Ratings & Reviews

92 points, Gold Medal

"Violet color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate covered mixed berries, roast plum, coffee bean and leather, and nutmeg and cinnamon with a velvety, tangy, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, appealing, medium-long finish imparting notes of black cherry, cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla and cocoa, and chocolate covered pomegranate with well-integrated, medium tannins and light oak flavor. Rich bake shop spices on the nose that carry over to the palate with concentrated fruit undertones and chocolate essence."
- Beverage Testing Institute, February 2023

91 points, Gold Medal

- Winemaker Challenge, 2023

90 points

"Medium garnet color; pomegranate and blackberry aroma, medium depth, appealing; medium bodied, firm on the palate; dry, medium acidity, very good balance; black fruit flavors, medium intensity; medium finish."
- Wilfred Wong, March 2023

90 points, Gold Medal

- San Diego Wine Competition, 2023

91 points, Gold Medal

- Winemaker Challenge, 2023

91 points

"Deep garnet color; black fruit aroma, hints of black licorice, medium depth; medium bodied, weighted on the palate, layered; dry, medium acidity, very good balance; black fruit and licorice flavors, some oak; medium finish."
- Wilfred Wong, March 2023

90 points, Gold Medal

"Violet color. Aromas and flavors of cranberry cocktail, blueberry fruit leather, plum with red and black currant, and chocolate covered cherry with a round, lively, dry medium body and a warming, complex, medium-long finish with notes of blueberry, bramble berry turnover, chocolate sauce, black currant, and red apple with medium, drying, woody tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. Rich dried fruits and cocoa bordering on dessert wine aromas but with a dry palate; pair with skirt steak and mole sauce."
- Beverage Testing Institute, February 2023

93 points, Publisher's Picks

"This limited release Cab with its location pedigree offers an elegant mouthfeel. Dried violets, sage, and clove converge with old world acidity and an earthy nature. Black fruit emerges alongside tobacco and anise for a lengthy, satin-lined finish."
- Meridith May, The Tasting Panel, November 2022

93 points

- Wilfred Wong

92 points, Gold Medal

Cellar Selection. Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of green herbs, prickly pear cactus, and bell pepper, black berry, black currant, and worn leather with a satiny, bright, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, involved, long finish... This Napa Cab has an excellent interplay of fruit and herb flavors that should gain weight and complexity with decanting or cellaring.
- Beverage Testing Institute, October 2022

90 points, Gold Medal

Winemaker Challenge, 2023

90 points, Gold Medal

90 points, Gold Medal - 2021 vintage

- Winemaker Challenge, 2024
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93 points, Gold Medal - 2017 vintage

- Critics Challenge, 2019
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94 points, Platinum Medal - 2015 vintage

- San Diego Wine Competition, 2018

94 points, Platinum Medal - 2014 vintage

"A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that over-delivers at this price point. Bright blackberry, cassis, mild dried herbs and lively fall spice ride on a supple structure and finish with muscular grip that will benefit from a pairing with bold red-meat preparations."
- 2017 Sommelier Challenge

90 points, Gold Medal - 2013 vintage

"Garnet black color. Toasty, spicy, attractive aromas and flavors of dark berry pie a la mode, buttery nut brittle, and cocoa with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, intriguing, medium-length spiced apple and pomegranate, creme brulee, and cedar finish with well-integrated, chewy tannins and moderate oak. A crisp, nicely layered red blend with chewy oak."
- Beverage Testing Institute

91 points - 2012 Vintage

Excellent, Highly Recommended
"Stylish oak melds seamlessly with black raspberry and pomegranate on this medium bodied, rectilinear red. The main thrust is of tart red berry, cacao husk, and firm, ripe tannins, with sleek cocoa, vanilla, and spice box notes emerging toward the end."
- Ultimate Wine Challenge, 2016

90 points, Gold Medal - 2021 Vintage

91 points, Gold Medal - 2017 vintage

94 Points - 2015 vintage

- Critics Challenge, 2018
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93 points, Gold Medal - 2014 vintage

"Black violet color. Jammy aromas of blueberry oatmeal bar, chocolate covered cherries, and peony with a round, crisp, fruity full body and a warming, nuanced, long leather, mulberry, salted caramel, and earth finish with earthy, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak. A delicious, intriguing cabernet with shining fruit and earthy accents."
- Beverage Testing Institute, 2017
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91 points, Highly Recommended - 2013 vintage

"This is a wine full of toasty cedar, fresh black currant, and green mint aromatics. The palate combines these flavors with a touch of dark chocolate and ground coffee bean. Soft tannins give the wine a dry finish."
- Ultimate Wine Challenge, 2016

91 points, Gold Medal - 2012 vintage

"Violet black color. Aromas of chocolate wafer bar, powdered berries and limes, and butter roasted nuts with a satiny, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a dried blueberry, roasted citrus, and cocoa accented finish with ultra fine tannins. A delightful sipper or table wine."
- Beverage Testing Institute, 2014

