{"title":"Oct: CULT Cabernet Tasting","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"scarecrow-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-california-2019","title":"Scarecrow, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVault Wine: This wine is stored in our vault.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough the 2016 winter rains came late, they were almost double the volume of the previous year, resulting in robust vine growth through the spring. The vintage will be remembered for several severe heat waves: one in July which lasted for over a week, and then 3 distinct heat events in September. In July, overhead sprinklers were used at the JJ Cohn Estate to cool the vines and avoid damage. Most challenging was the extremely low relative humidity in September (\u0026lt;10%). Being so close to harvest, it was impossible to avoid some fruit dehydration, but with vigilance and care, the vines and fruit came through beautifully. Harvest began on September 16th and was completed on October 3rd. Yields were slightly below normal, given the challenges of the vintage, but the quality of fruit harvested was excellent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvested completely by hand at night, September 16 through October 3, 2016, this wine is entirely grown on the J.J. Cohn Estate in Rutherford, Napa Valley. The fruit was destemmed, optically sorted, and fermented in small batches. After approximately 24 days on skins, the wine was gently pressed and transferred to French Oak barrels, of which roughly 80% were new. The wine was kept in these barrels for fifteen months, then assessed for quality before the final Scarecrow blend was created in Summer 2017. It was returned to rest in oak for an additional 6 months and was bottled in late July 2018 without fining or filtration. A total of 2,000 cases were produced.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRutherford, Napa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe aromas in the glass immediately suggest purple-black notes of currant, blackberry and boysenberry, with toasty vanilla and spice playing supporting roles. Bright, fresh and somewhat restrained at entry, the mid-palate offers a blend of fruit, spice, toasty oak and cedar notes. While the finish offers plenty of structure to age beautifully, the plush tannins offer the warmth and texture of cashmere.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMade from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2019 Scarecrow hits the ground running with bold expressions of crème de cassis, wild blueberries and chocolate-covered cherries plus hints of dried herbs, tilled soil and crushed rocks with a fragrant undercurrent of Indian spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with layer upon layer of tightly packed mineral-sparked black fruit flavors, framed by super plush tannins and absolutely seamless freshness, finishing long, long, long. This expression of the venerable J.J. Cohn vineyard—including vines planted in 1945 by John Daniel and dry farmed—is pure magic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePure perfection from Napa Valley, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is, as always, all Cabernet Sauvignon from an incredible site in Rutherford that spent 21 months in 70% new French oak. Incredible aromatics of crème de cassis, darker currants, smoke, tobacco, and assorted floral notes all define the bulk of the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, with a multi-dimensional, layered texture, ultra-fine tannins, and perfect balance. This is such a magical site, and this wine consistently checks in with the greatest wines of the world. It already offers pleasure yet should have 30 years of overall longevity. Hats off to winemaker Celia Welch and the team at Scarecrow. Best after 2022.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Producer\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe scarecrow story begins in a patch of earth with a fabled past. The J.J. Cohn Estate, where Scarecrow grapes are born, borders what was once the legendary vineyard of Inglenook winemaker Gustave Niebaum, whose plantings blanketed more than 1,000 acres of the Napa Valley at the close of the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Daniel Jr. took the helm at Inglenook in 1939, determined to restore the label to pre-Prohibition standing and produce world-class Bordeaux-style wines. In 1945, Daniel convinced his neighbor, J.J. Cohn, to plant eighty acres of Cabernet vines on the 180-acre parcel Cohn had purchased a few years prior. The property served as a summer retreat for Cohn’s wife and their family. He had no ambitions to become a winemaker himself, but Daniel promised to buy his grapes, so Cohn planted vines. The rest, as they say, is history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJ.J. Cohn fruit figured prominently in Inglenook’s superlative Cabernet Sauvignons of the post-war era, and has more recently gone into wines of such renown as Opus One, Niebaum-Coppola, Duckhorn, Insignia and Etude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJ.J. Cohn Estate grapes are highly sought-after in part because Cohn bucked the trend, begun in the mid- 1960s, of replacing vines planted on St. George rootstock with the supposedly superior AxR#I hybrid. Over time, vines grafted onto this new stock proved highly vulnerable to phylloxera. But by then, virtually all of the old St. George vines in Napa had been destroyed. Only the original 1945 J.J. Cohn vines survived. These highly prized “Old Men” continue to produce uncommonly rich fruit—the hallmark of Scarecrow wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the Scarecrow story doesn’t end there. This is more than a tale of enchanted ground and the exceptional wine that flows out of it. The Scarecrow story is a story, too, of an extraordinary family legacy. Joseph Judson Cohn was born in Harlem in 1895 to Russian immigrants. Cohn spent his childhood in dire poverty and never learned to prefer the taste of fresh bread over stale—even after he’d found great success in Hollywood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA move west in the 1920s launched Cohn’s studio career. Highly resourceful and extremely capable, Cohn began as a bookkeeper, distinguished himself early and rose quickly through the ranks to become Chief of Production at MGM. His unofficial credo, “Nothing is impossible,” became the motto of his MGM staff. They knew him as a man who simply refused to take “No” for an answer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Scarecrow","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40099406184490,"sku":"","price":897.