Vinous (91)

Experience the singular elegance of Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, a result of meticulous viticulture and precise winemaking. This exquisite wine is a testament to the skills of Costanzo Farella, renowned vintner located in the hallowed soil of the Coombsville appellation in Napa Valley, California. The 2018 vintage is a symphony of flavours, expressing dark berry fruit and delicate spice, with polished tannins and balanced acidity courtesy of a near-perfect growing season.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is hand-harvested, fermented on indigenous yeasts, and aged for two years in French oak, ensuring the perfect blend of power and plushness that marks an exceptional Cabernet. With the longevity to age gracefully yet equally approachable in its youth, Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a testament to the potential of the Coombsville region. This is a remarkable wine, luxuriously textured and notable for its sublime layers of complexity.

The Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is an exquisite exemplar of viticultural artistry. Born from the majestic terrains of Napa Valley, California, it is the proud formation of Costanzo Farella, a producer renowned for its remarkable consistency and precision. This compelling Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes extended fermentation to amplify its depth, followed by meticulous barrel ageing in French Oak to refine its complexity.

On the nose, it unfurls a symphony of dark fruit, offering ripe blackberry and blackcurrant nuances, gracefully intertwined with undertones of vanilla, cedarwood, and subtle spice. The palate is masterfully structured; a harmonious balance of intense fruit concentration, ripe tannins and an enviable freshness. This wine culminates in an enduring, poised finish, ensuring the Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 lingers in the mind. For those serious about their collection, it unquestionably deserves a place.

Fine wine connoisseurs would appreciate the exquisite Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, a premier Napa Valley masterpiece. Respected winemakers, Todd Newman and Tom Garrett, combined their passion and knowledge to create Dakota Shy. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a captivating representation of their dedication.

This wine is a harmonious blend of fruit from some of Napa Valley's most celebrated vineyards. Benefitting from the exceptional Californian climate, it exhibits an exciting interplay between sweet blackcurrant and savoury earthy tones, enveloped in a velvety-smooth texture.

The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 has undergone 22 months of ageing in some of the finest French Oak barrels, resulting in a wine of authentic grace and ageability. Enjoy the lingering finish featuring delicate spice notes, testament to the meticulous winemaking process.

This wine sets the bar for premium Napa Cabernet, making it a sophisticated choice for collectors and oenophiles.

Channeling the spirit of classic Napa Valley, the Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is nothing short of a remarkable fine wine. Conceived by two industry standouts, Tom Garrett and Todd Newman, this exquisite creation pays homage to the region's long-standing tradition of crafting superior Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bearing the rich paved terroir of Napa, this wine is a delightful amalgamation of dark fruits, cocoa, and spices, providing an invigorating sensation on the palate. The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is distinctively full-bodied, with the meticulous balance of forest-floor earthiness and vibrant black cherries leading to a long and gracious finish that wine connoisseurs will truly appreciate.

Masterfully aged in French oak, it exhibits character, complexity and longevity. A testament to the exceptional artistry and dedication of its founders, Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is indeed an emblem of the finest winemaking tradition.

The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 is a faultless masterpiece hailing from the acclaimed Napa Valley vineyards of California. This bountifully complex wine is exquisitely crafted by Dakota Shy, a producer celebrated for their commitment to creating artisanal expressions of the region's distinctive terroir.

Richly layered, the Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 boasts an opulent bouquet of ripe blackberry, delicate violets, and subtle hints of vanilla bean, underpinned by an insistent minerality. Beyond the alluring nose, this beguiling wine unfolds with titillating fruits and smoothly integrated tannins cloaked in a velvety texture – a testament to its 21 months maturation in French oak barrels.

Its limited-production status further underscores its exclusivity, with a mere 285 cases made. True connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to savour this magnificent expression of Dakota Shy's immaculate Cabernet Sauvignon lineage. The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 is an irresistible testament to the exceptional vitality of Napa Valley.

Matthew Jukes (18+)

Wine Advocate (92)

Produced by the distinguished winemaker, Massimo di Costanzo, the di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2018 stands as an epitome of artisanal mastery. Sourced from the prized terroirs of Napa Valley, California, one is immediately taken by the balance of opulent dark fruit flavours and polished, understated earthiness. Each vineyard block was hand-harvested separately, meticulously allowing for the expression of individuality and nuance. Subsequently, the winemaking process, taking place in 100% French oak barrels, further underscores the wine's exceptional finesse.

