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
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James Suckling (96)
Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.Inc. VAT£271.69 -
James Suckling (96)
Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.Inc. VAT£666.80 -
Decanter (99)
Christian Moueix's Napa Valley project Ulysses often produces a profound Cabernet, and this 2018 release of their Oakville red is about as profound as they come. A very pretty wine for the typically boisterous Ulysses, this vintage exudes a Margaux-like purity and levity, coupled with incredibly fragrant floral notes that turn savoury and sagebrush-driven, all with a keen sense of serenity. There's power and structure, of course, but with very velvety, fine-grained tannins that are perfectly integrated. With harmony and integrity through and through, this is a gorgeous wine that has been going to the cellar for a very long time.Inc. VAT£818.38 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.Inc. VAT£835.18 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.Inc. VAT£682.43 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.Inc. VAT£1,552.06 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.Inc. VAT£778.78 -
(12x75cl) 2014Indulge in the elegant complexity of the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, a benchmark wine embodying the majestic power and nuanced finesse that only Napa Valley's iconic To Kalon Vineyard can provide. Winemaker Cliff Lede, known for his rock-and-roll approach, harnesses key blocks of this historic vineyard, masterfully crafting this vintage with a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties.
On the palate, this wine boasts opulent, full-bore purple fruit, seductively woven with black cherry, dark chocolate and sweet baking spice notes, underpinned by incredibly plush, silky tannins. After meticulous aging in 75% new French oak for a period of 21 months, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 showcases immense aging potential.
Adorned with critical acclaim from revered wine publications, this limited-edition masterpiece encapsulates a monumental expression of Napa Valley terroir, worthy of any discerning collector's cellar.
Inc. VAT£3,517.51 -
(12x75cl) 2015
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is a massive wine. Blackberry jam, espresso, incense, licorice and grilled herbs saturate the palate with tons of textural intensity and sheer power. Huge tannins and heavy toast notes are front and center. Overall, the 2015 has aged very well. I expect it will always be a powerhouse that reflects the Cliff Lede style of the day. I don't think the potent To Kalon tannins will ever fully soften, but this is an undeniably attractive wine.Inc. VAT£3,517.51 -
(12x75cl) 2018
In the prestige vineyards of Napa Valley, resides a quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. This resplendent Californian red wine is a creation of Cliff Lede, a Canadian aficionado knowledgeable in both vine and verse. Cultivated in the historic To Kalon terroir, the wine possesses layers of complex flavours reflecting the gravelly alluvial fan soils of Oakville Appellation.
Narrating a marvellous maturation story, the grapes were hand-harvested and meticulously sorted before a gentle gravity-flow process led them to oak fermentation tanks. After carefully ageing for 18 months in French oak barrels, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 reveals a bouquet of blackberries and crème de cassis, underscored by nuances of cigar box and graphite. Bright acidity on the palate yields an incredibly balanced drink with a sublime finish.
Crown your cellar with this illustrious Californian Cabernet, a testament to Cliff Lede's dedication to supreme viticulture and expert winemaking.
Inc. VAT£2,938.18 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is sensual, powerful and totally alluring. Dark blue fruits, espresso, incense and licorice are beautifully woven together. Poetry is not quite as bombastic as the other two 2015s I tasted for this report, but it's still a pretty heady wine. It has also aged spectacularly well. All the elements are so well balanced.Inc. VAT£1,366.40 -
(6x75cl) 2016Vinous (94)
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is another gorgeous wine from Cliff Lede. Crème de cassis, lavender, cloves, graphite, chocolate, sweet French oak and torrefaction notes infuse this sumptuous, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Lede's Poetry block in Stags Leap. This is another full-throttle wine endowed with a ton of character.Inc. VAT£1,727.83 -
(6x75cl) 2015Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook is another terrific wine from Cliff Lede. It, too, has aged well. The integration of oak is also far better than in the To Kalon, even with the considerable presence of heavily toasted barrels. Inky red fruit, bay leaf, blood orange, white truffle and star anise give the 2015 its wild, exotic personality. The Songbook has aged well and will drink well for another decade plus. The combination of rich, layered fruit and strong savory markers of the Martha's clone makes for a gorgeous, totally beguiling Cabernet.Inc. VAT£1,234.40 -
Wine Advocate (93)
One of the best-run and now superstar wineries in all of Napa is Cliff Lede. Starting with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, a beautiful example of this AVA, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color, floral notes intermixed with crème de cassis , graphite and forest floor. It is full bodied, but with the elegance, finesse and lightness of being, despite its intensity. The wood is pushed to the background, and the wine is beautifully pure and long. Drink it over the next 20 years.Inc. VAT£962.47 -
Unveiling the aristocracy of beverages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 marries the artistry of the craft and refinement of exceptional terroir. This French-inspired gem, produced by the esteemed Paso Robles winery in the Central Coast of California, promises a memorable encounter with its perfectly proportioned palate. It showcases an opulent blend of Syrah, synonymous with the estate's reputation.
