The gardenias are almost visible as their perfume blooms from the glass. Melon and just-squeezed orange are as expressive on the palate, morphing into a more floral orange blossom midway. Vanilla custard lends a creamy tone, while salinity and acidity work in tandem for a fresh finish. Spectacular.
In this savory and ripe wine, definitive Old-World acidity appears in stride with bright cherry as California sun shines on its plummy character. Cinnamon and rose petal are detectable on the opulent finish.
Green grass and pink grapefruit are shiny and vibrant, while a zing of green apple is amplified by the wine’s fine acid structure. Lemon sorbet, thyme, lime zest, and pineapple add to its midpalate texture and persistent perfume.
The wine beckons with soulful dark chocolate, blueberry and plum with a layer of freshly grated nutmeg. Aged for 22 months in 60% New French Oak barrels, it has an intoxicating aroma that could only be described as lush. Blanketing the tongue with sumptuous tannins, it is teeming with juicy overripe raspberry, tobacco leaf, and piquant herbs.
An intriguing quality of mulled spices emerges alongside suggestions of boysenberry, cigar smoke, cranberry and compost. The round structure and savory grip integrate seamlessly accompanied by the essence of cured meat. There is an engaging slow build with a final flurry of lingering cooking spices, rosemary and pine clusters.
Robust notes of cherry tobacco, red tea, and sweet soil. Balanced acidity, oak, and a supple mouthfeel are proof of its grace and prowess.
Mocha-coated boysenberry, new leather, and licorice add layers of flavors, while suede tannins offer a plush mouthfeel. Cedar and cinnamon guide the long finish.
Black raspberry jam explodes on the palate, with creamy vanilla cedar, rose petals, and red tea. Fleshy, its layers of dark chocolate, cinnamon cookie and mocha latte add to its weight and reined-in power. Aged for 18 months in 85% new French oak, it demonstrates the bold elegance of Oakville: what a plush beauty.