California
California is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, known for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
One of the most famous vineyards in California is the Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi Winery, which produces a range of high-quality red and white wines, including the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, the Fumé Blanc Reserve, and the Chardonnay Reserve. The estate is committed to sustainable farming practices and is known for its focus on traditional winemaking techniques.
In California, there is also a strong focus on producing organic and biodynamic wines, with vineyards such as the Frog's Leap Winery and the Benziger Family Winery using these practices to produce exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Overall, California is a region known for producing exceptional wines, with famous vineyards such as Harlan Estate, Dominus, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Robert Mondavi and many others. With a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, and a commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, wines from California are gaining increasing recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
California
-
Vinous (96)
John Alban's 2008 Syrah Reva impressed for its power, but came across as very, very young. On this day, the oak was a little more pronounced than in previous tastings, something I also heard from a few attendees. Still, all of the pedigree was there.Inc. VAT£1,257.89 -
Vinous (93)
The 2013 Amuse Bouche is one of the more refined wines I have tasted here. Sweet floral and spice notes open up first, followed by an intricately woven fabric of expressive dark red fleshed fruits. Hints of menthol, tobacco and wild flowers add to the wine's sensual, perfumed personality. Elegant, supple and forward, the 2013 Amuse Bouche can be enjoyed young. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.Inc. VAT£1,341.26 -
Vinous (94)
The 2014 Amuse Bouche, the flagship Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is absolutely delicious. Dark cherry, mocha, spice and leather open up nicely in the glass. Fleshy, supple and radiant, with silky tannins underpinning the fruit, the 2014 has a lot to offer, even in the early going. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so.Inc. VAT£1,341.26 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2018 Proprietary Red Blend Amuse Bouche is composed of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bombastic scents of ripe black plums, boysenberries and Black Forest cake with hints of Morello cherries, star anise, cardamom and red roses, plus a touch of garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate is an exercise in poise, delivering loads of vibrant black fruit and exotic spice flavors with bold freshness plus exquisitely ripe, rounded tannins, finishing with fantastic length and perfume. Absolutely stunning Merlot!Inc. VAT£1,399.24 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota (445 cases) is absolutely magnificent. Opaque black/purple in color, it comes across like a Château Montrose from a great vintage – a very earthy St.-Estèphe-inspired wine with the essence of loamy soil and crushed rocks interwoven with blackberry and cassis fruit. Some oak makes an appearance, but it is pushed to the background by the extravagance and enormous body and extract of this wine of phenomenal intensity. This is a classic Pierre Seillan style of wine meant for 25-40 years of cellaring.Inc. VAT£973.24 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard has a compelling savoriness of char-grilled meat and roasted nuts on the nose with a core of crème de cassis, violets and crushed plums plus a touch of garrigue. Medium-bodied and tautly structured with firm, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, it has a incredible depth of primary fruit and earthy layers, finishing with incredible length and a lovely mineral hint. 432 cases produced.Inc. VAT£757.24 -
James Suckling (97)
This is stunning on the nose with crushed cassis, like creme de cassis, and violets. So beautiful to smell. Medium to full body. Compact, refined tannins flow across the palate to the borders of the wine. All about balance, freshness and purity. One of the best ever. Drink or hold.Inc. VAT£687.64 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard was aged for 12 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has a profound yet slightly broody nose to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal wonderfully fragrant notes of wild blueberries, black cherries, dark chocolate and warm cassis, followed by nuances of garrigue, violets, tar and licorice plus a touch of wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has gorgeous velvety tannins and finely knit freshness supporting generous black and blue fruits, finishing very long and achingly fragrant. Wow. 1,000 cases were made.Inc. VAT£794.44 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard spent 12 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bold scents of fresh blackberries, black currants and mulberries plus suggestions of cedar chest, pencil lead, iron ore and truffles, with emerging wafts of crushed rocks and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers firm, grainy, exquisitely ripe tannins and seamless freshness supporting layer upon layer of black fruits, finishing on a long-lingering fragrant earth note. 800 cases were made.Inc. VAT£763.49 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Medium ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley bursts with pure cranberries, black cherries, charcuterie, loamy earth and blood orange aromas. Medium-bodied, it has pleasing graininess and bursts of freshness to support the full, ripe fruits and flavorful finish. This cuvée offers classic Russian River fruit in a very classy frame.Inc. VAT£403.24 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir UV Lucky Well Vineyard offers a lovely aromatic blend of fruit and earth, with layers of blueberries, orange peel, mushrooms, violet, moss and tobacco. The medium-bodied palate is structured with powdery tannins and energetic acidity that highlight its citrus and earthy nuances on the persistent finish.Inc. VAT£842.44 -
Relish the fine symphony of the Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits Blanches au Bouge 2020, a fine testament to Californian viticulture. Crafted in Santa Barbara County, under the seasoned expertise of pioneer winemaker Jim Clendenen, this white wine is an embodiment of finesse. The grapes, grown in the renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard, are meticulously sorted and feremented in French oak barrels, resulting in a harmonious blend of richness and vibrancy. On the nose, hints of citrus fruit merge seamlessly with toasty oak nuances; on the palate, expect structured minerality balanced with crisp acidity and a lingering finish. This iteration of Chardonnay resonates with the Au Bon Climat mantra - making wines of elegance and balance. Indulge in the Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits Blanches au Bouge 2020, a wine that stands triumphant as a shining beacon of the producer's commitment to excellence.