Painstakingly aged for 24 months in French oak, the Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 strikes an exquisite balance of dark fruit flavours, leathery tannins, and nuanced floral accents. The temperate Paso Robles climate lends intensity and longevity to the wine, reflected in its rich, dark ruby hue. Taking us back to the visionary expertise of Guillaume Fabre, who mastered the art of vintages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 truly gives life to the intricate harmony of superior vineyard character and winemaking finesse.
Inc. VAT£546.80 -
(6x75cl) 2018Indulge in the luscious grandeur of the Col Solare Proprietary Red 2018, a peerless embodiment of Washington's celebrated Red Mountain AVA anniversary release. A fusion of importer Marchesi Antinori's Tuscan expertise and Chateau Ste. Michelle's local love, this stellar collaboration berefts a harmonious blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Syrah. This sublime wine was made utilising organic farming methods in the terroir-rich soils of Red Mountain Vineyard. Its robust structure, astounding complexity, tantalising fruit density, and espresso-infused finish result from 22 months' maturation in French oak barrels. A vibrant ruby hue mirrors its notes of black fruit, plum and violet, evoking a palate of spiced dark cherry, black tea, and oak, rounded off by supple tannins and delightful acidity. A versatile choice, the Col Solare Proprietary Red 2018 yearns to accompany a juicy steak or aged cheese. Experience the luxurious sophistication of this unique vintage from one of the most acclaimed wine producers.
Inc. VAT£616.76 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2010 Proprietary Red Cariad reveals great intensity along with abundant notes of unsmoked tobacco leaf interwoven with blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, charcoal and coffee bean nuances as well as a Pauillac-like lead pencil shaving character. This blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc is one of the finest wines I tasted over the 12 days I spent tasting in Napa Valley in late August and early September. This remarkable 2010 should drink beautifully for 20 or more years.Inc. VAT£1,580.72 -
Vinous (96)
The 2011 Cariad is a dark, brooding beauty. A whole range of savory and earthy nuances play off a dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2011 is distinguished by its surprising breadth and volume. The strong savory qualities of the year are present in a wine that impresses with its balance and poise. It is a terrific example of the year.Inc. VAT£1,864.93 -
(3x75cl) 2012Wine Advocate (98)
A close second (and who knows how they might perform at different times and with different foods) is the 2012 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine, made from grapes grown by David Abreu at his estate vineyards in Napa. This blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot shows notes of burning embers/charcoal, blackberry fruit, licorice and floral notes, followed by a full-bodied, dense, layered wine. It has great purity, wonderfully sweet, integrated tannin, and a voluptuous mouthfeel and finish of close to 50+ seconds. This is a stunner that can be drunk now or cellared for another 25-30 years.Inc. VAT£1,559.28 -
(3x75cl) 2013Vinous (98)
The 2013 Cariad is fabulous. Pliant, expressive and nuanced in the glass. Here, the tannins are suave and supple, which makes the wine unusually accessible today. There is plenty of delineation in the dark, mineral-laced flavors, but the 2013 impresses for most of its superb textural depth. Cariad is made mostly from fruit sourced from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch vineyard in St. Helena.Inc. VAT£1,383.92 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2014 Cariad is intensely aromatic in its first impression. Dried herbs, menthol, licorice, spice, tobacco and incense all grace this vibrant, expressive edition of Cariad. The softer, more open-knit style of the year is very much on display. Cariad is a blend of fruit from several David Abreu ranches, with Madrona Ranch as the central component. It has always been the most immediate of the Colgin 2014s.Inc. VAT£2,173.33 -
Wine Advocate (98+)
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine sports a very deep garnet-purple color and boasts a very savory nose of chargrill, roasted nuts and yeast extract over a core of blackberry pie, blueberry compote, menthol and Indian spices with wafts of violets and underbrush. The palate has very firm, beautifully ripe tannins with a muscular core of black fruits and black licorice, featuring seamless freshness and amazing length.Inc. VAT£1,142.88 -
Vinous (100)
The highlight in this range today, the 2016 Cariad is utterly magnificent. Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot give the wine soaring aromatic intensity and striking savoriness to play off the racy, forward fruit. Time in barrel has done wonders to meld all the elements together. Today, the Cariad is dense, explosive and super-expressive. And yet my sense is that the 2016 still has quite a bit of room to grow. Even at this early stage, the 2016 is a total stunner. The symbiosis of David Abreu fruit and Allision Tauziet's winemaking makes for an electric, unforgettable 2016. Don't miss it.Inc. VAT£1,333.76 -
