A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Cabernet Franc, brings the Pauillac district to mind. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, it demonstrated PAU-er and charm with dark chocolate plum and lavender, encased in suede-lined tannins. Toasted croissant, and a juicy surge of black raspberry develop on mid-palate to finish.
Prominently showcasing 40% Merlot (with 35% Malbec, 20% Cab Sauvignon, and 5% Cab Franc), this ode to Grand Cru wines of Pomerol is a fine Right Bank tribute. Spiced mulberry and sandalwood interplay, with vibrant raspberry and a chalky mineral component. Aromas of peppermint eek through on the palate, lit up by cinnamon, violets, and rose petals. Gorgeous.
The composition of 69% Cabernet Franc, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Malbec is a nod to Bordeaux’s Right Bank Grand Cru wines of St. Émilion. Aged 18 months in 225-liter French oak barrels, we taste ripe red and black fruit, combined with licorice, violets, and espresso. Dusty, mineral-based tannins glide across the palate as juicy black cherry leaves a remarkable finish.
Black cherry-vanilla and purple plum settle into a creaminess that bathes the mouth. Streamlined, with velvet tannins, this balanced red surpasses expectations at this price point. The spiced black currant finish is delectable.
Comforting baking spices tantalize the senses. Butter and apple pie and acacia flowers prevail on the palate. The wine coats the mouth and has incredible staying power. Apple skins and a creamy mid-palate scale to a pleasing final flourish.
This is a contemplative wine with luscious, dark red fruit that echoes throughout. A velvety texture complements rich all-spice and clove. It crescendos with a gripping and savory flourish of flavors, including cocoa powder, a touch of smoke and crunchy red fruit.
Well-structured and food-friendly, this threads the needle between the brambly berries and tobacco so typical of good Cab Franc. Cigar humidor, blackberries, Amarena cherries, licorice, and sappy, woodsy spice come together to lend it all depth.
Showcasing the fresh, more herb- and flower-tinged side of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, this 2022 is full of vigor, with plenty of cranberries and red raspberries framed by fine-grained yet sappy tannins that follow through to a savory blood orange and bergamot finish.