Inc. VAT£561.89 -
Vinous (92)
The 2019 Pinot Noir Isabelle is bright and effusive, with tons of aromatic presence and fine balance. Sweet red cherry fruit, orange peel, spice and dried herbs open first, followed by a host of perfumed floral notes that lead into the mid-palate and finish. The 2019 is silky and quite elegant, all it really needs is another year or two in bottle to come into its own.Inc. VAT£660.04 -
The Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle 2020 heralds from California’s Santa Barbara County, bearing the distinct stamp of Au Bon Climat, a renowned name synonymous with craftsmanship and elegance. Counterfeit to traditional Burgundian practices, this luxurious gem undergoes meticulous hand-harvesting and sorting exercises, ensuring only the most ripened clusters are vinified. Aged in high-quality French oak barrels for 22 months, the winemaking process rewards us with a silky, velvety texture and remarkable depth.
Blended from different vineyards around California, the Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle 2020 epitomises the region's unique terroir. Succumb to its garnet hue, inviting layers of dark cherries, ripe strawberries, understated spice, and earthy notes. It's a splendid expression of a sophisticated, balanced Pinot Noir with exceptional longevity. This wine encapsulates the skill and passion of Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat's master winemaker, whose commitment to quality and detailed artisanship is met by global acclaim.
Inc. VAT£663.89 -
Vinous (93)
The 2018 Pinot Noir Knox Alexander is a dense, powerful wine. Dark red cherry, plum, tobacco, cedar, kirsch, blood orange, rose petal and healthy dose of new oak all meld together effortlessly. There's real character and depth here. Another year or two in bottle will be hugely beneficial in helping the elements meld together even more fully. Vineyard sites are Bien Nacido and a bit of Le Bon Climat.Inc. VAT£555.64 -
Deftly crafted by celebrated winemaker Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Knox Alexander 2019 teems with elegance and character. Produced in Santa Maria Valley, California, the wine beautifully encapsulates the terroir's microclimate, rich soils, and precise viticulture. Matured, primarily, in François Frères cooperage hailing from Burgundy, this Pinot Noir imparts an extraordinary balance between opulent fruit and earthy depth.
Worthy of its high acclaim, Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Knox Alexander 2019 blossoms with alluring aromas of cherries, raspberries, and hints of subtle spices. On the palate, it delivers harmonious layers of ripe berries, exotic spices, distinctive minerality, and supple tannins that weave into a long, embracing finish — a testament to its 14-month French oak maturation.
This wine is a fitting tribute from the Terrain à Côtes vineyard, reinforcing Jim's mastery of Pinot Noir production revered worldwide. Sophisticated and enticing, this wine illustrates the exquisite legacy of Au Bon Climat.