The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2018 exudes deep intense garnet hues, encapsulating assertive flavours of blackberry, plum, and mocha, underpinned by hints of graphite and sage. The medium-bodied palate couples refined tannins with a vital acidity, leading to a long invigorating finish. This accomplished blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc epitomises the very spirit of its revered producer.

Experience the splendour of the di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2019, a superb representation of Californian artistry in viticulture. This Cabernet Sauvignon shines with a captivating purity of ripe black and blue fruits. The grapes, sourced from premium vineyards located in the gusty cool-climate region of Napa Valley, are hand-harvested and fermented with wild yeasts. The wine matures for 20 months in gently toasted, high-quality French oak barrels, lending it extraordinary complexity and structure.

Producer Massimo Di Costanzo's minimalist intervention approach in the winery allows the terroir's true narrative to unfurl in each bottle. Possessing a rich, silky palate, this 2019 vintage evokes the wild beauty of its origins, along with the quintessential elegance attributed to di Costanzo's craftsmanship. The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2019 can undoubtedly be held as a crowning jewel in any discerning connoisseur’s collection.

Indulge in the exceptional character of di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2020. Born in the idyllic valleys of Napa, this rare vintage is created by a passion for authenticity and a respect for tradition. Di Costanzo wines, led by winemaker Massimo di Costanzo, are known to have a steadfast commitment to expressing pure, specific terroir. The di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2020 is a testament to this truth.

This exquisite blend is meticulously produced via native yeast fermentation in concrete, coupled with an extended maceration process that enhances the age-worthy structure. It showcases an elegant melange of dark fruit, rugged earthy notes, interwoven with fine-grained tannins that eloquently promise potential for splendid maturity. A bottle of di Costanzo Napa Valley Di Co 2020 provides an enchanting embodiment of site and vintage, making a memorable addition to any fine wine collection. Enjoy a boulevard of sensory indulgence with di Costanzo's proud emblem of Napa artistry.

James Suckling (94)

The Donelan Cuvee Christine Syrah 2012 is an exquisite fine wine, crafted in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This unparalleled vintage stands as a testament to Donelan Family Vineyards' commitment to produce wines of exceptional quality and character.

The Syrah berries, grown in two vineyard locations, were handpicked and carefully sorted to ensure only the finest grapes were fermented in small lots. Aged for 20 months in French oak, the 2012 Cuvee delivers an elegant, nuanced palate of dark fruit, pepper and savoury herbs, beneath a graceful structure.

The wine reveals a layered complexity, a testament to winemaker Joe Nielsen's expertise. Its full-bodied richness and smooth tannins make the Donelan Cuvee Christine Syrah 2012 an excellent partner to robust dishes. A limited production wine that embodies the essence of the cool climate Syrah in the best vintage years, it represents the pinnacle of Donelan's ongoing pursuit of excellence in winemaking.

Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2014 is a captivating blend crafted in California's boutique Donelan Family Wines estate. This exquisite wine embraces 100% Syrah grapes, handpicked from vineyards nestled in volcanic obsidian-strewn soils in Knights Valley. Maturing for 20 months in French oak barrels, this Syrah delivers a remarkable depth of flavours.

With lush, powerful notes of black fruit, the 2014 vintage offers the perfect balance of intensity and elegance. Exhibiting a rich, velvety texture offset against undertones of earthy minerals and subtle exotic spices, it culminates in a layered finish that lingers on the palate. Each sip of Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2014 reveals its complex structure, built on low-yield, high-intensity viticulture and nuanced winemaking.

Endorsed by esteemed wine critics alike, this is indeed a testament to Napa's terroir and Donelan's dedication to producing extraordinary wines. Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2014, a sophisticated choice for discerning connoisseurs.

From one of Santa Rosa's most coveted microclimates, the Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2015 is an elegant masterpiece of viticulture. Revered wine producer, Donelan Family Wines, patiently cultivates Syrah grapes on the rocky, challenging terrain of their Obsidian Vineyard. A unique volcanic soil and climate lead to an astoundingly complex profile in every bottle, matured in frozen French oak barrels for 20 months.

Distinctive for its rich, dark hue, the Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2015 immediately intrigues with an aromatic bouquet of black cherries, dark chocolate, and smoky minerals. On the palate, it boasts elegantly layered flavours from peppery spice, anchored by robust tannins, culminating in a long, satisfying finish. Awarded 95 points by Wine Advocate, this Californian red showcases Donelan's unerring dedication to uncompromising quality and terroir-driven character.

