Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

The 2021 Pinot Noir DuMOL Estate Vineyard soars out of the glass with breathtaking aromatics. Crushed flowers, mint, spice, blood orange and pomegranate are immediately captivating. The 2021 has it all—striking perfume, deep fruit and structure to burn. This is showing so well, even with its brooding personality very much on display. The Estate is a blend of Swan and Calera selections.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

The 2021 Pinot Noir Finn pours a jeweled ruby and is sourced from two vineyards. It offers up nearly ripe, attractive smoky notes of cherry, cracked pepper, and dusty earth. Full-bodied, it’s expansive on the palate, with ripe black raspberry, pine, and anise. This needs time but is well structured and has excellent balance.

Vinous (91)

The 2019 Pinot Noir Highland Divide is a joyous Pinot Noir from DuMOL. Punchy red/purplish fruit, mint, lavender and spice are front and center. This mid-weight, supple Pinot is all charm. The Highland Divide Pinot is a blend taken from three high-density blocks at the DuMOL Estate.

Vinous (95)

The 2019 Pinot Noir Wildrose Estate Vineyard is one of the most elegant wines in this lineup. Silky, aromatic and gracious, the Wildrose is super-expressive right out of the gate. Blood orange, pomegranate, raspberry and sweet floral notes fill out the layers effortlessly. Readers will find a Pinot with notable brightness and energy.

Vinous (96)

The 2016 Syrah Eddie's Patch Greywacke Vineyard is just as impressive as it was from barrel. A rush of aromas and flavors builds in a Syrah endowed with huge depth and complexity. Black pepper, sage, menthol and licorice develop in the glass, adding to the wine's tremendous appeal. This is a stellar showing from DuMol.

Vinous (90-93)

The 2017 Syrah Eddie's Patch possesses notable depth and textural intensity, but it is also raw and not fully put together. I won't be surprised if it is much more expressive in bottle.

Vinous (96)

The 2019 Syrah Eddies Patch shows the more savory, pungent site of Russian River Syrah. Blue/purplish fruit, sage, black pepper, licorice and menthol are front and center. The tannins are a bit prominent at this stage, so a few years in the cellar is probably a good idea.

Vinous (92)

The 2011 Altagracia is round, sexy, supple and beautiful, especially within the context of the year. Sweet red berries, mint, tobacco, savory herbs and anise meld together in a distinctive wine long on personality. With time in the glass the wine fleshes out nicely, as the flavors become darker, richer and layered. Altagracia is a blend of mostly Eisele fruit, plus a bit of Vine Hill Ranch, a well-draining site in Oakville that is among Napa Valley's very best. The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.

Wine Advocate (91)

The 2012 Proprietary Red Altagracia is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot and Malbec. A beautiful nose of red and black cherries, blackcurrants, spice box and earth jumps from the glass of this expressive, fragrant, medium-bodied wine that has velvety tannins, a burgeoning complexity and a savory, lush mouthfeel. This is a strong second wine from this famous vineyard. It can be drunk now or cellared for up to 15 or more years. It’s pure seductiveness.

James Suckling (96)

Lots of violets and dark berries with sweet underbrush and fresh mushrooms, following through to a medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a succulent and refined finish. It remains supple and beautiful. Hard not to drink now. Better after 2023.

James Suckling (97)

Intense aromas of black fruit, cocoa powder, black olives, dried violets, tar and cigar box. Some black peppercorn, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Incredible intensity and purity of fruit with gorgeous breadth and depth. Superb, new-wave Napa red. 80% cabernet sauvignon, the rest mostly cabernet franc with a hit of petit verdot. Try from 2025.

James Suckling (97)

There’s purity and focus to this wine with blackberry, blackcurrant and spices, such as nutmeg. Ink pot, bark and asphalt, too. So long and polished. Chewy tannins. Hints of stone and ash. 88% cabernet sauvignon. 7% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Give it time to soften, but already a beauty. Drink after 2026.

Decanter (100)

One of the most legendary vineyards in the Napa Valley, the Eisele Vineyard was purchased by François Pinault of Château Latour in Pauillac in the Médoc, Bordeaux from the Araujo family which had owned it for 23 years (from 1990 to 2013). The winemaking is now in the hands of 41-year-old winemaker Hélène Mingot. For this vintage, Hélène used only rockiest blocks planted in shallow soils near Simmons Creek.

EnRoute Pinot Noir Pommiers 2019, crafted by the esteemed EnRoute winery, exemplifies superior winemaking tradition. Nestled in the prestigious Russian River Valley appellation of California, the winery employs meticulous artisan techniques to capture the distinctive flavours of various vineyard sites.

