Vinous (95)

In 2015, the Chardonnay Monte Bello emerges from the Ruston Ranch, a north-facing, high altitude slope planted with an assortment of heritage clones that ripen earlier and at lower sugars rather than the Clone 4 that is the core of the Estate Chardonnay. Phenolic, rich and structured, the 2015 is all class. The lemon confit, orange and buttery notes all grow as this exquisitely layered, powerful, old-school Chardonnay shows off its personality and pedigree. This is the first vintage of the Monte Bello Chardonnay made with organically grown grapes and also the first Chardonnay since 1985 that is under 14% alcohol.

James Suckling (100)

Stunning depth, power, purity and elegance. The blackcurrants and plums are fresh and intense on the nose with blueberries and gently herbal notes, too. The palate has a keenly articulated array of vibrant tannins that hold long, fresh and pure. It invokes a sense of wonderment at the finish. So long and so pure. This blend of 77 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 11 per cent merlot, seven per cent petit verdot and five percent cabernet franc, is just at the start of a wonderful journey. Try from 2021.

James Suckling (100)

A glorious and complex nose of tobacco, blackberries and hints of stones and flowers. Hints of bitter chocolate. Full-bodied, very tight and compacted. Linear backbone gives this form and tension. It has the same character on the palate as well as cayenne and other spice. Loved the 2014 but this shows more fine-grained tannins. So balanced and harmonious. A blend of 69% cabernet sauvignon, 24% carmenere, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Needs four or five years in bottle but a joy to taste now.

Wine Advocate (99)

Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon leaps from the glass with gorgeous floral notes of red roses and lilacs over a core of black and red cherries, crushed black currants and baking spices plus hints of iron ore and dusty earth. The voluptuous, rounded, soft and sexy fruit slinks across the palate with incredible seamlessness and expression. Make no mistake, it is full-bodied and decadently powerful, but with a myriad of aromatic nuances, finishing long, layered and boldly perfumed.

Wine Advocate (99)

Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon leaps from the glass with gorgeous floral notes of red roses and lilacs over a core of black and red cherries, crushed black currants and baking spices plus hints of iron ore and dusty earth. The voluptuous, rounded, soft and sexy fruit slinks across the palate with incredible seamlessness and expression. Make no mistake, it is full-bodied and decadently powerful, but with a myriad of aromatic nuances, finishing long, layered and boldly perfumed.

Discover the illustrious elegance of the Schrader Assortment Case 2015, a testament to world-class viticulture. Produced in the revered vineyards of Napa Valley, California, each bottle in this case embodies the exemplary artistry of winemaking that Schrader is renowned for. The assortment lovingly showcases prize offerings; a riveting blend of single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, heralded for their harmonious balance, depth, and complexity of flavour. The Old Sparky and CCS are particularly noteworthy, both laudably achieving perfect 100-point scores from acclaimed wine critic, Robert Parker.

The Schrader Assortment Case 2015 is a symphony of hand-selected, perfectly ripe berries, meticulously aged in French oak. This meticulous process unfolds under the skilled guidance of winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, crafting nuanced richness with velvety tannins. The result is a tantalisingly layered libation, brimming with decadent dark fruit aromas, delicate hints of spice, and an enduring, sophisticated finish. Indulge in the Schrader Assortment Case 2015, a vineyard-driven accomplishment of winemaking virtuosity.

Wine Advocate (97)

Coming from the Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, block C that is planted to clone 337, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Colesworthy has a very deep purple-black color and incredibly primary nose of blackcurrant cordial, blueberry pie and preserved plums with wafts of licorice, charcoal, mulberries and baking spices plus a hint of red roses. Medium to full-bodied, very firm and very finely crafted, the palate features wonderfully ripe tannins and great freshness, harnessing the bold, primary flavors and restraining the very long, very youthful finish. 128 cases produced.

Wine Advocate (97)

Coming from the Beckstoffer Georges III vineyard, the very deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon GIII bursts forth with an outrageously spicy nose of Chinese five spice and aniseed with a core of crème de cassis, blueberry pie, menthol and chocolate box plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, rich, ripe and decadent on the palate, it fills the mouth with exotic spice layers and warm black fruits, framed by velvety tannins and great freshness, finishing with epic persistence. 318 cases produced.