A well-structured wine, cellaring can produce sensational complexity after 5-10 years, further testament to the remarkable longevity of the Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2015.

The Donelan Richards Family Syrah 2013 is the epitome of California's finest viticulture. Brought to you by renowned winemaker Joe Nielsen, this prestigious red wine is born out of meticulously sourced cool-climate fruit from Sonoma County. The Centred in Sonoma vineyards yield small quantities of intense and elegant Syrah grapes, hand-harvested to ensure only the finest quality. With a rich, dark plum hue, the Donelan Richards Family Syrah 2013 offers an alluring nose of dark fruit, pepper, and savoury ancient forest nuances. The velvet-soft palate entices with layers of ripe blueberry, spice, and well-integrated tannins, reflecting the perfect balance and complex character the wine is celebrated for. The unfiltered, unfined production methods amplify the purity of this decadent Syrah. Aged for 21 months in French oak barrels, this varietal resonates with the refined sophistication only achieved with time. Revel in the definitively smooth and long finish of the Donelan Richards Family Syrah 2013.

The Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2012 is a remarkable Californian wine, crafted with intricate attention to detail. It's a testament to the dedication of the Donelan Family, who meticulously handpicked its grape clusters on cool mornings guaranteeing optimal ripeness. Fashioned exclusively from familial vineyards, it boasts compelling provenance.

Situated amidst the diverse microclimates of Sonoma, the unique terroir gifts this wine a distinct character. The growing season of 2012 was remarkably consistent, gifting the grapes a rich concentration and balanced acidity. Each Syrah cluster was fermented individually, using native yeasts, preserving the genuine essence of the fruit textures. The 22-month maturation in French oak imparts a complex, round frame to the wine.

Delivering a sophisticated palette, the Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2012 enraptures with its vivacious cassis, truffle and black pepper notes, well-balanced by a sybaritic spice and meaty undertone. A collectable asset for any discerning connoisseur.

Steeped in the spirit of Sonoma County, the Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2013 is a fine expression of both vintage and terroir. This exquisite limited release is crafted by Donelan Family Wines, respected custodians of boutique, artisan wines. The Syrah Keltie 2013 exhibits a truly unique character - the result of painstaking hand-picking, whole cluster fermentation and judicious ageing in neutral oak. The wine's incredible intensity and depth are shaped by Sonoma County's diverse climate - cool foggy mornings giving rise to warmer afternoons. Displaying rich, black fruit nuances, punctuated by peppery undertones and a mineral backbone, the Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2013 is a triumph of finesse and power. With its well-structured profile and signature cool-climate elegance, it mesmerises the palate and invigorates the senses. This exclusive vintage is a sublime ode to the precision, dedication, and innate understanding of terroir that distinguish Donelan Family Wines.

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.

Experience the distinguished delight of the Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2017. Masterfully produced in the globally recognised vineyards of California's Sonoma County, this treasured wine truly reflects the region's fertile soils and fine weather. Crafted from hand-picked Syrah berries, its exquisite profile is marked by concentrated black fruits, and savoury characteristics. This sophisticated drop is aged for 18 months in traditional French oak barrels, perfecting its complex persona.

The Donelan family, renowned for their fine wine crafting techniques, consistently deliver excellence in their Syrah vintages. Their attention to detail, reflected in every nuanced layer of the Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2017, creates a harmonious experience for fine wine enthusiasts. A radiant, full-bodied wine, its lingering finish epitomises the elegant craftsmanship intrinsic to the Donelan name. The Donelan Sonoma County Syrah Keltie 2017 truly exemplifies the art of refined winemaking.

Wine Advocate (96)

Duckhorn Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 embodies the opulence and complexity of the famed Duckhorn winery in Napa Valley. A treasure trove for the fine wine connoisseur, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the fusion of the dynamic Red Mountain terroir and an unwavering commitment to winemaking excellence. With careful selection from respected growers, the grapes are harvested at the exact point of maturation, in order to capture perfect ripeness and full-bodied complexity. Aged in premium French oak barrels, Duckhorn Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 emits a spectrum of layered flavours, graced by notes of cherries, blackberries and rich cocoa. The finish is long and captivating, enhanced by structured tannins and a refined minerality. As with all Duckhorn wines, this particular Cabernet Sauvignon is cultivated with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a seductive, sophisticated expression of the Red Mountain region's best qualities. A glorious indulgence for any discerning palate.

