-integrated and precise flavors of dark red fruits, spices, floral components and minerals all intermingle effortlessly throughout the looonnnng and highly-pleasurable finish...” 
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Spectator:A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco...”   93 Points

2014 Belle Glos Eulenloch Napa Valley Pinot Noir

BELLE GLOS 

2014 Belle Glos Eulenloch Vineyard Napa Valley Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR 
“EULENLOCH” NAPA VALLEY

 
Joe Wagner’s Belle Glos Pinot Noirs are created in such an extravagant style that they’ve carved out their own category, and in doing so it took the entire Pinot Noir world by storm.  At 36, Joe has accomplished more than most people accomplish in a lifetime.  Becoming involved in the Wagner Family wine business at an early age, taking in valuable lessons from his father, Chuck Wagner, who founded Caymus Vineyards with his father, Charlie Wagner.  In July of 2015 Joe split off the value priced Meomi Pinot Noir label from Belle Glos and sold it to Constellation Brands for an eye-popping $315 million… When we found out about his inaugural release of a Pinot Noir from Napa Valley, we couldn’t wait to taste it.  Incredibility deep and hedonistic, the 2014 Eulenloch has serious depth by Pinot Noir standards and oozes concentrated black fruits, baking spices and liquid floral.
 
Farmed from the Eulenloch Vineyard located in Napa Valley’s prestigious Carneros AVA, this just released 2014 is really showy right now… Always some of the deepest and most intense California Pinot Noirs, Belle Glos never disappoints with their generous style that resonates with Pinot Noir fans who love a richer style.  If you would like to experience their new Eulenloch Napa Valley Pinot, you can order it individually below, or use this  Click to Order button to order a mixed 15-pack which includes (6) Eulenloch, (3) Las Alturas, (3) Clark & Telephone and (3) Dairyman. 
 
BELLE GLOS 
2014 PINOT NOIR
“EULENLOCH” NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl
YOU SAVE 18% 
 
 
Winery Notes:Shimmering scarlet to deep ruby in color, with aromas of blackberry and red cherry highlighted by soft touches of vanilla, nutmeg, toasted coconut and violet blossom. An abundant and layered wine offering flavors of sweet black currant, strawberry, red cherry and vine-fresh blackberry complemented by subtle notes of sugar cookies and honeyed cola nut. The wine is supple and satiny, with bright acidity set off by rich fruit.”

 

2016 Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 Belle Glos Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir
BELLE GLOS
LAS ALTURAS VINEYARD
2016 PINOT NOIR 
SANTA LUCIA
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
BELLE GLOS
DAIRYMAN VINEYARD
2016 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER 
Retails at: $55.00/btl
BELLE GLOS
CLARK & TELEPHONE VINEYARD
2016 PINOT NOIR
SANTA BARBARA CO.
Retails at: $55.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl
 
Winery Notes:Bright crimson red in color. Aromas of black cherry and ripe plums combine with subtle notes of dried herbs and smoke. The palate entry shows flavors of cranberry, fresh raspberry, and ripe cherry, complemented by hints of vanilla and baking spice. A balance of savory, cedar and cocoa powder, and sweet, fig jam and ripe blackberry, round out the mouth-feel… great structure, smooth tannins and a lingering fresh finish.”
2014 Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

LOBO

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 ATLAS PEAK

2014 Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the greatest benefits of having our shop in Yountville is the people that we meet. The connections that we make often result in discovering great wines that are still flying somewhat under the radar.  Lobo is the perfect example.  Proprietor Randy Wulff moved in just behind our shop after he lost his home in the Atlas fire.  We quickly fell in love with his wines for how expressive, profound and hedonistic they were.  Their 2014 Cabernet from Atlas Peak is made in a round, supple yet deeply focused style that comes intermixed with rocky and mineral qualities classic to Atlas Peak. This wine will put a smile on your face, but your hair will be bristling that you didn’t buy a second case.
 
