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Bright medium ruby. Sexy perfumed lift to the aromas of cassis, black cherry, raspberry, mocha, menthol, licorice and violet. Wonderfully broad and mouthfilling but conveys an impression of weightlessness; all in finesse but there's no shortage of stuffing here. Intense flavors of red and darker fruits, milk chocolate and spices show a clever light hand with the oak (70% new French). Richer and more pliant than the 2015 version, and also better balanced. The very long, slowly mounting finish saturates the palate with a complex perfume of fruits, flowers and spices and noble tannins. Like the Merlot, this is not an obvious powerhouse but a classy, utterly seamless wine with a light touch. V 94 pts, WS 94 pts, JD 93 pts. -
Deep dark in glass with gorgeous aromas of blue fruit, pie crust and a touch of coconut husk. On the palate the rich texture combines well with the full-bodied tannins and ripe plum and cassis flavors. Layers of fruit intertwine with subtle secondary flavors of briar, cigar box and touch of graphite minerality. WS 91 pts, JS 90 pts. -
The 2015 Valadorna (65% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) is a dark and thickly endowed red wine that boasts a rich and lasting grip on the palate. The bouquet offers depth and complexity with dark fruit, leather, cured tobacco and spice. There are also softer notes of chocolate and ground espresso beans. WA 95 pts -
Fresh and pure, with a pretty beam of raspberry and cassis notes, flecked with savory, lavender and rooibos tea accents. A mineral edge adds length and tension on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2032. JS 93 pts. JD 92pts, WS 92pts, RP 90 pts. -
The classic Haro-styled red 2015 Viña Alberdi, sold abroad with the mention of Reserva and in Spain as Crianza, is a good introduction to the house style: balsamic reds with abundant notes of sweet spices and cigar ash, developed aromas of forest floor and a creamy twist making small concessions for a fresher and cleaner profile in the last few years but keeping the classic style. There are notes of ground tobacco and earth, and the palate is seamless and sleek, with polished tannins and a soft mouthfeel. JS 93 pts, RP 91 pts, -
The barrel sample of 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah, 8% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Syrah, aging in 70% new French oak. Deep ruby-black in color, it gives up luscious crème de cassis, blackberry pie, kirsch, mint chocolate, vanilla bean, coffee and grilled meats scents with touches of tobacco and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, it offers intense, expertly managed, ripe fruits and loads of spices with a firm, finely grained frame and great freshness, finishing long and spicy. RP 95 pts -
Aromas of white spring flower, Bartlett pear and citrus waft out of the glass. The racy, refreshing palate is full of energy, offering crisp yellow-apple, lemon drop and orange zest flavors balanced by vibrant acidity. A perlage of small, refined and continuous bubbles provides the silky backdrop. #1 Wine Enthusiast Wine of the Year 2019 WE 94 pts. JS 91 pts. -
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Crossbarn comes from the superstar winemaker Paul Hobbs and is a solid value in 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet. Upfront violets, plums, exotic spices, and orange blossom notes all emerge from this expressive, medium to full-bodied, plush effort that has lots of charm. It has the vintage's slightly firm tannins yet should keep nicely for 7-8 years, if not longer. JS 93 pts, JD 91 pts, RP 90 pts. -
Displaying a deep garnet hue, this wine teems with pronounced aromas of raspberry, black cherry, and cocoa with hints of violet, black spice, and cola. The palate possesses a laser focus of black raspberry jam melded with rose petal and mocha. While the flavors are rich and persistent, this wine is in no way heavy or clumsy. It is well-defined and well-balanced straight through its eloquent finish. WW 90 pts. -
The nose exudes big ripe black cherries, earthy vanilla bean and notes of cedar from the Cabernet Franc. This powerful, luscious and mouth-filling wine has dominating flavors of ripe strawberries, white chocolate and cotton candy. The tannins provide structure yet are soft and supple. The finish is surprisingly racy with hints of black licorice and spicy white pepper. This lively wine should be enjoyed with friends and family during any occasion. Blend: 54% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. JS 90 pts. -
This wine is made with fruit from the 130-hectare Tignanello estate and is Sangiovese with a smaller part Cabernet Sauvignon. The Marchesi Antinori 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori is a dark and sultry expression with a higher degree of evident richness and concentration in this vintage that produced smaller, more compact berries. The tannins stand out tallest here, and there is some bitterness that is more in line with my expectations of the vintage. In fact, among these new Marchesi Antinori releases from 2017, this wine most accurately reflects the hot vintage especially in terms of mouthfeel. There is a pretty menthol note on the close. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, and the wine ages in French and Hungarian oak barrels for one year. JS 94 pts, RP 92 pts. -
This opens beautifully to reveal violets, blueberries, licorice, citrus, oyster shell and orange rind. So velvety and polished, but with real depth and structure. Medium-to full-bodied with delightful fruit and a long finish. Drink in 2021 but already so satisfying. JS 95 pts, D 90 pts.