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Scarecrow-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Napa-Valley-California-2019.jpg?v=1762528936"},{"product_id":"screaming-eagle-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-california-2019","title":"Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eScreaming Eagle is one of Napa Valley's smallest wineries. The little stone winery is perched on a rocky hillside in the Oakville Appellation overlooking the vineyard planted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 65% new French oak barrels for almost two years. Annual production is approximately 500 cases with most wine sold directly to consumers via a mailing list. The winery's first release was approximately 200 cases of the 1992 vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo understand the wines made by The Hilt, one might need to come visit the hard and harsh conditions under which they are born. The unobstructed, ocean facing east-west valley known as Sta. Rita Hills Valley is a complex AVA. One could divide it into four quadrants: northern-facing, southern-facing, close to the ocean, and further inland from the ocean. With such a frame, The Hilt’s favorite vineyards are in the northern-facing, closest to the ocean, windswept quadrant. These sites are the worst place for a grape grower, but the best ones for a winemaker. Rancho Salsipuedes, where The Hilt wines make their home, provides vineyards planted on land nearly 13 unobstructed miles from the ocean on the west. This unique, large and sprawling property offers a range of altitudes, aspects, soil types, and microclimates, giving winemaker Matt Dees a patchwork of vineyard parcels from which to select grapes and create wines with distinctive styles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eDiverse though it may be, Salsipuedes possesses some aspects that remain consistent: the land has poor soils that force vines to dig deep; there are powerful, whipping winds and a cold maritime climate that allow grapes on the property to ripen slowly and retain acidity despite the warm daytime sun; and the vines on the property are low in vigor, allowing them to produce low yields of concentrated, complex grapes. It is with these three important components – poor soils, whipping winds and a cool maritime climate along with low vigor vines – that Salsipuedes defines itself in the Sta. Rita Hills.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eOakville, Napa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMindlblowing nose with spearmint, cloves and blackberries. Floral, too. Full body with phenomenal detail featuring delicate but intense blackberry, espresso, toasted oak, caramel and dark chocolate. Cedar and sweet tobacco. Finesse all over.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2019 Screaming Eagle is a wine of mind-blowing elegance and finesse that stand apart from the generally more potent style of so many wines in this vintage. Deep, sensual and beautifully layered, the 2019 is simply magnificent from the very first taste. A whole range of red\/purplish fruit, spice, leather, dried herb and blood orange accents give the 2019 its vivid, wonderfully detailed personality. Because of its price, both on release and in the secondary market, Screaming Eagle is the most talked about wine in Napa Valley. It is hype or not? All I can say is that I was very fortunate to drink a number of older vintages during lockdown and all those wines lived up to their reputations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - James \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003eSuckling \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLots of crushed berries, such as raspberries and blackberries, with spearmint and crushed stone, as well as redcurrants. Full-bodied with regal tannins that build on the palate as you taste it and flow over like a gentle waterfall. Such a beautiful, subtle and graceful texture. Best after 2027.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe Grand Vin 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is reminiscent of the 2016, and possibly the 2014, with its beautiful balance, purity, and straight-up class. Offering remarkable purity in its crème de cassis, wildflower, spice, lead pencil, and tobacco-like aromas and flavors, it’s medium to full-bodied, has flawless balance, and building, silky tannins. It’s a thrillingly complete, classic Screaming Eagle that won’t hit maturity for another 7-8 years and I suspect will have 40 to 50 years of overall longevity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ian Blackburn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45044096467249,"sku":"","price":4299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Screaming-Eagle-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Napa-valley-California-2019.jpg?v=1757425247"},{"product_id":"bergman-proprietary-red-wine-napa-valley-california-2021","title":"Bergman, Proprietary Red, Napa Valley, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eONE TO WATCH!