Inc. VAT£561.89 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96-98)
The 2020s in general are terrific at this estate, and the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is another beauty. Including 5% Petit Verdot, it’s a structured, concentrated, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with plenty of pure cassis and graphite aromatics, building structure, and a deep, layered, incredibly impressive style. It’s going to need bottle age.Inc. VAT£776.69 -
James Suckling (97)
This is one of the most balanced Georges de Latour, offering currants, minerals, fresh herbs and spices. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins. Long and focused. Subtle and complex. Very elegant and refined in the end. Reminds me of classic, old vintages from the 1960s and 1970s. Drink or hold.Inc. VAT£770.86 -
James Suckling (98)
Blackberry, blackcurrant and mint with some sage and crushed-stone undertones. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that are in-check and nicely polished. Smoke, toasted oak and bark at the end, complementing the fresh yet ripe fruit. Drink after 2024.Inc. VAT£622.24 -
James Suckling (100)
Wow! The aromas to this are really exceptional, with a tangerine edge to the blackcurrants, graphite, lead pencil, flowers and wet earth. It changes all the time. So expressive and refined. Full-bodied with great intensity and depth of fruit. The ultra-fine tannins display millions of layers. The texture on the palate is superb and lasts for minutes. This is the new 1974 George de Latour, which was a legend. Real Napa Valley red here. Drinkable now, to understand it, but truly great in five to six years and onwards. Benchmark.Inc. VAT£762.04 -
Wine Advocate (97)
One of the great efforts of recent years, and not surprisingly so, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, a blend of 81% from Howell Mountain, 11% from St. Helena and the rest Calistoga and Mount Veeder. It is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 84% new French oak. At 15.2% natural alcohol, this is a big boy, but also classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with crème de cassis, graphite, licorice, and a touch of spicy oak. Winemaker Laurie Hook, who has since departed as winemaker, really hit a home run with this beauty. The wine could benefit from 7-10 years cellaring and probably last 30 to 40. When all is said and done, this is an instant classic, the wine full-bodied with oodles of crème de cassis, pen ink, graphite and baking spices. It is multi-dimensional, layered, and one of the all-time great Beringer Private Reserves – and there have been many.Inc. VAT£1,268.26 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)
The first release from this site, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard boasts a saturated purple color as well as a heavenly bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, ground herbs, and gravelly minerality. It's one of those powerful yet ethereal, weightless wines that carries full-bodied richness, seamless tannins, and just a heavenly finish.Inc. VAT£2,671.49 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sage Ridge Vineyard has a classic gamey black and blue fruit character as well as notes of black olive, leafy herbs, and dark chocolate. It's rich, powerful, and full-bodied, with remarkable purity and a great finish.Inc. VAT£1,465.49 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
While this cuvée is one of the least expensive in the lineup, it’s often one of my favorites. The 2018 Ontogeny is no exception and should be snatched up by readers. A classic 2018 nose of ripe, pure blue fruits, cassis, violets, and smoked earth gives way to a full-bodied, dense, concentrated Cabernet with beautiful tannins and length. It’s going to evolve for 20 years or more.Inc. VAT£798.59 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
A blend put together by Bevan from the single vineyards, the Ontogeny cuvée is year-in, year-out one of the greatest values in Cabernet Sauvignon. His 2019 Ontogeny is no exception, revealing a dense purple hue as well as rock star notes of crème de cassis, violets, tobacco leaf, and chocolate. It’s a big, classic Bevan wine and has remarkable purity, silky, polished tannins, and not a hard edge to be found. Don’t miss it!Inc. VAT£730.93 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)
The same 60/40 split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, brought up in new oak, the 2018 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine is another incredibly pure, complex, yet powerful 2018. Rocking levels of crème de cassis, spring flowers, chocolate, and graphite give way to a full-bodied, pure, and seamless wine that has incredible potential.Inc. VAT£1,222.92 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 Proprietary Red Wine Sugarloaf Mountain is laced with the essence of ripe red cherry, plum, sage, wild flowers and savory herbs are all beautifully delineated. Voluptuous and racy to the core, the 2015 is a classic Russell Bevan wine built on layers of flavor and textural intensity.Inc. VAT£2,300.69 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97-100)
Checking in as a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the 2019 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard is one of the top wines in 2019 (at least at this stage). Offering an incredible nose of black raspberries, cassis, wildflowers, violets, and wood smoke, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, ultra-fine, seamless texture, great tannins, and a great, great finish. The purity is just about off the charts.Inc. VAT£1,517.09 -
Wine Advocate (97-99+)
A barrel sample, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard is deep garnet-purple colored and skips out of the glass with bright, cheery blackberries, crushed blackcurrants and plum preserves scents with hints of menthol, bay leaves and candied violets. Full-bodied, the palate is bombastic and juicy with plush tannins and lively acid, finishing long.Inc. VAT£1,517.09 -
