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
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€1,897.60 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and lead pencil. Fresh and dried flowers and iron shavings. Full bodied, layered, tight and solid. Beautiful and very poised and thoughtful. Hints of fresh herbs, from lavender to lemon grass. Compressed. Great length and focus. Drink after 2022. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€2,075.20 |
|||||
Vinous (100)The 2016 Las Posadas is a stunning Howell Mountain wine. Inky, rich and hedonistically beautiful, the 2016 is simply magnificent. Crème de cassis, chocolate, menthol, licorice, lavender, cloves, mint, graphite and crushed rocks are all amped up in the glass. Unctuous, creamy and super-expressive, the Posadas captures the opulence of Howell Mountain. It is simply magnificent in every way. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€2,477.20 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)A perfect wine in every sense, the 2016 Madrona Ranch comes from a site at the base of Spring Mountain and is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It does everything right, with a magical bouquet of currants, ground herbs, licorice, graphite, spice, and who knows what else. These all carry to a massive 2016 that has a layered, multi-dimensional texture, building tannins, a colossal mid-palate, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s another heavenly wine from a great terroir and a great winemaker! Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following 30-40 years or more. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 6 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,069.50 |
|||||
|
Dive into the depths of fine wine experience with the exceptional Aloft Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016. Produced by Marchesi Antinori, this exquisite Californian wine is sourced from the alluring vineyards of Howell Mountain AVA, renowned for its volcanic soils and unique microclimate. The painstaking crafting of this wine begins with careful hand harvesting and sorting, followed by 25 days of maceration. Thenceforth, it is meticulously aged in new French oak barrels for 20 months, providing a complex structure. This results in a Cabernet Sauvignon, profound in its opulence, revealing powerful notes of black cherry, cacao and an intriguing touch of minerality on the finish. Boasting balanced acidity and firm, ripe tannins, the Aloft Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a paragon of harmony and elegance. With limited production each year, it’s a prestigious addition for the discerning oenophiles, providing a sensory exploration that echoes the very essence of luxurious sipping. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,859.82 |
|||||
|
Dedicated wine connoisseurs will appreciate the exquisite Bernard Magrez Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016, a masterpiece of viticulture from the fertile vineyards of Napa Valley. Renowned vintner Bernard Magrez artfully cultivates the Cabernet Sauvignon grape in these soils, blessed by a unique terroir fostering the growth of superbly balanced and concentrated fruit. This 2016 vintage showcases a symphony of dark berry aromas, interlaced with hints of chocolate and spices, underpinned by well-rounded tannins. It's a full-bodied creation, matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, revealing a velvet-like texture and luscious complexity on the palate. Bernard Magrez is known for his unerring devotion to quality, making each bottle a testament to the fine art of winemaking, and the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. Savour this illustrious spirit of the Bernard Magrez Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016, where every sip unveils layers of the wine's depth and multifaceted character. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 3 | - |
Inc. TAX
€8,924.84 |
|||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€4,861.25 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (100)Vecina vineyard is located in the western foothills of Oakville, just to the south-east of the winery (up on Oakville Grade). Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Vecina slips sensuously out of the glass with gorgeous black cherries, kirsch, wild blueberries and blackcurrant pastilles notes plus suggestions of bouquet garni, pencil lead, tilled earth and underbrush. Full-bodied, taut and packed with ripe, expressive, exquisitely accented black and blue fruits, it has loads of earthy sparks and a compelling fine-grained nature to the firm texture, finishing long and layered. This bright, energetic, incredibly nuanced beauty is built like a brick house and, while approachable in youth, is easily a 50-year wine. I therefore urge readers to wait at least 5-7 years before opening to allow for the myriad of subtle nuances to emerge and offer that "WOW" experience that will reward patience. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,805.26 |
|||||
|
The Booker Vertigo 22 2016 is a captivating expression of meticulous wine craftsmanship from Paso Robles, California. Crafted by acclaimed producer, Eric Jensen, this exquisite blend champions the Rhône varietals, predominately Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. The grapes are handpicked from the rich, sun-drenched hilltops lending a robust structure and tantalising depth. Booker Vertigo 22 2016's production utilises biodynamic farming techniques, ensuring vibrant, healthy fruit with impeccable concentration. Following an extended fermentation, the wine ages for 22 months in French oak, enhancing its luscious texture and complex flavours. The result: a harmonious amalgamation of lush dark fruits, decadent chocolate and compelling spice hints. A dedicated pursuit of excellence marks Booker Vertigo 22 2016 as a connoisseur's choice. This striking vintage perfectly exemplifies the artistry and vision that has given Booker Wines its esteemed reputation in the world of fine wines. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€2,630.87 |