Vinous (100)
What a thrill it is to taste the 2018 Cariad again. Last year the 2018 was magnificent. It is all that this year too. Powerful and explosive, the 2018 is captivating from the very first taste. Healthy dollops of Cabernet Franc and Merlot add layers to this deep, wonderfully vibrant Napa Valley red. In a big morning tasting at Colgin spanning more than a dozen wines, the 2018 Cariad was a stand out. Superb.Inc. VAT£2,729.09 -
Wine Advocate (100)
From the Pritchard Hill Vineyard, the 2006 IX Proprietary Red Estate is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. The good news is that there are 1,500 cases of this cuvee. It, too, reveals the noble sweetness of tannin, the extraordinary rich, intense mouthfeel, and sumptuous aromas of flowers, burning embers, blackberries, blueberries, spice box, and cedar. With extraordinary intensity, beautiful purity, a texture and flavors that build incrementally on the palate, and a significantly long finish, this is a perfect wine.Inc. VAT£1,541.62 -
(3x75cl) 2010Wine Advocate (97)
Revealing only modest color evolution—just a general lightening and bricking—the 2010 IX Estate features gently lifted, cedary aromas that beautifully accent a core of stewed berries. Full-bodied and silky in texture, this isn't quite as supple as the 2005 tasted alongside, but it offers a greater sense of structure and freshness. It's a huge success from a cool, late season (harvest took place October 17–20), made possible only because of a fanatical focus on managing the crop size to ensure ripening.Inc. VAT£1,715.46 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95+)
The 2011 IX Estate is another super-impressive wine. Mocha, tobacco, wild flowers, white pepper and incense all meld together in a silky, supple wine long on finesse and energy. Firm, muscular tannins support the explosive, brooding finish. Cool, intensely mineral and savory, the 2011 is vivid and thrilling in the glass, just as the single components have always been from barrel. In 2011, IX Estate is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.Inc. VAT£1,105.86 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
An absolute beast of a wine, the 2013 Ix Estate checks in as a mix of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot that’s all from the estate located at the top of Pritchard Hill. Still a primordial wine that reminds me of a barrel sample, its vivid, saturated purple color is followed by an incredible bouquet of black and blue fruits, graphite, spring flowers, and scorched earth. With a deep, full-bodied, massive mid-palate, background oak, and beautiful purity and freshness, it’s a tour de force and may be the most massive yet perfectly balanced wine I’ve ever tasted. It’s incredible today in an academic sort of way, but it won’t start to hit maturity for at least another decade. Hats off to superstar winemaker Allison Tauziet who, in this critic’s opinion, fashions some of the most profound and captivating wines on the planet!Inc. VAT£1,783.52 -
(3x75cl) 2014The Wine Independent (99)
The 2014 IX Estate is deep garnet-black in color. Scents of creme de cassis, plum preserves, and blackberry pie jump from the glass, followed by suggestions of incense, iron ore, and camphor with a waft of dark chocolate and Morello cherries coming through after a few moments. The medium to full-bodied palate is vibrant and refreshing, thrumming with mineral-sparked energy and supported by firm, grainy tannins, finishing very long and earthy.Inc. VAT£1,632.32 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Another perfect wine from this estate is the 2015 IX Estate which is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. This inky purple-colored beauty has everything: incredible aromatics, huge richness, insane purity, and a singular character that needs to be tasted to be believed. Crème de cassis, blueberries, violets, flowers, and lead pencil shaving-like notes all soar from the glass and it hits the palate with a youthful, full-bodied, beautifully concentrated style that builds incrementally, has fine tannin, and integrated acidity. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age but will keep for 3-4 decades.Inc. VAT£1,455.96
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James Suckling (96)
Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.In Bond£220.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.In Bond£535.00 -
Decanter (99)
Christian Moueix's Napa Valley project Ulysses often produces a profound Cabernet, and this 2018 release of their Oakville red is about as profound as they come. A very pretty wine for the typically boisterous Ulysses, this vintage exudes a Margaux-like purity and levity, coupled with incredibly fragrant floral notes that turn savoury and sagebrush-driven, all with a keen sense of serenity. There's power and structure, of course, but with very velvety, fine-grained tannins that are perfectly integrated. With harmony and integrity through and through, this is a gorgeous wine that has been going to the cellar for a very long time.In Bond£662.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.In Bond£676.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.In Bond£558.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.In Bond£1,272.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.In Bond£629.00 -