Vinous (97)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is one of the most complex wines in the entire range. Red fruit, iron, mint, rose petal, spice and blood orange give the 2018 a real feeling of exotic beauty. Each taste reveals a new facet. Time in the glass brings out the wine's striking aromatic presence and overall intensity.Inc. VAT£1,691.09
-
Vinous (96)
John Alban's 2008 Syrah Reva impressed for its power, but came across as very, very young. On this day, the oak was a little more pronounced than in previous tastings, something I also heard from a few attendees. Still, all of the pedigree was there.In Bond£1,029.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2013 Amuse Bouche is one of the more refined wines I have tasted here. Sweet floral and spice notes open up first, followed by an intricately woven fabric of expressive dark red fleshed fruits. Hints of menthol, tobacco and wild flowers add to the wine's sensual, perfumed personality. Elegant, supple and forward, the 2013 Amuse Bouche can be enjoyed young. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.In Bond£1,099.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2014 Amuse Bouche, the flagship Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is absolutely delicious. Dark cherry, mocha, spice and leather open up nicely in the glass. Fleshy, supple and radiant, with silky tannins underpinning the fruit, the 2014 has a lot to offer, even in the early going. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so.In Bond£1,099.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2018 Proprietary Red Blend Amuse Bouche is composed of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bombastic scents of ripe black plums, boysenberries and Black Forest cake with hints of Morello cherries, star anise, cardamom and red roses, plus a touch of garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate is an exercise in poise, delivering loads of vibrant black fruit and exotic spice flavors with bold freshness plus exquisitely ripe, rounded tannins, finishing with fantastic length and perfume. Absolutely stunning Merlot!In Bond£1,150.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota (445 cases) is absolutely magnificent. Opaque black/purple in color, it comes across like a Château Montrose from a great vintage – a very earthy St.-Estèphe-inspired wine with the essence of loamy soil and crushed rocks interwoven with blackberry and cassis fruit. Some oak makes an appearance, but it is pushed to the background by the extravagance and enormous body and extract of this wine of phenomenal intensity. This is a classic Pierre Seillan style of wine meant for 25-40 years of cellaring.In Bond£795.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard has a compelling savoriness of char-grilled meat and roasted nuts on the nose with a core of crème de cassis, violets and crushed plums plus a touch of garrigue. Medium-bodied and tautly structured with firm, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, it has a incredible depth of primary fruit and earthy layers, finishing with incredible length and a lovely mineral hint. 432 cases produced.In Bond£615.00 -
James Suckling (97)
This is stunning on the nose with crushed cassis, like creme de cassis, and violets. So beautiful to smell. Medium to full body. Compact, refined tannins flow across the palate to the borders of the wine. All about balance, freshness and purity. One of the best ever. Drink or hold.In Bond£557.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard was aged for 12 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has a profound yet slightly broody nose to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal wonderfully fragrant notes of wild blueberries, black cherries, dark chocolate and warm cassis, followed by nuances of garrigue, violets, tar and licorice plus a touch of wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has gorgeous velvety tannins and finely knit freshness supporting generous black and blue fruits, finishing very long and achingly fragrant. Wow. 1,000 cases were made.In Bond£646.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard spent 12 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bold scents of fresh blackberries, black currants and mulberries plus suggestions of cedar chest, pencil lead, iron ore and truffles, with emerging wafts of crushed rocks and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers firm, grainy, exquisitely ripe tannins and seamless freshness supporting layer upon layer of black fruits, finishing on a long-lingering fragrant earth note. 800 cases were made.In Bond£617.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Medium ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley bursts with pure cranberries, black cherries, charcuterie, loamy earth and blood orange aromas. Medium-bodied, it has pleasing graininess and bursts of freshness to support the full, ripe fruits and flavorful finish. This cuvée offers classic Russian River fruit in a very classy frame.In Bond£320.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir UV Lucky Well Vineyard offers a lovely aromatic blend of fruit and earth, with layers of blueberries, orange peel, mushrooms, violet, moss and tobacco. The medium-bodied palate is structured with powdery tannins and energetic acidity that highlight its citrus and earthy nuances on the persistent finish.In Bond£686.00 -
Relish the fine symphony of the Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits Blanches au Bouge 2020, a fine testament to Californian viticulture. Crafted in Santa Barbara County, under the seasoned expertise of pioneer winemaker Jim Clendenen, this white wine is an embodiment of finesse. The grapes, grown in the renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard, are meticulously sorted and feremented in French oak barrels, resulting in a harmonious blend of richness and vibrancy. On the nose, hints of citrus fruit merge seamlessly with toasty oak nuances; on the palate, expect structured minerality balanced with crisp acidity and a lingering finish. This iteration of Chardonnay resonates with the Au Bon Climat mantra - making wines of elegance and balance. Indulge in the Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits Blanches au Bouge 2020, a wine that stands triumphant as a shining beacon of the producer's commitment to excellence.