Proprietary clones are hand-selected, and meticulously farmed until they reach optimal maturity, then hand-sorted at harvest to ensure pristine quality. Each small lot is fermented separately to preserve the individual character. Vinted utilising traditional Burgundian practices including open top fermenters and native yeast fermentation, this Pinot Noir bursts with complex, layered red fruit tones.

The 2019 vintage marries rich intensity with graceful elegance, offering enticing aromas of ripe black cherry, dried flowers and exotic spice, leading to plush, full-bodied palate, with a harmonious, lingering finish. Trust this meticulously crafted, iconic EnRoute Pinot Noir Pommiers 2019 for an elevated wine experience.

It contains two bottles of each:

2x75cl Perihelios - 100 points | Jeb Dunnuck

2x75cl Polysipine - 98+ points - Jeb Dunnuck

2x75cl Sine Fine - 98 points | Jeb Dunnuck

100 points | Jeb Dunnuck (Perihelios)

One of two perfect wines in the lineup of 2018s, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Perihelios comes from Thomas Rivers Brown and is another seamless, elegant, yet powerful wine that’s just a joy to taste. Cassis, blackberries, tobacco, graphite, licorice, and a kiss of iron define this incredible beauty, and it's full-bodied, with a multi-dimensional, layered mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and an incredible finish. Coming mostly from the Upper Range Vineyard and brought up in new barrels, it has ample up-front appeal given its balance, purity, and texture, yet there's no shortage of tannins, and it's going to evolve gracefully for 20-25 years or more.

98+ points | Jeb Dunnuck (Polysipine)

Made by Philippe Melka and a blend of sites, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Polyspline is all Cabernet Sauvignon that saw a small amount of barrel fermentation and aging in 88% new French oak. It's the most structured, backward, and in need of bottle age of the trio and has a dense purple hue to go with powerful notes of blackcurrants, tobacco, licorice, spicy oak, and graphite. Full-bodied on the palate, it's a powerhouse of a wine that has a great mid-palate, building, substantial tannins, and a great, great finish. It needs to be forgotten for at least 4-5 years but will have decades of longevity.

98 points | Jeb Dunnuck (Sine Fine)

Coming from the talented Benoit Touquette, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sine Fine offers more blue fruits as well as lots of floral, violet, iron, spicy wood, and lead pencil-like aromatics. Another exuberant, incredibly sexy wine under the Fairest Creature label, it’s full-bodied and has just about perfect tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and a gorgeous finish. It's already impossible to resist, yet I've no doubt this will evolve for 20-25 years or more. The purity of fruit as well as the tannins in this wine are exceptional.

Experience an unprecedented tasting odyssey with the Faethm Assortment Case 2020. Exclusively curated by master vintner Nikolas Krankl, these exceptional California wines deliver an exploration of unique varietals that exemplify genuine winemaking passion. The Faethm journey begins with grapes meticulously chosen from distinctive vineyards in state's most renowned wine regions, each handcrafted vintage unfolding an intimate narrative of the terroir's soul.

The 2020 Assortment Case features a compilation of wines that embody balance and finesse, from robust Grenache to elegant Syrah, each bottle undergoes an exacting vinification process, ensuring unparalleled individuality and cellar-worthy longevity. Savour the volley of sophisticated aromatics and intricate palate surprises, masterpieces crafted under the revered Faethm label. These limited-production bottles are a testament to Krankl's dedication to New World viticulture influenced by Old World tradition.

Undertake this multisensory experience - the Faethm Assortment Case 2020 heralds an invitation into the fascinating world of world-class Californian viticulture.

Experience the exquisite Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2019, meticulously crafted in California's premier cool-climate wine region. This meticulously selected grape variety, suited to the foggy mornings and sunny afternoons of Anderson Valley, lends to the wine's notable depth and complexity. Sustainably farmed, hand-picked, and gently pressed, its intricate journey from vineyard to bottle reflects Goldeneye's commitment to quality.

An intriguing dance of black cherry, raspberry, and forest floor notes, this remarkable Pinot Noir exudes a vibrant nose of red fruit and baking spices. The palate, velvety smooth yet refreshingly vibrant, boasts a rich spectrum of dark berries contrasted by balanced acidity and supple tannins. Lovingly nurtured for 16 months in French Oak barrels, Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2019 attains a perfect synergy of fruit, spice, and earthy undertones that will resonate with even the most discerning wine aficionado.

Exquisite in every sense, Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2016 is meticulously crafted by the world-renowned Grgich Hills Estate located in California's fertile Napa Valley. Produced by Mike Grgich, a celebrated winemaker, this luscious chardonnay illustrates his masterful winemaking methods. Juicy and energetic on the mid-palate, Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2016 flows with layers of vibrant yellow apple, pear and white peach.