|||||
Vinous (96)Dark, sumptuous and beautifully textured in the glass, the 2016 Bettina is positively stellar. All the elements come together effortlessly in the glass. Crème de cassis, blueberry jam, spice, new leather and menthol develop, but it is the wine's exceptional balance and breeding that stand out most. Medium in body and super-refined, the 2016 is a real pleasure to taste today. As a reminder, the Bettina is a blend made from various David Abreu vineyards. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 99 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€1,195.60 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (99)Just about as close to perfection as a wine can get, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Chris Carpenter comes mostly from mountain vineyards and is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot. This full-bodied, rounded, thrillingly textured beauty boasts a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of crème de cassis, new saddle leather, barbecue smoke, and scorched earth. It has perfect integration of its fruit, tannins, acidity, and oak, carries remarkable power and intensity, yet still glides over the palate with no heaviness or sensation of weight. It’s going to be a legendary Napa Valley Cabernet and will have 3 decades or more of longevity. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 8 | 94+ (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,600.38 |
|||||
Vinous (94+)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is dark, ample and totally seductive. Black cherry, mocha, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco all meld together. Pliant and supple, the 2016 is already incredibly delicious. This is an especially mid-weight wine and style. Accordingly, the 2016 Estate will drink well with minimal cellaring. The Estate was bottled just two months before this tasting. I imagine it will put on some weight with further time in bottle. All the elements appear to be in the right place for that to happen. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€1,019.39 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing. Fascinating and thoughtful. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€2,091.12 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€2,323.62 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€2,467.88 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (100)The 2016 IX Proprietary Red Estate is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple, it comes strutting out of the glass with flamboyant Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and plum pudding notions plus hints of spice cake, unsmoked cigars, menthol, licorice and dusty soil and accented by wafts of tar and black tea. The palate is full-bodied yet incredibly poised and vibrant with amazing freshness and very fine-grained, very firm tannins. It possesses the most provocative earthy sparks, providing arresting depth to the very long, beautifully perfumed finish. Stunning. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€1,417.97 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)Lastly, the 2016 Syrah IX Estate reminds me of the otherworldly 2010 and is as profound as Syrah gets. Tasting like Guigal’s Côte Rôtie La Mouline (maybe on steroids) with its huge notes of bacon fat, spring flowers, blue fruits, barbecued meats, and incense, it’s full-bodied and massive yet also thrillingly pure, seamless, elegant, and weightless. It’s certainly approachable today yet is going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 98 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€2,965.33 |
|||||
Vinous (98)Colgin's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill is fabulous. Rich, dense and beautifully textured, the 2016 possesses tremendous nuance and pure class. An exotic mélange of super-ripe dark cherry, plum, spice, rose petal and mocha develop effortlessly, but it is the wine's balance that really stands out most. I imagine the 2016 will give readers a broad window of pure drinking pleasure. This is a super-refined, polished vintage for the Tychson Hill. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,677.05 |
|||||
Vinous (100)The 2016 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard may very well be the single greatest vintage made here thus far. It is quite simply a stunning wine and a towering achievement from the Mondavi family. Powerful, ample and sweeping in stature, the 2016 boasts breathtaking intensity in all of its dimensions. I see the pure, vibrant fruit of the 2013, but with more finessed tannins that add to the wine's feeling of real sensuality. Bright, precise and finely sculpted with remarkable persistence and perfectly integrated tannins, the 2016 is positively stellar - not to mention one of the wines of the vintage. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 5 | 100 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€2,167.07 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)The 2016 Maya offers another level of depth and density and is a truly special, magical wine. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cabernet Franc, it boasts off the chart notes of blackcurrants, Asian spices, lead pencil, chocolate, and incense. These all give way to a massively concentrated, rich, and powerful wine that nevertheless stays oh, so seamless, silky and pure, with a finish that goes on for minutes. Utterly profound in every way, this sensational wine hits every high point you could ever set for a glass of wine. it's one of the top 2-3 wines in this report. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 2 | 98 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€739.16 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (98)Also bottled the week before this tasting, the 2016 Soul of a Lion includes more Cabernet Sauvignon than the 2014 and 2015 and is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot. It’s an incredible achievement and has sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, violets, and lead pencil shavings. Made in a pure California, pedal-to-the-metal style, with full body and loads of fruit, it stays balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a layered, seamless style that just glides over the palate. Don’t think Paso Robles can make world-class Cabernet Sauvignon? Try this wine. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€2,122.38 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (100)A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 40% new oak, the 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is deep purple-black in color and quite reticent at this youthful stage to begin, offering up subtle notions of potpourri, Indian spices, cigar box and iron ore over a core of crushed blackberries and black cherries with intermittent wafts of black and red currants, new leather and smoked meats. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a densely packed mid-palate and oodles of freshness framed by very ripe, finely grained tannins and laced with compelling earthy accents. It offers incredible vibrancy with tons of black and red fruit sparkle in the mid-palate leading to a provocative mineral element on the very long finish. If I could give more than 100 for this one, I would. To be released in May 2019. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 17 | - |
Inc. TAX
€390.78 |
|||||
|
|
California | 6 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,697.82 |
|||||
|
Relish the opulence of Donelan Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Genevieves Block 2016, a world-class wine capturing the finest elements of Sonoma Coast terroir. Hailing from the prestigious boutique Californian winery, Donelan Family, this brilliant vintage marries traditional craftsmanship with sustainable practices. The meticulously chosen, handpicked grapes, aged in French oak for 11 months, imbue an alluring aroma and complex flavour palette. Burgeoning with nuances of citrus, ripe apple, pear, and honeyed undertones, the Chardonnay captures the perfect balance of acidity and richness. The aged burgundy wine exhibits a buttery texture and an impeccably long finish, promising a captivating tasting experience. This rare gem from Sonoma Coast epitomises Donelan Family's commitment to crafting exceptional, distinctive wines true to their origins. Indulge in the Donelan Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Genevieves Block 2016 experience highlighting lush, full-bodied structure and unwavering quality – the quintessential choice for the discerning oenophile. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 2 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,397.82 |
|||||
|
Indulge in the luxuriously crafted Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2016, an exemplary produce from the prestigious Donelan Family Vineyards in California’s renowned viticultural region of Sonoma County. Revered for their minimal intervention approach, Donelan’s artisanal expertise is manifestly expressed in this remarkable Syrah. Produced in limited quantities, this wine artfully reveals the vines' pure expression, ageing 18 months in French oak barrels, fostering a splendid complexity. The Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2016 unveils a harmonious profile of dark fruit, black pepper and a hint of olive tapenade, beautifully married with minerally undertones. Its elevated tannin structure and lively acidity culminate in a perfectly balanced, full-bodied palate. Synonymous with the Donelan legacy, this Syrah epitomises the authentically rich textures and robust flavours of the fertile terroir of Sonoma County. Savour the meticulously curated elegance of the Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2016, a testament to the profound passion and dedication invested by the Donelan family. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€2,904.23 |
|||||
Vinous (95+)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain offers good density, but in more of a medium-bodied style that is quite a bit more approachable than is the norm here. A whole range of inky Howell Mountain fruit, graphite, grilled herb, licorice, spice, chocolate, and lavender nuances open up in a brooding, resonant Cabernet that needs a few years in bottle to start drinking well. There is plenty of the structure readers have come to expect from Dunn, but less youthful austerity, which is not a bad thing at all. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 14 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€976.91 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (DC) |
Inc. TAX
€1,472.84 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (DC) |
Inc. TAX
€1,783.25 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (DC) |
Inc. TAX
€4,184.51 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,615.50 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon G III is a powerful, dense wine. Chocolate, blackberry jam, spice, menthol and licorice all flesh out in this big, virile wine. This is an especially potent, concentrated expression of the Georges III Vineyard and also the most accessible of the wines in Larry Fairchild's range. |