In Bond£449.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2019 Pinot Noir Isabelle is bright and effusive, with tons of aromatic presence and fine balance. Sweet red cherry fruit, orange peel, spice and dried herbs open first, followed by a host of perfumed floral notes that lead into the mid-palate and finish. The 2019 is silky and quite elegant, all it really needs is another year or two in bottle to come into its own.In Bond£534.00 -
The Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle 2020 heralds from California’s Santa Barbara County, bearing the distinct stamp of Au Bon Climat, a renowned name synonymous with craftsmanship and elegance. Counterfeit to traditional Burgundian practices, this luxurious gem undergoes meticulous hand-harvesting and sorting exercises, ensuring only the most ripened clusters are vinified. Aged in high-quality French oak barrels for 22 months, the winemaking process rewards us with a silky, velvety texture and remarkable depth.
Blended from different vineyards around California, the Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Isabelle 2020 epitomises the region's unique terroir. Succumb to its garnet hue, inviting layers of dark cherries, ripe strawberries, understated spice, and earthy notes. It's a splendid expression of a sophisticated, balanced Pinot Noir with exceptional longevity. This wine encapsulates the skill and passion of Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat's master winemaker, whose commitment to quality and detailed artisanship is met by global acclaim.
In Bond£534.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2018 Pinot Noir Knox Alexander is a dense, powerful wine. Dark red cherry, plum, tobacco, cedar, kirsch, blood orange, rose petal and healthy dose of new oak all meld together effortlessly. There's real character and depth here. Another year or two in bottle will be hugely beneficial in helping the elements meld together even more fully. Vineyard sites are Bien Nacido and a bit of Le Bon Climat.In Bond£447.00 -
Deftly crafted by celebrated winemaker Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Knox Alexander 2019 teems with elegance and character. Produced in Santa Maria Valley, California, the wine beautifully encapsulates the terroir's microclimate, rich soils, and precise viticulture. Matured, primarily, in François Frères cooperage hailing from Burgundy, this Pinot Noir imparts an extraordinary balance between opulent fruit and earthy depth.
Worthy of its high acclaim, Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Knox Alexander 2019 blossoms with alluring aromas of cherries, raspberries, and hints of subtle spices. On the palate, it delivers harmonious layers of ripe berries, exotic spices, distinctive minerality, and supple tannins that weave into a long, embracing finish — a testament to its 14-month French oak maturation.
This wine is a fitting tribute from the Terrain à Côtes vineyard, reinforcing Jim's mastery of Pinot Noir production revered worldwide. Sophisticated and enticing, this wine illustrates the exquisite legacy of Au Bon Climat.