The winery’s flagship bottling of the Atlas Peak Estate Cabernet was carved from Randy’s (former) home vineyard which is perched at 1,350 feet elevation and planted in volcanic, rocky soils.  They use tight spacing to encourage the vines to struggle, which in turn helps to create the incredibly expressive and deep flavors.  Housed for 24 months in oak barrels, this 2014 is brilliant right now, with flavors prowling your taste buds with perfect balance and precision.  Don’t be the lone wolf that misses out on this one…
 
LOBO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 ATLAS PEAK
Retails at:  $80/btl
 
Tasting Notes:Showcasing classic Mountain fruit character, the Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 displays a pristinely focused and firm bounty of red currant, black cherry and red plum, perfectly balanced with the fine grained yet slightly dusty tannins.  Secondary characteristics of cherry cough drop, sweet tobacco leaf, spice box,  fresh sage leaf and sweet vanilla oak dance in perfect step with the concentrated fruit, then followed by a long, velvety finish.  First impressions are always important and looking back at my initial tasting notes, I wrote ‘Wow, this is really killer stuff…’ Drink now through 2030.
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
2014 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir

JOSEPH JEWELL 

2014 PINOT NOIR
HALLBERG VINEYARD

2014 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
It’s rare for me to taste a wine and immediately get the feeling that I may have just come across my next wine-of-the-year.  Joseph Jewell’s 2014 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir gave me that very feeling.  With stunning length, detail and balance, the 2014 washes over your palate with supernatural weight and complexity fit for a king.  In my mind this sets the bar for cool climate California Pinot Noir with a plush, satin core lined in detailed blackberry, cigar box, black tea and touches of spice.  You’ll feel like you’ve just hit the mother lode and you won’t want to let go.  
 
Located in the Russian River Valley and a former apple orchard, fruit from Hallberg produces world-class Pinot Noirs from Gary Farrell and Emeritus.  Planted to clones 777 and Pommard 5, the fruit was dry farmed and produces fruit of royal qualities.  If you’ve enjoyed Trombetta, Black Kite, CRU9 and other Pinots that we’ve introduced, Joseph Jewell’s Hallberg shouldn’t be missed…
 
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2014 PINOT NOIR
HALLBERG VINEYARD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “It’s so exceptionally rare to find a wine that immediately conquers your heart and soul from the very first whiff, then follows through on the palate with all the excitement and intrigue of a first kiss…  Pristine elegance combined with an incredibly delicate balance, weaving in all of the intricate details and building like a romance novel. This wine may not be my first love, but it is the first California Pinot Noir that simply left me speechless and completely satisfied.  Throwing aroma and taste characteristics in would not do it justice, because this wine is a complete sensory experience that a flavor profile cannot quantify…  You just have to experience it, then you’ll know!”  97 Points Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers that enjoy Joseph Jewell’s Hallberg Vineyard Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…

 

2014 Black Kite Kite's Rest Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

From The Wine Enthusiast,Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.” 
 
93 Points, Editor’s Choice
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

From The Wine Enthusiast, “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 
 
93 Points
2015 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

SADDLEBACK2015 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 OAKVILLE

Nils Venge has always been known as a bit of a cowboy in the wine industry, making wine his own special way, and taking risks that have undoubtedly paid off.  You’re about as likely to find him on a tractor in the vineyard, than just about anywhere else.  Early on, he set the bar as the first American winemaker to earn a perfect 100 Point score from Robert Parker with the 1985 Groth Reserve Cab, and three decades later he’s still blazing the trails, producing bold and unapologetically expressive wines. The winery is located behind Opus One and a stones throw from Silver Oak’s Napa property.  At $75/btl this Oakville Cab will make even the most gristled cowboy grin.
 
Crafted in a deep, showy style, offering layer after layer of dense black fruits, exotic chocolates, white flowers and hints of graphite.  Our panel was shocked by how well the 2013 was showing and we bought all we could…  Kept for 24 months in oak barrels this beauty has had nearly 2 1/2 years of bottle development and it’s gorgeous right now.  I highly recommend adding some of this to your cellar.  
 