Wine Advocate (100)

Coming from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, block D2 planted to clone 6, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon T6 sports a deep garnet-purple color and fantastically fragrant nose of Sichuan pepper, unsmoked cigars, potpourri, red loam and forest floor over a core of black forest cake, blackberry preserves and baked plums plus touches of dried Mediterranean herbs and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is full-on seductive, with wonderfully perfumed layers emerging through the frame of very finely knit yet firm tannins, finishing with epic length and depth. 286 cases produced.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

The 2015 Screaming Eagle is another monumental wine from this address, and it's one of those cases where if you afford it, you should buy it. A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, this magical elixir boasts a deep purple color as well as a blockbuster bouquet of blueberries, creme de cassis, violets, incense, and cedarwood. Reminding me of the 2015 Château Margaux with its off the charts class and purity, it’s full-bodied, thrillingly textured, and has a finish that just won't quit. This legendary wine is going to keep for 30-40 years.

James Suckling (98)

This is very tight grained and beautifully balanced with violets, crushed stones and a brambleberry character. Extremely aromatic and perfumed. Medium to full body with a compressed mouthfeel of wonderfully fine and fresh tannins. A fantastic merlot-based red for the vintage. Structured yet so balanced. Beautiful now but better in 2021.

James Suckling (100)

Stunning aromas of blackcurrant, stone, blueberry and licorice. Also iodine. Floral. Perfumed. Full body, fantastic density of fruit and ripe tannins. It goes on for minutes on the palate with such energy and focus. Touch of chewiness on the finish. A complex and complete wine that delivers a generosity with firmness. Drink in 2021 but already a classic to drink.

James Suckling (100)

Stunning aromas of blackcurrant, stone, blueberry and licorice. Also iodine. Floral. Perfumed. Full body, fantastic density of fruit and ripe tannins. It goes on for minutes on the palate with such energy and focus. Touch of chewiness on the finish. A complex and complete wine that delivers a generosity with firmness. Drink in 2021 but already a classic to drink.

James Suckling (100)

Stunning aromas of blackcurrant, stone, blueberry and licorice. Also iodine. Floral. Perfumed. Full body, fantastic density of fruit and ripe tannins. It goes on for minutes on the palate with such energy and focus. Touch of chewiness on the finish. A complex and complete wine that delivers a generosity with firmness. Drink in 2021 but already a classic to drink.

Wine Advocate (100)

Each case contains three bottles each of: Sine Qua Non Syrah M 2015 3x75cl - 99 Points, Wine Advocate This is a single-vineyard Syrah-dominant blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Manfred Krankl’s initial and a provocative self-portrait on the label. The blend is 90.6% Syrah, 4.4% Petite Syrah, 2.6% Grenache and 2.4% Viognier. Forty-three percent was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 66% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Syrah M starts off a little closed, slowly unfurling to show layer upon layer of savory notes: peppered salami, woodsmoke, marmite and black olives, beneath a profound core of preserved plums, blueberry coulis and Chinese five spice with fragrant touches of fenugreek, Sichuan pepper, crushed rocks and mossy bark. Exquisitely textured with firm, rounded tannins, the taut, full-bodied, muscular fruit is laced with seamless freshness, finishing with fantastic persistence. This is a Syrah for the long haul! Sine Qua Non Grenache E 2015 3x75cl – 100 Points, Wine Advocate This is a single-vineyard Grenache-dominated, barrel-selection blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Elaine Krankl’s initial and a portrait Manfred made of Elaine on the label. The blend is 82% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 5% Petite Syrah and 1% Viognier, and 56% was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 28% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Grenache E slides beguilingly out of the glass with a powerfully evocative, earthy/meaty nose of wood smoke, grilled meats, fragrant soil, truffles and iron ore with a core of kirsch, blackberry pie, Black Forest cake and aniseed plus touches of wild sage, rose hip tea and Indian spices. The palate is full-bodied, surprisingly muscular and built like a brick house with an unbelievable structure of very fine, densely pixilated tannins supporting the generous, multi-faceted layers, finishing with epic length, jaw-dropping texture and tons of cerebral mineral and spice nuances. WOW!

Every case contains 3 bottles of each Sine Qua Non Grenache E 2015 and Sine Qua Non Syrah M 2015

 

Sine Qua Non Grenache E 2015

 

100 points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)

  “This is a single-vineyard Grenache-dominated, barrel-selection blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Elaine Krankl’s initial and a portrait Manfred made of Elaine on the label. The blend is 82% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 5% Petite Syrah and 1% Viognier, and 56% was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 28% new.