(12x75cl) 2014
Indulge in the elegant complexity of the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, a benchmark wine embodying the majestic power and nuanced finesse that only Napa Valley's iconic To Kalon Vineyard can provide. Winemaker Cliff Lede, known for his rock-and-roll approach, harnesses key blocks of this historic vineyard, masterfully crafting this vintage with a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties.
On the palate, this wine boasts opulent, full-bore purple fruit, seductively woven with black cherry, dark chocolate and sweet baking spice notes, underpinned by incredibly plush, silky tannins. After meticulous aging in 75% new French oak for a period of 21 months, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 showcases immense aging potential.
Adorned with critical acclaim from revered wine publications, this limited-edition masterpiece encapsulates a monumental expression of Napa Valley terroir, worthy of any discerning collector's cellar.
In Bond£2,892.78 -
(12x75cl) 2015
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is a massive wine. Blackberry jam, espresso, incense, licorice and grilled herbs saturate the palate with tons of textural intensity and sheer power. Huge tannins and heavy toast notes are front and center. Overall, the 2015 has aged very well. I expect it will always be a powerhouse that reflects the Cliff Lede style of the day. I don't think the potent To Kalon tannins will ever fully soften, but this is an undeniably attractive wine.In Bond£2,892.78 -
(12x75cl) 2018
In the prestige vineyards of Napa Valley, resides a quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. This resplendent Californian red wine is a creation of Cliff Lede, a Canadian aficionado knowledgeable in both vine and verse. Cultivated in the historic To Kalon terroir, the wine possesses layers of complex flavours reflecting the gravelly alluvial fan soils of Oakville Appellation.
Narrating a marvellous maturation story, the grapes were hand-harvested and meticulously sorted before a gentle gravity-flow process led them to oak fermentation tanks. After carefully ageing for 18 months in French oak barrels, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 reveals a bouquet of blackberries and crème de cassis, underscored by nuances of cigar box and graphite. Bright acidity on the palate yields an incredibly balanced drink with a sublime finish.
Crown your cellar with this illustrious Californian Cabernet, a testament to Cliff Lede's dedication to supreme viticulture and expert winemaking.
In Bond£2,410.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is sensual, powerful and totally alluring. Dark blue fruits, espresso, incense and licorice are beautifully woven together. Poetry is not quite as bombastic as the other two 2015s I tasted for this report, but it's still a pretty heady wine. It has also aged spectacularly well. All the elements are so well balanced.In Bond£1,118.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016
Vinous (94)
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is another gorgeous wine from Cliff Lede. Crème de cassis, lavender, cloves, graphite, chocolate, sweet French oak and torrefaction notes infuse this sumptuous, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Lede's Poetry block in Stags Leap. This is another full-throttle wine endowed with a ton of character.In Bond£1,420.62 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook is another terrific wine from Cliff Lede. It, too, has aged well. The integration of oak is also far better than in the To Kalon, even with the considerable presence of heavily toasted barrels. Inky red fruit, bay leaf, blood orange, white truffle and star anise give the 2015 its wild, exotic personality. The Songbook has aged well and will drink well for another decade plus. The combination of rich, layered fruit and strong savory markers of the Martha's clone makes for a gorgeous, totally beguiling Cabernet.In Bond£1,008.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
One of the best-run and now superstar wineries in all of Napa is Cliff Lede. Starting with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, a beautiful example of this AVA, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color, floral notes intermixed with crème de cassis , graphite and forest floor. It is full bodied, but with the elegance, finesse and lightness of being, despite its intensity. The wood is pushed to the background, and the wine is beautifully pure and long. Drink it over the next 20 years.In Bond£761.00 -
Unveiling the aristocracy of beverages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 marries the artistry of the craft and refinement of exceptional terroir. This French-inspired gem, produced by the esteemed Paso Robles winery in the Central Coast of California, promises a memorable encounter with its perfectly proportioned palate. It showcases an opulent blend of Syrah, synonymous with the estate's reputation.