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePioneer and adventurer Florentine Kellogg settled on the land in October of 1846. Kellogg was drawn to the site’s lush forests, abundant game, and the rugged sense of community among outdoorsmen. Upon successful completion of the ironwork for the neighboring Bale Grist Mill, Kellogg was awarded a 600-acre parcel where he planted fruit — including a 2-acre vineyard — before selling his property to the prominent Lyman family. The redwood stakes found here mark historic vines harvested in 1891 to Berger and Riesling by Mr. Lyman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter nearly a century of stewardship, the Lymans sold their property to the Heinemann family in 1970. Consistent with the spirit of the Kelloggs and Lymans, Carl Heinemann and his four young children ushered the land into a new era. Over more than a decade, the Heinemann family cleared rocky forest and oak woodland to plant to Pinot Noir and Riesling vines. The grapes were sold to Joseph Phelps, to become one of the earliest single-vineyard-designation wines in Napa Valley in the 1970s. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe newest era for our land began in 2013, when the vineyard was replanted as Bergman by renowned vineyard manager, David Abreu. With exacting attention paid to soil depth and consistency, sun and shade patterns, as well as the slopes, Abreu matched varieties and rootstocks to each distinctive micro-climate to achieve consistent maturity of fruit. The vineyard is certified organic and we follow regenerative farming practices throughout each step of production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eGraeme MacDonald, Nigel Kinsman, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDavid Abreu and Brett Bergman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 6% each of Petit Verdot and Merlot\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOur Proprietary Red Wine is driven by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with touches of Merlot and Petit Verdot. The composition is always distinctive, but aromatic consistency transcends vintage.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, deep blue and spiced black fruits give way to layers of wild herbs and delicate floral aromas. The palate surprises with its vibrancy and firmness of structure. Cool, ripe fruit is layered with savory forest notes that come forward on the finish. Signature flavors include Wild Blueberry, Plum, Cherry, Lavender, Thyme, Rose Petal, Baking Spices, and Dry Forest Floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - The Wine Palate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis 2021 Proprietary Red Wine was made at Mending Wall by Graeme MacDonald, and the élevage and bottling were done in the newly finished estate cellar by Nigel Kinsman. It is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 6% Merlot, aged for 30 months in French oak, 95% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sails out of the glass with fragrant notes of candied violets, lavender oil, and mint tea, leading to a core of wild blueberries and warm cassis with a touch of raspberry coulis. The full-bodied palate shimmers with black and blue fruit layers, framed by wonderfully fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and so, so perfumed. 250 cases made.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood Pairings: Grilled Lamb, Grilled Steak, Roast Beef, Venison\u003cbr\u003eDrinking Window: 2026–2050 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSo luscious, broad and velvety, this saturated wine coats the palate with ripeness and richness on a full body. It’s the debut vintage from a new wine estate. Red and black cherries, raspberries, cocoa, vanilla bean, bay laurel and a touch of black olives. Melts in the mouth, offering such creaminess and depth on powdery, superfine tannins. Drink or hold.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA stylish and polished wine with lifted blackberry and blueberry fruit, accented by graham cracker spice, fragrant new cedar, sage, and spearmint. Full-bodied, it showcases powerful Spring Mountain tannins that are robust and deeply embedded on the palate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe inaugural release, the 2021 Proprietary Red Wine checks in 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 6% each of Petit Verdot and Merlot, all aged 30 months in 95% new French oak. This deep ruby\/plum-hued beauty offers a killer nose of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, new leather, graphite, and chocolate. A rich, full-bodied, concentrated 2021, it has a layered, elegant mouthfeel, perfectly integrated oak, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. It needs 3-5 years of bottle age (if not more) but is a stunningly complete, layered, impressive Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that readers will love. This is a tiny estate and there's not much wine produced, but buy it if you can find it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBottled after approximately 29 months in French oak barrels (95% new), Bergman's inaugural release—although not the first vintage made off this small Spring Mountain vineyard—is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 6% each Merlot and Petit Verdot. The 2021 Red Wine, made with the advice of consultant Nigel Kinsman, is fragrant and floral, combining hints of sage, bay and violet with strong underlying notes of black cherries. Cocoa and vanilla nuances from the oak are also present on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is dense and concentrated yet simultaneously silky and fine, with a lingering, elegant finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51475216105777,"sku":null,"price":285.