|||||||||
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
€1,572.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and lead pencil. Fresh and dried flowers and iron shavings. Full bodied, layered, tight and solid. Beautiful and very poised and thoughtful. Hints of fresh herbs, from lavender to lemon grass. Compressed. Great length and focus. Drink after 2022. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,720.00 |
|||||
Vinous (100)The 2016 Las Posadas is a stunning Howell Mountain wine. Inky, rich and hedonistically beautiful, the 2016 is simply magnificent. Crème de cassis, chocolate, menthol, licorice, lavender, cloves, mint, graphite and crushed rocks are all amped up in the glass. Unctuous, creamy and super-expressive, the Posadas captures the opulence of Howell Mountain. It is simply magnificent in every way. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (JD) |
In Bond
€2,055.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)A perfect wine in every sense, the 2016 Madrona Ranch comes from a site at the base of Spring Mountain and is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It does everything right, with a magical bouquet of currants, ground herbs, licorice, graphite, spice, and who knows what else. These all carry to a massive 2016 that has a layered, multi-dimensional texture, building tannins, a colossal mid-palate, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s another heavenly wine from a great terroir and a great winemaker! Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following 30-40 years or more. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 6 | - |
In Bond
€880.00 |
|||||
|
Dive into the depths of fine wine experience with the exceptional Aloft Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016. Produced by Marchesi Antinori, this exquisite Californian wine is sourced from the alluring vineyards of Howell Mountain AVA, renowned for its volcanic soils and unique microclimate. The painstaking crafting of this wine begins with careful hand harvesting and sorting, followed by 25 days of maceration. Thenceforth, it is meticulously aged in new French oak barrels for 20 months, providing a complex structure. This results in a Cabernet Sauvignon, profound in its opulence, revealing powerful notes of black cherry, cacao and an intriguing touch of minerality on the finish. Boasting balanced acidity and firm, ripe tannins, the Aloft Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a paragon of harmony and elegance. With limited production each year, it’s a prestigious addition for the discerning oenophiles, providing a sensory exploration that echoes the very essence of luxurious sipping. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,505.00 |
|||||
|
Dedicated wine connoisseurs will appreciate the exquisite Bernard Magrez Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016, a masterpiece of viticulture from the fertile vineyards of Napa Valley. Renowned vintner Bernard Magrez artfully cultivates the Cabernet Sauvignon grape in these soils, blessed by a unique terroir fostering the growth of superbly balanced and concentrated fruit. This 2016 vintage showcases a symphony of dark berry aromas, interlaced with hints of chocolate and spices, underpinned by well-rounded tannins. It's a full-bodied creation, matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, revealing a velvet-like texture and luscious complexity on the palate. Bernard Magrez is known for his unerring devotion to quality, making each bottle a testament to the fine art of winemaking, and the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. Savour this illustrious spirit of the Bernard Magrez Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016, where every sip unveils layers of the wine's depth and multifaceted character. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 3 | - |
In Bond
€7,400.00 |
|||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
€4,040.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (100)Vecina vineyard is located in the western foothills of Oakville, just to the south-east of the winery (up on Oakville Grade). Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Vecina slips sensuously out of the glass with gorgeous black cherries, kirsch, wild blueberries and blackcurrant pastilles notes plus suggestions of bouquet garni, pencil lead, tilled earth and underbrush. Full-bodied, taut and packed with ripe, expressive, exquisitely accented black and blue fruits, it has loads of earthy sparks and a compelling fine-grained nature to the firm texture, finishing long and layered. This bright, energetic, incredibly nuanced beauty is built like a brick house and, while approachable in youth, is easily a 50-year wine. I therefore urge readers to wait at least 5-7 years before opening to allow for the myriad of subtle nuances to emerge and offer that "WOW" experience that will reward patience. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,460.00 |
|||||
|
The Booker Vertigo 22 2016 is a captivating expression of meticulous wine craftsmanship from Paso Robles, California. Crafted by acclaimed producer, Eric Jensen, this exquisite blend champions the Rhône varietals, predominately Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. The grapes are handpicked from the rich, sun-drenched hilltops lending a robust structure and tantalising depth. Booker Vertigo 22 2016's production utilises biodynamic farming techniques, ensuring vibrant, healthy fruit with impeccable concentration. Following an extended fermentation, the wine ages for 22 months in French oak, enhancing its luscious texture and complex flavours. The result: a harmonious amalgamation of lush dark fruits, decadent chocolate and compelling spice hints. A dedicated pursuit of excellence marks Booker Vertigo 22 2016 as a connoisseur's choice. This striking vintage perfectly exemplifies the artistry and vision that has given Booker Wines its esteemed reputation in the world of fine wines. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