Painstakingly aged for 24 months in French oak, the Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 strikes an exquisite balance of dark fruit flavours, leathery tannins, and nuanced floral accents. The temperate Paso Robles climate lends intensity and longevity to the wine, reflected in its rich, dark ruby hue. Taking us back to the visionary expertise of Guillaume Fabre, who mastered the art of vintages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 truly gives life to the intricate harmony of superior vineyard character and winemaking finesse.
In Bond£435.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018
Indulge in the luscious grandeur of the Col Solare Proprietary Red 2018, a peerless embodiment of Washington's celebrated Red Mountain AVA anniversary release. A fusion of importer Marchesi Antinori's Tuscan expertise and Chateau Ste. Michelle's local love, this stellar collaboration berefts a harmonious blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Syrah. This sublime wine was made utilising organic farming methods in the terroir-rich soils of Red Mountain Vineyard. Its robust structure, astounding complexity, tantalising fruit density, and espresso-infused finish result from 22 months' maturation in French oak barrels. A vibrant ruby hue mirrors its notes of black fruit, plum and violet, evoking a palate of spiced dark cherry, black tea, and oak, rounded off by supple tannins and delightful acidity. A versatile choice, the Col Solare Proprietary Red 2018 yearns to accompany a juicy steak or aged cheese. Experience the luxurious sophistication of this unique vintage from one of the most acclaimed wine producers.
In Bond£497.94 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2010 Proprietary Red Cariad reveals great intensity along with abundant notes of unsmoked tobacco leaf interwoven with blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, charcoal and coffee bean nuances as well as a Pauillac-like lead pencil shaving character. This blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc is one of the finest wines I tasted over the 12 days I spent tasting in Napa Valley in late August and early September. This remarkable 2010 should drink beautifully for 20 or more years.In Bond£1,307.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2011 Cariad is a dark, brooding beauty. A whole range of savory and earthy nuances play off a dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2011 is distinguished by its surprising breadth and volume. The strong savory qualities of the year are present in a wine that impresses with its balance and poise. It is a terrific example of the year.In Bond£1,535.00 -
(3x75cl) 2012
Wine Advocate (98)
A close second (and who knows how they might perform at different times and with different foods) is the 2012 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine, made from grapes grown by David Abreu at his estate vineyards in Napa. This blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot shows notes of burning embers/charcoal, blackberry fruit, licorice and floral notes, followed by a full-bodied, dense, layered wine. It has great purity, wonderfully sweet, integrated tannin, and a voluptuous mouthfeel and finish of close to 50+ seconds. This is a stunner that can be drunk now or cellared for another 25-30 years.In Bond£1,289.00 -
(3x75cl) 2013
Vinous (98)
The 2013 Cariad is fabulous. Pliant, expressive and nuanced in the glass. Here, the tannins are suave and supple, which makes the wine unusually accessible today. There is plenty of delineation in the dark, mineral-laced flavors, but the 2013 impresses for most of its superb textural depth. Cariad is made mostly from fruit sourced from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch vineyard in St. Helena.In Bond£1,143.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2014 Cariad is intensely aromatic in its first impression. Dried herbs, menthol, licorice, spice, tobacco and incense all grace this vibrant, expressive edition of Cariad. The softer, more open-knit style of the year is very much on display. Cariad is a blend of fruit from several David Abreu ranches, with Madrona Ranch as the central component. It has always been the most immediate of the Colgin 2014s.In Bond£1,792.00 -
Wine Advocate (98+)
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine sports a very deep garnet-purple color and boasts a very savory nose of chargrill, roasted nuts and yeast extract over a core of blackberry pie, blueberry compote, menthol and Indian spices with wafts of violets and underbrush. The palate has very firm, beautifully ripe tannins with a muscular core of black fruits and black licorice, featuring seamless freshness and amazing length.In Bond£942.00 -
Vinous (100)
