The Patrina, their "entry level" red, is a blend of vineyard sites raised with the same detail and attentiveness as the sites that make vineyard-designate wines, and then fermented open top with indigenous yeast, gentle pump overs and a few punch downs once soft, it is bottled unfined and unfiltered after ‘just’ 22 months in barrel to preserve its youthful exuberance. This has all the density and concentration folks have come to expect from Alban's reds with black and blue fruits, mineral notes, and flowers.
The intensity of fruit in the nose is so impressive with blackberries, blackcurrants and lavender. Extremely aromatic. Full-bodied, tight and focused with polished and chewy tannins. Blackberries, currants, walnuts and hazelnuts on the palate. Solid core of fruit and ripe tannins. Classically structured. 97% cabernet sauvignon with petit Verdot.
Beautiful aromas of cherry, black currant, cedar cigar box, iris, and coffee. Boysenberry pie, fig, and toffee awaken the palate. Supple tannins give buoyancy, leading to a lingering finish of plum, cherry and toasted almond.
The wine has aromas of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry jam, rose petal, blueberry, chocolate, mocha, vanilla, and brown sugar. In the palate are flavors of raspberry, dried cranberry, black cherry, vanilla bean, and roasted coffee. The tannins are rounded and supple. The wine is very balanced in its approach. The wine is full bodied and has a velvety mouthfeel. Sourcing from these two stellar vineyards on the valley floor allows us to craft a wine with a rich deep palate and great red and black fruit aromas and flavors.
"Moving to the two flagship releases, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec) is another inky hued release from this team and offers a thrilling nose of blueberries, black cherries, iron, cedar pencil, and bouquet garni. These carry to a full-bodied wine with beautiful mid-palate density, a soft, expansive texture, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. Ranking with the top handful of wines in the vintage, it's going to evolve gracefully for 20-25 years or more." -Jeb Dunnock 98/100
"They appear to be immune to some of winedom’s less than intelligent trends and fads that we see from time to time, and the result is a spectacular 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary offering. Its dense purple/black color is followed by copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture and stunning purity as well as length. This full-bodied effort is a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a tribute to this amazing family. Amazing!" -Robert Parker 96/100
2009 Dominus boasts an exceptional perfume of hoisin sauce, licorice, underbrush, forest floor, plums, black currants and jammy cherries intertwined with hints of cedar, baking spices and oak. Full-bodied and voluptuously textured.
Offering plenty of Zinny character, its dry and brisk in mouth-cleansing acidity, with soft tannins and rich flavors of dusty baking spices, blackberry pure, cherry compote, cola, shaved dark chocolate, red licorice and a savory coating of toasted cedar wood. The addition of a small percentage of Petite Sirah (9%) and Syrah (4%) contributes complexity. A great accompaniment to barbecue, game, roasted chicken, stews and lasagna
This unoaked bottling carries all the tropical hallmarks of the style, starting with jasmine and guava flesh on the nose. The palate is generous in both acidity and flavor, showing pineapple, lychee, guava and stone fruit that linger into the grippy finish.
The 2018 Reliquus Cabernet Sauvignon is generous and fleshy, with a delicious nose of red cherry, black plum, leather, roasted red pepper, pot pourri, and dried violets. The palate is round and sublimely textured, with flavors of red fruits, black fig, cocoa powder and baking spices in an effortless balance.
Dense, dark purple colour, aromas of cassis, plum and vanilla, on the palate black cherry, blackcurrant, ripe plum, clove and vanilla, and a hint of marzipan, with wonderful freshness and vibrancy, concentrated and intense with grippy tannins and a very long finish.
Currant, plum and black raspberry aromas are intermingled with a mélange of black pepper, nutmeg, and whisper of dried herbs. The aromas flow through to similar flavors on the palate. Sweet oak pulls it all together, complementing the lush textures.
The 2018 Phoenix is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc and was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, 80% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is redolent of warm plums, black cherries and black raspberries with suggestions of garrigue, menthol, pencil lead and roses. Medium-bodied, velvety and with great freshness, the palate delivers vibrant, crunchy fruit and a good long, mineral-tinged finish.
Pale yellow in color, the 2020 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay exhibits intriguing aromas of paperwhites, Meyer lemon, ripe apple, white peach, brioche, and crème brûlée. The rich palate texture is derived from the use of classic Burgundian techniques, such as primary and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and weekly stirring of the lees during aging.
Exotic aromas of honeysuckle, ripe pear, Meyer lemon, and lychee. Flavors of ripe apple and pear, with just a touch of residual sweetness, classic minerality, and a light, refreshing spritz of natural carbonation on the finish. Fresh, cool, crisp - an easy-drinking Riesling that begs for another glass.
The 2019 J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon displays trademark aromas of blackberry, black currant, and toasted pastry crust. Dense and soft on the palate. Elegant layers of black and red currants leave a bright finish, accented by spice and pastry notes from extended oak aging.
The J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot is medium-dark in color with a ruby hue. Varietal aromas of black plum, black currant, and violet are elevated by a light barrel signature of baking spices and toasted pastry. 14% Malbec in the blend contributes aromatic notes of pomegranate and hibiscus flower while bringing juiciness to the palate.
A rich and robust wine that showcases the best of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. The wine's dark fruit character is elevated by savory varietal notes of Cabernet Sauvignon, making for a complex and satisfying drinking experience. The cocoa powder, caramel, and anise bouquet adds a layer of sophistication to the black cherry fruit signature, making this wine a true standout.
Savory varietal notes of Cabernet Sauvignon are layered with the dark fruit character of Petite Sirah. The bouquet of cocoa powder, caramel, and anise works in harmony with the black cherry fruit signature of this wine. Bright and focused on the palate, with a firm and appetizing finish.
Enticing aromas are reminiscent of white peach, apricot, ripe orange, and cocoa, and complemented by the palate flavors of citrus cream and nectarine. The rich texture and balance on the palate from aging sur lie gives way to flavors of vanilla, crème brûlée, and a touch of oak can be found on the long finish. Has been one of our favourite wines for over 10 years.
Enticing aromas are reminiscent of white peach, apricot, ripe orange, and cocoa, and complemented by the palate flavors of citrus cream and nectarine. The rich texture and balance on the palate from aging sur lie gives way to flavors of vanilla, crème brûlée, and a touch of oak can be found on the long finish. Has been one of our favourite wines for over 10 years.
Kistler Russian River Pinot Noir 2020 is a medium-bodied Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley of California. Now under the direction of winemaker Jason Kesner, Kistler Vineyards is a benchmark for exceptional quality California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In recent vintages Kistler has opted for earlier picking dates and aimed for wines with more fragrance and greater delicacy. This is an excellent entry-level wine that gives a perfect snapshot of the winery style and the beautiful cooler-climate Russian River Valley fruit.
Exhibiting lively aromas of plum and black cherry, accented by tobacco leaf, crushed roses, cedar nuances, this Merlot presents an enchanting old-world character, full-bodied and vigorous, bursting with flavors of macerated berries, coffee, and kirsch. Charming and inviting, it finishes with balance and a satisfying longevity.