€2,170.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)Dark, sumptuous and beautifully textured in the glass, the 2016 Bettina is positively stellar. All the elements come together effortlessly in the glass. Crème de cassis, blueberry jam, spice, new leather and menthol develop, but it is the wine's exceptional balance and breeding that stand out most. Medium in body and super-refined, the 2016 is a real pleasure to taste today. As a reminder, the Bettina is a blend made from various David Abreu vineyards. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 99 (JD) |
In Bond
€987.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (99)Just about as close to perfection as a wine can get, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Chris Carpenter comes mostly from mountain vineyards and is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot. This full-bodied, rounded, thrillingly textured beauty boasts a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of crème de cassis, new saddle leather, barbecue smoke, and scorched earth. It has perfect integration of its fruit, tannins, acidity, and oak, carries remarkable power and intensity, yet still glides over the palate with no heaviness or sensation of weight. It’s going to be a legendary Napa Valley Cabernet and will have 3 decades or more of longevity. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 8 | 94+ (VN) |
In Bond
€1,315.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94+)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is dark, ample and totally seductive. Black cherry, mocha, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco all meld together. Pliant and supple, the 2016 is already incredibly delicious. This is an especially mid-weight wine and style. Accordingly, the 2016 Estate will drink well with minimal cellaring. The Estate was bottled just two months before this tasting. I imagine it will put on some weight with further time in bottle. All the elements appear to be in the right place for that to happen. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
€831.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing. Fascinating and thoughtful. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,720.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,925.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
€2,045.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (100)The 2016 IX Proprietary Red Estate is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple, it comes strutting out of the glass with flamboyant Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and plum pudding notions plus hints of spice cake, unsmoked cigars, menthol, licorice and dusty soil and accented by wafts of tar and black tea. The palate is full-bodied yet incredibly poised and vibrant with amazing freshness and very fine-grained, very firm tannins. It possesses the most provocative earthy sparks, providing arresting depth to the very long, beautifully perfumed finish. Stunning. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (JD) |
In Bond
€1,170.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)Lastly, the 2016 Syrah IX Estate reminds me of the otherworldly 2010 and is as profound as Syrah gets. Tasting like Guigal’s Côte Rôtie La Mouline (maybe on steroids) with its huge notes of bacon fat, spring flowers, blue fruits, barbecued meats, and incense, it’s full-bodied and massive yet also thrillingly pure, seamless, elegant, and weightless. It’s certainly approachable today yet is going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 98 (VN) |
In Bond
€2,460.00 |
|||||
Vinous (98)Colgin's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill is fabulous. Rich, dense and beautifully textured, the 2016 possesses tremendous nuance and pure class. An exotic mélange of super-ripe dark cherry, plum, spice, rose petal and mocha develop effortlessly, but it is the wine's balance that really stands out most. I imagine the 2016 will give readers a broad window of pure drinking pleasure. This is a super-refined, polished vintage for the Tychson Hill. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,375.00 |
|||||
Vinous (100)The 2016 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard may very well be the single greatest vintage made here thus far. It is quite simply a stunning wine and a towering achievement from the Mondavi family. Powerful, ample and sweeping in stature, the 2016 boasts breathtaking intensity in all of its dimensions. I see the pure, vibrant fruit of the 2013, but with more finessed tannins that add to the wine's feeling of real sensuality. Bright, precise and finely sculpted with remarkable persistence and perfectly integrated tannins, the 2016 is positively stellar - not to mention one of the wines of the vintage. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 5 | 100 (JD) |
In Bond
€1,795.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)The 2016 Maya offers another level of depth and density and is a truly special, magical wine. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cabernet Franc, it boasts off the chart notes of blackcurrants, Asian spices, lead pencil, chocolate, and incense. These all give way to a massively concentrated, rich, and powerful wine that nevertheless stays oh, so seamless, silky and pure, with a finish that goes on for minutes. Utterly profound in every way, this sensational wine hits every high point you could ever set for a glass of wine. it's one of the top 2-3 wines in this report. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 2 | 98 (JD) |