The highlight in this range today, the 2016 Cariad is utterly magnificent. Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot give the wine soaring aromatic intensity and striking savoriness to play off the racy, forward fruit. Time in barrel has done wonders to meld all the elements together. Today, the Cariad is dense, explosive and super-expressive. And yet my sense is that the 2016 still has quite a bit of room to grow. Even at this early stage, the 2016 is a total stunner. The symbiosis of David Abreu fruit and Allision Tauziet's winemaking makes for an electric, unforgettable 2016. Don't miss it.In Bond£1,101.00 -
Vinous (100)
What a thrill it is to taste the 2018 Cariad again. Last year the 2018 was magnificent. It is all that this year too. Powerful and explosive, the 2018 is captivating from the very first taste. Healthy dollops of Cabernet Franc and Merlot add layers to this deep, wonderfully vibrant Napa Valley red. In a big morning tasting at Colgin spanning more than a dozen wines, the 2018 Cariad was a stand out. Superb.In Bond£2,255.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
From the Pritchard Hill Vineyard, the 2006 IX Proprietary Red Estate is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. The good news is that there are 1,500 cases of this cuvee. It, too, reveals the noble sweetness of tannin, the extraordinary rich, intense mouthfeel, and sumptuous aromas of flowers, burning embers, blackberries, blueberries, spice box, and cedar. With extraordinary intensity, beautiful purity, a texture and flavors that build incrementally on the palate, and a significantly long finish, this is a perfect wine.In Bond£1,274.00 -
(3x75cl) 2010
Wine Advocate (97)
Revealing only modest color evolution—just a general lightening and bricking—the 2010 IX Estate features gently lifted, cedary aromas that beautifully accent a core of stewed berries. Full-bodied and silky in texture, this isn't quite as supple as the 2005 tasted alongside, but it offers a greater sense of structure and freshness. It's a huge success from a cool, late season (harvest took place October 17–20), made possible only because of a fanatical focus on managing the crop size to ensure ripening.In Bond£1,420.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95+)
The 2011 IX Estate is another super-impressive wine. Mocha, tobacco, wild flowers, white pepper and incense all meld together in a silky, supple wine long on finesse and energy. Firm, muscular tannins support the explosive, brooding finish. Cool, intensely mineral and savory, the 2011 is vivid and thrilling in the glass, just as the single components have always been from barrel. In 2011, IX Estate is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.In Bond£912.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
An absolute beast of a wine, the 2013 Ix Estate checks in as a mix of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot that’s all from the estate located at the top of Pritchard Hill. Still a primordial wine that reminds me of a barrel sample, its vivid, saturated purple color is followed by an incredible bouquet of black and blue fruits, graphite, spring flowers, and scorched earth. With a deep, full-bodied, massive mid-palate, background oak, and beautiful purity and freshness, it’s a tour de force and may be the most massive yet perfectly balanced wine I’ve ever tasted. It’s incredible today in an academic sort of way, but it won’t start to hit maturity for at least another decade. Hats off to superstar winemaker Allison Tauziet who, in this critic’s opinion, fashions some of the most profound and captivating wines on the planet!In Bond£1,476.00 -
(3x75cl) 2014
The Wine Independent (99)
The 2014 IX Estate is deep garnet-black in color. Scents of creme de cassis, plum preserves, and blackberry pie jump from the glass, followed by suggestions of incense, iron ore, and camphor with a waft of dark chocolate and Morello cherries coming through after a few moments. The medium to full-bodied palate is vibrant and refreshing, thrumming with mineral-sparked energy and supported by firm, grainy tannins, finishing very long and earthy.In Bond£1,350.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Another perfect wine from this estate is the 2015 IX Estate which is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. This inky purple-colored beauty has everything: incredible aromatics, huge richness, insane purity, and a singular character that needs to be tasted to be believed. Crème de cassis, blueberries, violets, flowers, and lead pencil shaving-like notes all soar from the glass and it hits the palate with a youthful, full-bodied, beautifully concentrated style that builds incrementally, has fine tannin, and integrated acidity. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age but will keep for 3-4 decades.In Bond£1,204.00