 

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Grenache E slides beguilingly out of the glass with a powerfully evocative, earthy/meaty nose of wood smoke, grilled meats, fragrant soil, truffles and iron ore with a core of kirsch, blackberry pie, Black Forest cake and aniseed plus touches of wild sage, rose hip tea and Indian spices. The palate is full-bodied, surprisingly muscular and built like a brick house with an unbelievable structure of very fine, densely pixilated tannins supporting the generous, multi-faceted layers, finishing with epic length, jaw-dropping texture and tons of cerebral mineral and spice nuances. WOW! 900 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were made.” Drinking Window: 2020 – 2035

 

 

Sine Qua Non Syrah M 2015

 

99 points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)

“This is a single-vineyard Syrah-dominant blend coming from the Eleven Confessions Estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It bears Manfred Krankl’s initial and a provocative self-portrait on the label. The blend is 90.6% Syrah, 4.4% Petite Syrah, 2.6% Grenache and 2.4% Viognier. Forty-three percent was fermented using whole clusters. It was aged for around 38 months in French oak, 66% new.

 

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Syrah M starts off a little closed, slowly unfurling to show layer upon layer of savory notes: peppered salami, woodsmoke, marmite and black olives, beneath a profound core of preserved plums, blueberry coulis and Chinese five spice with fragrant touches of fenugreek, Sichuan pepper, crushed rocks and mossy bark. Exquisitely textured with firm, rounded tannins, the taut, full-bodied, muscular fruit is laced with seamless freshness, finishing with fantastic persistence. This is a Syrah for the long haul! 913 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were made.” Drinking Window: 2021 – 2050

Wine Advocate (94)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Asterisk comes charging out of the gate with exuberant black and red cherries, warm cassis and raspberry pie scents plus hints of cigar box, Indian spices, rose hip tea and charcuterie with a faint waft of dusty soil. Full-bodied and firmly textured, with bags of red and black fruits, the palate is laced with loads of spicy accents, and it finishes long and perfumed.

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple colored with a mind-blowingly gorgeous nose that defies words: warm cassis, red roses, sandalwood, Indian spices, crushed rocks, menthol and iron ore with wafts of lilacs and truffles. Medium to full-bodied with a rock-solid frame of super-ripe, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, it finishes incredibly long and remains incredibly provocative.

Vinous (91)

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst is pliant, supple and inviting. Dark cherry jam, plum, chocolate, spice and new leather are pushed forward in this racy, succulent Cabernet Sauvignon. A wine with no hard edges and plenty of allure, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring. In the Lyndenhurst, readers will find an affordable Cabernet that showcases the best 2015 has to offer, in its peer group, naturally.

Vinous (96)

Staglin's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe, racy and voluptuous, which is to say very much in line with the style of the year. Kirsch, succulent red cherry, mint and spice add layers of nuance, but in this vintage it is the wine's raciness and sweet, silky tannins that give the wine its forward, open-knit personality. Ripeness is pushed to the edge in the 2015, and yet all the elements flow together effortlessly. Even with all of its obvious ripeness an raciness, this is decidedly a mid-weight style of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

A collaboration between winemakers Jess Jackson and Pierre Seillan, Vérité was launched with the aim of creating wines from Sonoma that could rival that of Pétrus. Since its inaugural vintage in 1998, Vérité has achieved colossal success, including being awarded seven 100 point scores from Robert M. Parker Jr. Guided by Pierre Seillan’s micro-cru philosophy and over 50 years of experience, Vérité produces 3 blends – La Joie, La Muse and La Désir, from a myriad of over 50 distinct plots spread across 4 appellations across Sonoma - namely Knights Valley, Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Bennet Valley AVAs.

It contains one bottle of each:

1x75cl La Joie 2015 - 99 Points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)

1x75cl La Muse 2015 - 97 Points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)

1x75cl La Désir 2015 - 100 Points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)

Vinous (93+)

(14.8% alcohol; from ten-year-old vines on sandy soil with a lot of big stones; aged in 65% new oak; Vignoni describes this as a more rustic site surrounded by countryside, with a lot of native herb influence; production was just three tons per hectare in 2015). Saturated ruby. Very primary nose dominated by a stony quality. Highly concentrated and extremely primary, offering flavors of blackberry, blueberry, violet, licorice, wild herbs and lightly fusel crushed rock (Vignoni described this note as water on hot rocks). Finishes with an impression of medicinal reserve and slowly building length. This juicy but youthfully imploded wine, which carries a relatively low pH of 3.4, finishes firmly tannic and needs time to expand in the bottle. There's no easy sweetness here.