92 points, Gold Medal - 2017 vintage

- Critics Challenge, 2019
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94 points, Platinum Medal - 2015 vintage

- San Diego Wine Competition, 2018

93 points, Gold Medal, Cellar Selection - 2014 vintage

"Ruby color. Oaky, elegant aromas of polished fine furniture, ripe forest berries, curaçao oranges, and white peppercorns with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and an effortless, involved, medium-long cranberry relish, walnut, and blackberry finish with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak. A rich and dry, sophisticated Merlot full of exquisite oak."
- Beverage Testing Institute, 2017

Silver Medal, Highly Recommended - 2013 vintage

"Bright medium garnet black color. Bright, savory, creamy aromas of berry creme brulee, pickled tomatoes, and roasted nuts with a soft, tangy, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, involved, medium-length wet slate and dried sour cherries finish with well integrated tannins and moderate oak. A nicely balanced merlot that has a dry, minerally Old World character."
- Beverage Testing Institute, 2015

90 points, Gold Medal - 2012 vintage

"Ruby color. Aromas and flavors of cherry pie, toffee, and toasted meringue with a silky, tangy, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, charming finish with notes of plum, delicate spice, pepper, and cedar with chewy tannins and light oak. A tasty, juicy, spot-on merlot."
- Beverage Testing Institute, 2014

91 points, Gold Medal - 2021 vintage

- Winemaker Challenge, 2023

90 points - 2021 vintage

- Wilfred Wong, 2023

94 points, Platinum Medal - 2018 vintage

- Critics Challenge, 2019
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94 points, Platinum Medal - 2016 vintage

- Winemaker Challenge, 2018

91 points - 2013 vintage

"Excellent, Highly Recommended. A shy aroma of cherries and subtle spice slowly work out of the glass and into the nose, until a playful medley of flavors approaches confidently. Flavors of ripe strawberry, bright cherries, smashed raspberries, and a whisper of oak mingle before a subtly spicy finish. "
- Ultimate Wine Challenge, 2016

89 points, Strong Recommendation - 2012 vintage

"Deep black cherry color. Offers toned down aromas of carob, cocoa, fig, leaves. Taste profile is charged with animated, dry flavors of black plum, rhubarb, strawberry jam. Moderate tannins last deep into the silky finish."
- Ultimate Wine Challenge, 2014

89 points

- Wilfred Wong

Silver Medal

"Emerald straw color. Aromas and flavors of lemon and lime, white flowers, candied jalapeño slices, and sweet cream...A satiny, bright, dry light-to-medium body and an interesting, medium-length finish displaying nuances of lemon and lime, green apple, and sweet pickled peppers. A refreshing and crowd pleasing white to serve as an aperitif and with crudités."
- Beverage Testing Institute, October 2022

Silver Medal - 2017 vintage

"Aromas and flavors of jasmine, white rose, passion fruit confection, and mango chutney with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a medium-length finish. A perfumed and charming Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc; clean and bright."
- Beverage Testing Institute, 2019
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91 points, Gold Medal - 2016 vintage

- Critics Challenge, 2018

89 points, Silver Medal - 2016 vintage

"Bright straw green color. Aromas and flavors of nectarine, tropical melon, lime, and grapefruit with a soft, dry medium body and a polished, refreshing, easy finish...An elegant Sauvignon Blanc with a surprising burst of tropical fruit."
- Beverage Testing Institute, 2017

90 points, Gold Medal

- Sommelier Challenge, 2023

89 points

- Wilfred Wong

88 points, Silver Medal

Salmon orange color. Aromas and flavors of strawberry watermelon juice with a sprig of mint, yellow flowers, dried apricot, and dried rose petal with an medium-to-full body and a delightful, medium-to-long finish that exhibits shades of blueberry, strawberry, peach fruit salad, spritz of lemon, and apricot and plum. Fresh, fruity, and floral, this will be very versatile with picnic and cookout food pairings.
- Beverage Testing Institute, October 2022

91 points - 2017 vintage

"Excellent, Highly Recommended. A classic nose of baked apple, seared oak, lemon butter, toasted marshmallow, and marzipan. The palate’s bright acid and generous weight combine to reign in the luscious flavors and lead to a finish that shows a slight kiss of barrel tannin."
- Ultimate Wine Challenge, 2019
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88 points, Silver Medal - 2016 vintage

Golden yellow color. Fruity, sweet aromas...a velvety, fruity medium body and a smooth, captivating, easy apple pie with a buttery crust, allspice, lime, and white pepper finish with well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak. A lovely chardonnay whose fruit is complimented by subtle pepperiness.
- Beverage Testing Institute, 2017

93 points - 2014 vintage

- Critics Challenge, 2015

Silver Medal - 2012 vintage

- San Diego Wine Competition, 2014

Silver Medal, Highly Recommended - 2018 vintage

"Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of boysenberry jam, compressed watermelon, and cola with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a warming, medium-length finish that exhibits notes of dark chocolate with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A friendly, fruity Bordeaux that will please a lot of palates."
- Beverage Testing Institute, 2019
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