SADDLEBACK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 OAKVILLE
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
 
Winery Notes:On the nose, a healthy dose of ripe red berries. On the palate, it approaches as a denser, full wine; its bold structure is evident. Robust black currant, anise and coriander are balanced by notes of blood-orange zest and violets. Throughout, a graphite minerality adds to its layered complexity. The flavorful finish leaves lingering notes of vanilla balanced by delicate tannins… Drinking well through 2023.

2013 Leto Cellars St Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

LETO CELLARS

2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY

 
What do Grace Family, Vineyard 29, Revana and Leto Cellars have in common?  For starters, they all make classic, absolutely stunning Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Napa Valley’s prized St. Helena AVA.  There’s one glaringly obvious aspect that they don’t have in common, like being a Cherry Picked Wines Insider List selection.  When tasting this wine there’s absolutely no doubt in your mind, or on your palate that it’s a high quality, $85, absolutely gorgeous single vineyard St Helena Cabernet.  Brad Warner, owner and winemaker has been making wine for over a 1/2 century, and it shows in this classically styled, deep and hauntingly penetrating wine
Emerging from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality… One that Robert Parker alerted readers that it “…may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years,” this stunning Cabernet spent an impressive 22 months in French Oak and reaped the rewards of more than 2 1/2 years of bottle development.  With just 8 barrels produced, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure a case. One taste and you won’t LET(g)O.  
 
LETO CELLARS
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $85.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes:The 2013 Leto is a classically styled Napa Valley Cabernet with aromas of black cherry, red plum, Good & Plenty candy, dried mustard seed and damp earth.  These aromatics beautifully complement a mouth coating palate of red currants, Bing cherry and mixed red and black fruits. The tannins are silky and the flavors expansive. A nice lingering acidity keep the palate lively and perfectly compliments the spice box notes and toasted vanilla finish.”
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier 
2013 Piancornello Brunello Di Montelcino

2013 Piancornello Brunello Di Montalcino

PIANCORNELLO

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
2013 MONTALCINO, ITALY 

2013 Piancornello Brunello Di Montelcino
In a category filled with some of the best wines in the world, Piancornello’s 96 Point 2013 Brunello stands out as One of the Brunellos of the vintage (Vinous).  The 2013 vintage in Montalcino clearly has a lot to offer.  The Wine Enthusiast wrote: “If you want to experience the energy, elegance and age-worthy structure that first drew wine lovers and collectors to Brunello di Montalcino decades ago, then 2013 is your vintage.” Jancis Robinson wrote: “the wines of Montalcino are expected to be exceptional.”  I’ve enjoyed Piancornello’s Brunello for years and the 2013 stands out as their best ever… 
Sweeping across the palate with stunning detail, Picancornello’s 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a textbook example of this classic varietal.  Painting a tapestry of deeply mineral laced red fruits, crushed chamomile, dried rose petals and wild lavender, the 2013 is redeemingly structured, balanced and determined.  I highly recommend securing a case of this classic 96 Point Brunello. 
 
PIANCORNELLO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
2013 MONTALCINO, ITALY 
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
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From Vinous: “Deep red-ruby. Highly perfumed, mineral aromas of raspberry, red cherry, violet and iron. Wonderfully sappy but youthfully imploded in the mouth, this remarkably precise and well-delineated Brunello offers an extremely refined set of flinty red and black fruit herbal flavors. Finishes with a firm edge of tannins and very good floral and spicy lift. An outstanding, very pure and deep wine that really needs about a decade of patience. One of the Brunellos of the vintage.” 96 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Piancornello’s Brunello di Montalcino, may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2012 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino 2013 Parusso Barolo Bussia
LA RASINA
2012 BRUNELLO DIMONTALCINO
Your Price: $45/btl
 
From James Suckling, “A wonderfully precise and clear red with cherry, plum and floral character. Hints of lemons. Full body and firm and velvety tannins. Long and tannic. Yet this still shows polish. Better in 2020.”  96 Points
PARUSSO
2013 BAROLO BUSSIA
PIEDMONT, ITALY 
Retails at:  $95.00/btl
Your Price: $74.99/btl
From James Suckling, “This is one of the greatest wines I have ever had from here. So much ripe cherry, raspberry and floral character. Medium body, super-refined tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So much going on here…”  97 Points