Introducing sustainable farming and handpicking at the peak of ripeness, every grape is delicately pressed as whole clusters and fermented with wild yeast in French oak barrels. The wine is stirred every month for nine months and aged in barrels for another nine, enriching it with a creamy texture and enhancing its naturally zesty acidity. This top-tier vintage from Grgich Hills Estate truly captures the winery's classic style, skill and the fruitful bounty of Napa Valley - it's a bottle sure to captivate the palate of any discerning sommelier.

Wine Enthusiast (98)

A stupendous wine that epitomizes the Harlan style of grace and power. Shows how the most elaborate vineyard and winery practices can contribute to a near-perfect wine, even in a less heralded vintage. The flavors cascade in endless tiers, black currant, cherry, mocha, Indian pudding, oak and spice, all coming together in a minute-long finish. Magnificent.

Wine Advocate (99+)

The 2012 Harlan Estate is reminiscent of their 2002. Probably a candidate for perfection with another 4-5 years of bottle age, the wine is inky plum/purple to the rim and offers a gorgeous nose of scorched earth, blackberry and cassis, forest floor, and a floral, lavender-like component followed by deep, opulent, majestic flavors that caress the palate with high but sweet tannin. This is relatively evolved, and supple and voluptuous for a young Harlan estate – hence the comparison with their compelling 2002. This wine can be drunk in several years and is likely another candidate for 30-50 years of cellaring.

James Suckling (98)

The pure fruit is incredible with a dark-fruit and blackberry character. Some sous bois but also shows clarity and finesse. Full body and super fine tannins. Tight and so pretty. A classy and fine Harlan. Needs four to five years to open up.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

The 2015 Harlan Estate is a beast of a wine that shows the sexy, opulent style of the vintage married to the classic structure and depth of this estate. A downright smorgasbord of blackcurrants, blackberries, crushed rocks, graphite, smoky camphor, cured meats, and dried tobacco aromas all emerge from the glass, and it shows the deep, concentrated style of the vintage yet still has awesome complexity and nuances. Deep, powerful, and structured, yet opulent and incredibly sexy on the palate, it reminds me of the 2002. A brilliant wine from this estate, it's already approachable given its wealth of fruit yet has the tannic backbone and density to keep for 3-4 decades or more.

The Wine Cellar Insider (100)

Packed and stacked with blackberries, boysenberry's, blueberries, smoke, orange rind, spice and fresh brewed espresso, from the initial sniff you know this is a show-stopper. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and dense, yet, with all this power, you also find balance. Every nook and cranny of your palate is coated with perfectly ripe, opulent berries. Texturally, the velvety waves of fruit hit all the right pleasure buttons again and again. The finish here keeps on going effortlessly moving from note to note. This is what great wine is all about. I seldom drink during tastings. But with this stunner, I drank every drop!

The Wine Independent (100)

The 2020 Harlan Estate is deep purple-black in color. It needs a lot of swirling to bring out notions of chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries, and crème de cassis, followed by hints of tar, violets, redcurrant jelly, and tilled soil, with a waft of black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate is very tightly wound, with lots of mineral, red berry, and black fruit layers intertwined to offer an incredibly complex, yet beautifully poised, experience. The tannins are super fine-grained and the tension gives an incredible finish with a minerally swing. Wow: it's a pure, effortless, truthful wine.

Wine Advocate (93-95)

The 2012 Chardonnay Stone Cote Vineyard (a block within the Durell Vineyard planted on gravelly riverbed soils) is 100% barrel-fermented and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Made from a combination of Old Wente clones and some of the newer Chardonnay clones, it exhibits a terrific wet rock/powdered stone-like minerality along with beautiful aromas of exotic fruits (mangoes and tangerines), great intensity, full body, terrific acidity, and 14.8% alcohol. This beautiful Burgundian-styled Chardonnay should be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years.

Wine Advocate (97+)

The 2016 Hartford Court Chardonnay Jennifer’s Vineyard displays intense notes of grapefruit, green guava, mango and pineapple with nuances of talc, oyster shells and fresh ginger. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant and super intense with tightly wound layers of citrus and tropical fruits and bags of mineral notions on the epically long finish. This needs time but should emerge from the cellar gloriously in 2-3 years! 337 cases produced.

Vinous (93+)

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard is a powerful wine. Beguiling aromatics make a strong opening statement. Pine, rosemary, mint, sweet red cherry, pomegranate and a touch of new oak give the wine its bright, lifted feel. Even with considerable air, and also taking into account the personality of the year, the 2013 Martha's remains closed down and not at all expressive. My impression is that this could have been a materially better wine.