“High-toned for the vintage with lots of new wood to the lively fruit. Full body and chewy tannins that are slightly austere. Yet, I think it is going to come around nicely with some bottle age.” — James Suckling
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92 POINTS - Wine Enthusiast
“This wine is savory and supple in well-integrated tannins. Black fruit, graphite and a robust mouthfeel make it powerful and complex, leading to a finish of baking spice that persists.” - Virginie Boone
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91 POINTS - Wine Spectator
“Juicy and ripe, with an unctuous edge to the mix of plum and blackberry fruit, showing notes of cocoa and black licorice in the background. The finish reveals a toasty side, but the fruit keeps pace.” – James Molesworth
“Attractive aromas of blueberries and lavender follow through to a medium body, firm and silky tannins and a slightly chewy finish.” — James Suckling
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92 POINTS - Wine Enthusiast
“Earthy, tannic and young, this wine brims in black fruit, cedar and tobacco that are accented by black olive and crushed rock. With substantial midpalate weight, it takes time to integrate, finding a cohesive conclusion on the long finish.” - Virginie Boone
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91 POINTS - Wine Spectator
“This will win fans for the creamed plum and açaí berry fruit flavors gliding along, with alluring violet and anise notes hanging throughout. Shows a nice graphite underpinning on the finish.” – James Molesworth
These Carignan grapes come from the late, Frank Evangelho's historic vineyard and produce a brilliant wine - distinct, fresh and bold. We love the combination of fruit and mineral that's integrated with the flavors of tropical fruit, pomegranate, and dark plum.
“Refined, with a sleek texture to the raspberry, dark currant and blackberry flavors, this is filled with fresh acidity. Crushed green herbal and spice notes come in on the finish.”—Kim Marcus
“Earthy layers of tobacco, cedar and blackberry highlight this elegant wine. With integrated tannins and oak, it is a seamless red that speaks softly yet with an enduring presence.” - Virginie Boone
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92 POINTS - James Suckling
“Solid density of fruit for this vintage with blueberry and blackberry aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Flavorful finish. Linear line of tannins and fruit through this. Very fine.” — James Suckling
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90 POINTS - Wine Spectator
“Fresh and focused, with a pretty beam of cassis and raspberry coulis notes, flecked with floral and anise accents. Judicious toast on the back end lets this play out nicely.” –James Molesworth
There's much to love about Pinot Noir, and much that we love already about this bottling of lavish wine from the Chuy Ordaz Vines in Russian River Valley.
“Vibrant and distinctive, with snappy cranberry and cherry flavors that are laced with smoky anise and white pepper notes, picking up speed toward refined tannins. Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2026.” - Tim Fish
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91 POINTS - Wine Enthusiast
“This full-bodied Carignan-based wine wraps potent fruit and dark-spice flavors in a firm texture, framed by bright acidity and moderate tannins. Its good structure and concentration will pair well with many rich proteins." - Jim Gordon
The finished wine is bright and flavorful, with a fascinating combination of mineral and earthiness - 50% Carignan, 25% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 5% Syrah.
It already displays the classic aroma of Syrah, the exotic combination of freshly crushed black pepper, hints of crème de cassis, and lovely ripe blueberries.
“Sleek and floral, featuring precise cherry and cranberry flavors, with peppery anise accents. Snappy tannins show on the finish. Drink now through 2026.” —Tim Fish
"A rare combination of bright fruit, low alcohol, and attractive earthiness. . ."