In Bond£449.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96-98)
The 2020s in general are terrific at this estate, and the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is another beauty. Including 5% Petit Verdot, it’s a structured, concentrated, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with plenty of pure cassis and graphite aromatics, building structure, and a deep, layered, incredibly impressive style. It’s going to need bottle age.In Bond£628.00 -
James Suckling (97)
This is one of the most balanced Georges de Latour, offering currants, minerals, fresh herbs and spices. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins. Long and focused. Subtle and complex. Very elegant and refined in the end. Reminds me of classic, old vintages from the 1960s and 1970s. Drink or hold.In Bond£622.50 -
James Suckling (98)
Blackberry, blackcurrant and mint with some sage and crushed-stone undertones. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that are in-check and nicely polished. Smoke, toasted oak and bark at the end, complementing the fresh yet ripe fruit. Drink after 2024.In Bond£502.50 -
James Suckling (100)
Wow! The aromas to this are really exceptional, with a tangerine edge to the blackcurrants, graphite, lead pencil, flowers and wet earth. It changes all the time. So expressive and refined. Full-bodied with great intensity and depth of fruit. The ultra-fine tannins display millions of layers. The texture on the palate is superb and lasts for minutes. This is the new 1974 George de Latour, which was a legend. Real Napa Valley red here. Drinkable now, to understand it, but truly great in five to six years and onwards. Benchmark.In Bond£619.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
One of the great efforts of recent years, and not surprisingly so, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, a blend of 81% from Howell Mountain, 11% from St. Helena and the rest Calistoga and Mount Veeder. It is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 84% new French oak. At 15.2% natural alcohol, this is a big boy, but also classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with crème de cassis, graphite, licorice, and a touch of spicy oak. Winemaker Laurie Hook, who has since departed as winemaker, really hit a home run with this beauty. The wine could benefit from 7-10 years cellaring and probably last 30 to 40. When all is said and done, this is an instant classic, the wine full-bodied with oodles of crème de cassis, pen ink, graphite and baking spices. It is multi-dimensional, layered, and one of the all-time great Beringer Private Reserves – and there have been many.In Bond£1,037.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)
The first release from this site, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard boasts a saturated purple color as well as a heavenly bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, ground herbs, and gravelly minerality. It's one of those powerful yet ethereal, weightless wines that carries full-bodied richness, seamless tannins, and just a heavenly finish.In Bond£2,207.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sage Ridge Vineyard has a classic gamey black and blue fruit character as well as notes of black olive, leafy herbs, and dark chocolate. It's rich, powerful, and full-bodied, with remarkable purity and a great finish.In Bond£1,202.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
While this cuvée is one of the least expensive in the lineup, it’s often one of my favorites. The 2018 Ontogeny is no exception and should be snatched up by readers. A classic 2018 nose of ripe, pure blue fruits, cassis, violets, and smoked earth gives way to a full-bodied, dense, concentrated Cabernet with beautiful tannins and length. It’s going to evolve for 20 years or more.In Bond£646.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
A blend put together by Bevan from the single vineyards, the Ontogeny cuvée is year-in, year-out one of the greatest values in Cabernet Sauvignon. His 2019 Ontogeny is no exception, revealing a dense purple hue as well as rock star notes of crème de cassis, violets, tobacco leaf, and chocolate. It’s a big, classic Bevan wine and has remarkable purity, silky, polished tannins, and not a hard edge to be found. Don’t miss it!In Bond£590.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)
The same 60/40 split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, brought up in new oak, the 2018 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine is another incredibly pure, complex, yet powerful 2018. Rocking levels of crème de cassis, spring flowers, chocolate, and graphite give way to a full-bodied, pure, and seamless wine that has incredible potential.In Bond£999.99 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 Proprietary Red Wine Sugarloaf Mountain is laced with the essence of ripe red cherry, plum, sage, wild flowers and savory herbs are all beautifully delineated. Voluptuous and racy to the core, the 2015 is a classic Russell Bevan wine built on layers of flavor and textural intensity.In Bond£1,898.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97-100)
Checking in as a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the 2019 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard is one of the top wines in 2019 (at least at this stage). Offering an incredible nose of black raspberries, cassis, wildflowers, violets, and wood smoke, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, ultra-fine, seamless texture, great tannins, and a great, great finish. The purity is just about off the charts.In Bond£1,245.00 -
Wine Advocate (97-99+)
A barrel sample, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard is deep garnet-purple colored and skips out of the glass with bright, cheery blackberries, crushed blackcurrants and plum preserves scents with hints of menthol, bay leaves and candied violets. Full-bodied, the palate is bombastic and juicy with plush tannins and lively acid, finishing long.In Bond£1,245.00 -
Vinous (97)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is one of the most complex wines in the entire range. Red fruit, iron, mint, rose petal, spice and blood orange give the 2018 a real feeling of exotic beauty. Each taste reveals a new facet. Time in the glass brings out the wine's striking aromatic presence and overall intensity.In Bond£1,390.00