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Bergman_Proprietary_Red_Wine_Napa_Valley_California_2021_ca781a4c-ab8c-403a-a0ce-cc579e011ca3.jpg?v=1749818979"},{"product_id":"harlan-estate-napa-valley-red-wine-california-2019","title":"Harlan Estate, Napa Valley Red Wine, Oakville, California, 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFounded in 1984, Harlan Estate is a winegrowing estate in the western hills of Oakville, California – in the heart of the Napa Valley. Consisting of 240 acres (97 ha) of natural splendor set above the fabled Oakville benchlands, the property rises in elevation from 225 to 1,225 feet (68 to 374 m) above sea level. Forty acres (17 ha) under vine, planted to cabernet sauvignon (70%), merlot (20%), cabernet franc (8%), and petit verdot (2%). All hillside siting, on both volcanic and sedimentary bedrock; a combination of terraced vineyards and closely spaced vines on spare soils over fractured rock; vertical trellis with shoot positioning, 360º of exposition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWill Harlan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNapa Valley, Oakville, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThese wines possess all the elements of greatness - individuality, power combined with elegance, extraordinary complexity, remarkable aging potential, and compelling richness without ponderousness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe head-spinning 2019 Harlan Estate is truly amazing stuff. Gentle cedar notes lead into layered dark chocolate and cassis, somehow impossibly rich yet savory. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple, this is dense, packed with flavor but seemingly weightless, with a lush, lingering finish that combines intensity with freshness to compel sip after sip. Like all truly great wines, it's full of somehow harmonious contradictions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA wine with an endless finish that is tension-driven, with fine tannins and an energetic acidity. Medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins. Blackcurrant character. Subtle and extremely long. Thought-provoking. Youthful. Great length. This is an abstract wine that sets a new benchmark for Napa Valley reds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Decanter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTasted with winemaker Cory Empting and director of winegrowing Bob Levy at Harlan Estate. Fresh and approachable, with the elegance and structural integrity to last four or five decades, possibly longer. On the nose, beautiful upfront savouriness reveals cassis notes, cigar box and black olive followed by ripe, fresh black and blue fruit. Mesmerizing depth of flavours, with beautiful creamy black and red berries and a deep vein of earthy minerality. Tannins are angular with impressive grip, while acids are firm and refreshing. The finish is offers nuanced black currants, dark chocolate, enticing tobacco and cedar. (JC)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMatching the perfect 2018, the 2019 Harlan Estate is deeper and richer than the Maiden and has an incredibly pure, layered perfume of ripe currants, truffle, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and gravelly earth. This carries to a full-bodied red with building yet fine tannins, incredible purity of fruit, and flawless balance. Reminding me of a First Growth from Bordeaux given its acidity and tannin balance, as well as just overall sense of class, give bottles 7-8 years and enjoy over the following 30+ years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2019 Harlan Estate is supremely elegant. Bright floral accents perk up a core of red\/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, sage and mint all through the 2019. Medium in body and gracious, the 2019 is all energy. It's not so much a wine of a vintage, but rather a wine that reflects the personality of a place and style. Time in the glass brings out the wine's breath and resonance, yet notable freshness and verve remain. This is one of the more delicate, nuanced wines readers will taste from 2019, a year that generally yielded wines of opulence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Points - Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is nicely rendered, with a core of dark currant and blackberry compote flavors, laced with a singed cast iron hint and backed by lively sweet bay leaf, violet and bramble accents. There’s a serious tug of earth through the finish, keeping this very grounded. Well-built, showing a slightly lighter hand on the oak treatment than usual.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ian Blackburn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51854167015729,"sku":null,"price":1799.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Harlan_Estate_Napa_Valley_Red_Wine_Oakville_California_2019.jpg?v=1758301538"},{"product_id":"holocene-the-black-square-cabernet-sauvignon-wallawalla-valley-oregon-2023","title":"The Black Square, Cabernet Sauvignon, The Rocks District, Milton-Freewater, Oregon, 2022 (Holocene - Todd Alexander)","description":"\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e#5 - TOP 100 - Wine Enthusiast \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Rocks District, Milton-Freewater, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Black Square embodies elegance and grace framed by great structure, supple texture, and acidity to ensure longevity. It shows ample fruit with complex savory notes. This is not a heavy wine that is monolithic and dull—there are already plenty of those available. This wine offers a unique expression of Cabernet; it may be the most delicious wine Todd Alexander has ever crafted, venturing into new territory for Rocks District Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Wine Enthusiast - #5 on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAs black as squid ink, The Black Square is balance personified. A concentrated blackberry aroma seems as dark as the wine's name, with equally dark espresso, olive and charred steak notes joining it in the abyss. A dark plum and ripe boysenberry flavor combo is accompanied by traces of salty Mission olives, wet slate and silky smooth tannins. The one bright feature illuminating the way is the wine's amped-up acidity. None so black. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51933928325425,"sku":null,"price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_The_Black_Square_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Willamette_Valley_Oregon_2023.jpg?v=1760444715"},{"product_id":"keplinger-cabernet-sauvignon-oakville-ranch-napa-valley-2023","title":"Keplinger, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Ranch, Napa Valley 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/zoom-into-wine-virtual-wine-tasting\/products\/a-night-with-helen-keplinger\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/As_Seen_on_Zoom_855dfb8f-bb5b-47e9-844c-1d245a0d1872_480x480.png?v=1617237202\" width=\"148\" height=\"149\" style=\"float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2004, I moved to the Priorat region in Spain to start the winery for a group of partners who had purchased a vineyard there. Over the next three years of living there full-time and then traveling back and forth from Napa Valley, I became steeped in the culture, lifestyle, food and wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat wine is only possible from great vineyards – we select vineyards, farm grapes, and make wine by this mantra. At our core, we are wine lovers, and we thoroughly enjoy the process of seeking out exceptional vineyards ideal for a specific varietal, and farming for the highest quality. We sweat the details with pleasure – focusing on small quantities made from small wine lots, respecting and responding to the uniqueness of each site and year. Working hard but with finesse, we believe in gentle winemaking to create wines of balance and complexity that are true to their varietal and speak of their terroir and provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2014, we began working with the gorgeous mountain fruit of Oakville Ranch Vineyard, which is high up on the Vaca range above Dalla Valle, tucked just below the southern edge of Pritchard Hill. Farmed organically with great heart and attention to every leaf and bug by the brilliant Phil Coturri, the soils are comprised of gorgeous Aiken and Hambright series red volcanics and the hills, swails, and aspects mean many little microclimates for layers and complexity. We coax fine texture from the tannin-building rocky soils, which also give a distinct note of minerality that is an unmistakable hallmark of this vineyard. Cool air spills and drains through this geomorphic bowl of vine rows daily, retaining acidity and freshness of flavors in the berries. Phil's canopies are the perfect balance between health and stress, spread open at the top for ideal holy grail dappled light, giving greater nuance to the red fruit notes that are a signature of this sun-bathed ranch. Working with Phil and his dedicated team really feels like a true collaboration to make something special, which is essential when making world-class wines with a soul. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot. The vibrant nose sings with notes of cassis, black cherry, boysenberry, violets, raspberry flower, aromatic herbs, red licorice, pink peppercorn, darjeering tea, iron. The silky entry opens to intense flavors of red and black fruits, black tea, anise, bittersweet chocolate, and terra cotta with exotic Indian spices underpinned by powder fine, textural, mouth-coating tannins through to the long finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/zaMDV0rc62w\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOakville Ranch Vineyard, Napa Valley, California\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vibrant nose sings with notes of cassis, black cherry, boysenberry, violets, raspberry flower, aromatic herbs, red licorice, pink peppercorn, darjeering tea, iron. The silky entry opens to intense flavors of red and black fruits, black tea, anise, bittersweet chocolate, and terra cotta with exotic Indian spices underpinned by powder fine, textural, mouth-coating tannins through to the long finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eUltra-classic Saint-Julien-like notes of cassis, freshly sharpened pencil, spring flowers, truffle, and violets all shine in the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Ranch Vineyard, which comes from three blocks on red volcanic soils on the east side of Oakville and is based on 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. Aged 22 months in French oak with 85% new barrels, it's full-bodied and delivers a concentrated, pure, layered mouthfeel with building tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. I love everything about this wine, and it reminds me of the 2009 Ducru-Beaucaillou, one of the most consistent 100-point wines I have ever had. This will have 50 years of longevity. Drink 2029-2075.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis shows a lovely savory undertone, with aromas of black currants, olive tapenade, cassia bark and dried flowers. The palate is fine, tightly wound and built for a long life ahead. The level of polish and sophistication is excellent. Drink or hold.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54904327274801,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Keplinger_CabernetSauvignon_OakvilleRanch_NapaValley2023_6455b434-8ce7-4ccc-87a1-fc662c052689.jpg?v=1786531814"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/oct-cult-cabernet-tasting.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}