In Bond
€605.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (98)Also bottled the week before this tasting, the 2016 Soul of a Lion includes more Cabernet Sauvignon than the 2014 and 2015 and is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot. It’s an incredible achievement and has sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, violets, and lead pencil shavings. Made in a pure California, pedal-to-the-metal style, with full body and loads of fruit, it stays balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a layered, seamless style that just glides over the palate. Don’t think Paso Robles can make world-class Cabernet Sauvignon? Try this wine. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,750.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (100)A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 40% new oak, the 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is deep purple-black in color and quite reticent at this youthful stage to begin, offering up subtle notions of potpourri, Indian spices, cigar box and iron ore over a core of crushed blackberries and black cherries with intermittent wafts of black and red currants, new leather and smoked meats. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a densely packed mid-palate and oodles of freshness framed by very ripe, finely grained tannins and laced with compelling earthy accents. It offers incredible vibrancy with tons of black and red fruit sparkle in the mid-palate leading to a provocative mineral element on the very long finish. If I could give more than 100 for this one, I would. To be released in May 2019. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 17 | - |
In Bond
€307.00 |
|||||
|
|
California | 6 | - |
In Bond
€1,370.00 |
|||||
|
Relish the opulence of Donelan Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Genevieves Block 2016, a world-class wine capturing the finest elements of Sonoma Coast terroir. Hailing from the prestigious boutique Californian winery, Donelan Family, this brilliant vintage marries traditional craftsmanship with sustainable practices. The meticulously chosen, handpicked grapes, aged in French oak for 11 months, imbue an alluring aroma and complex flavour palette. Burgeoning with nuances of citrus, ripe apple, pear, and honeyed undertones, the Chardonnay captures the perfect balance of acidity and richness. The aged burgundy wine exhibits a buttery texture and an impeccably long finish, promising a captivating tasting experience. This rare gem from Sonoma Coast epitomises Donelan Family's commitment to crafting exceptional, distinctive wines true to their origins. Indulge in the Donelan Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Genevieves Block 2016 experience highlighting lush, full-bodied structure and unwavering quality – the quintessential choice for the discerning oenophile. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 2 | - |
In Bond
€1,120.00 |
|||||
|
Indulge in the luxuriously crafted Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2016, an exemplary produce from the prestigious Donelan Family Vineyards in California’s renowned viticultural region of Sonoma County. Revered for their minimal intervention approach, Donelan’s artisanal expertise is manifestly expressed in this remarkable Syrah. Produced in limited quantities, this wine artfully reveals the vines' pure expression, ageing 18 months in French oak barrels, fostering a splendid complexity. The Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2016 unveils a harmonious profile of dark fruit, black pepper and a hint of olive tapenade, beautifully married with minerally undertones. Its elevated tannin structure and lively acidity culminate in a perfectly balanced, full-bodied palate. Synonymous with the Donelan legacy, this Syrah epitomises the authentically rich textures and robust flavours of the fertile terroir of Sonoma County. Savour the meticulously curated elegance of the Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2016, a testament to the profound passion and dedication invested by the Donelan family. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
In Bond
€2,375.00 |
|||||
Vinous (95+)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain offers good density, but in more of a medium-bodied style that is quite a bit more approachable than is the norm here. A whole range of inky Howell Mountain fruit, graphite, grilled herb, licorice, spice, chocolate, and lavender nuances open up in a brooding, resonant Cabernet that needs a few years in bottle to start drinking well. There is plenty of the structure readers have come to expect from Dunn, but less youthful austerity, which is not a bad thing at all. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 14 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
€792.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (DC) |
In Bond
€1,220.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (DC) |
In Bond
€1,475.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 100 (DC) |
In Bond
€3,465.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
California | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,335.00 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon G III is a powerful, dense wine. Chocolate, blackberry jam, spice, menthol and licorice all flesh out in this big, virile wine. This is an especially potent, concentrated expression of the Georges III Vineyard and also the most accessible of the wines in Larry Fairchild's range. |
|||||||||