Immerse yourself in the exquisite complexity of the Duckhorn Columbia Valley Greenwing Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. Majestically produced by Duckhorn Vineyards, pioneering figures in developing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley since 1976, this testament to viticultural artistry hails from the sun-kissed vineyards of Columbia Valley, Washington State. Held in high esteem for the distinctive terroir, Columbia Valley lavishes sensual black-fruit characteristics into this exquisite wine.

In pursuit of pure perfection, the 2019 vintage underwent 20-month oak ageing, combining both French and American barrels to create a rich tapestry of layered flavours. Displaying an inviting amalgamation of blackcurrant, black cherry, and baking spices on the nose, these aromas gracefully transition into delectable dark fruit flavours interwoven with traces of sweet vanilla and toasted oak on the palate. Boasting a full-bodied structure, velvety tannins and balanced acidity, the Duckhorn Columbia Valley Greenwing Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a triumph of winemaking, rewarding the discerning oenophile with a beautifully prolonged finish.

Experience the sumptuous delight that is the Duckhorn Decoy Zinfandel 2019. Originating from the globally recognised Californian winery, Duckhorn Vineyards, this wine has been exquisitely crafted from handpicked grapes to produce a rich, full-bodied Zinfandel. The growing season of 2019 offered perfect weather conditions, allowing the grapes to perfectly develop their deep, robust flavours. The winemakers vigilantly monitored the vines and meticulously timed the harvest, harnessing the distinct character of Zinfandel at its peak. Made in the traditional red wine style, fermentation in stainless steel tanks before ageing in French oak barrels ensures superior taste and texture.

The Duckhorn Decoy Zinfandel 2019 is a deep, velvety wine that captivates the senses with its luscious black cherry, raspberry and spicy clove notes, perfectly balanced by its subtle hints of mocha. A truly exceptional example of the mastery of Duckhorn Vineyards, the Decoy Zinfandel 2019 adds a distinguished touch to any occasion.

Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, a premium offering from Napa Valley's pioneering winemakers at Duckhorn Vineyards. Founded in 1976, Duckhorn has an enduring legacy for crafting world-class wines with rich varietal character. Their 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies this commitment, produced from carefully selected Napa Valley grapes, contributing to its intricate palette of flavours.

This wine exhibits a splendid complexity, brimming with layers of black cherry, blueberry, and plum melded beautifully with hints of liquorice and dark chocolate. It has been expertly crafted, aged in premium French oak barrels, lending it a velvet-like texture and a graceful finish with notes of spice. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a burgeoning enthusiast, the Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2020's exquisite depth and quality promise an unforgettable tasting experience. Perfectly paired with succulent meats and cheeses, it is an inextricable part of any sophisticated dining occasion. Savour the mastery, tradition, and finesse of Duckhorn with this admirable vintage.

Unveiling the complexity of the esteemed Napa Valley, Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2019 is a well-balanced symphony of fruit and oak. Made by Duckhorn Vineyards, a sterling name in winemaking since 1976, this Merlot encapsulates their commitment to producing distinctive wines that express much-loved varietals. Sourced from premier vineyards across Napa Valley, each bunch of ripe, luscious grapes is handpicked to ensure the highest quality. Expertly crafted using traditional French oak ageing, this bold Merlot offers pronounced aromas of ripe plum and cherry, underscored by hints of milk chocolate and cedar. Rounding off on the palate, it boasts velvety tannins and a layered finish. Echoing the unique terroir of Napa Valley, Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2019 demonstrates grace and power in equal measure. A resplendent reflection of Duckhorn Vineyards' commitment to fine winemaking, it stands as an exceptional embodiment of the quintessential Californian Merlot.

Crafted in the Napa Valley's unique terroir, Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2020 is a paragon of finesse and complexity. Born in the legendary Paraduxx and Goldeneye vineyards, it encapsulates the masterly vinification techniques that are characteristically Duckhorn Vineyards. This excellence began in 1976 with the Duckhorn’s pioneering conviction for Merlot as a standalone varietal. Hand-harvested, sustainably-cultivated grapes undergo traditional techniques of fermentation and maceration in French oak barrels.

Expressive aromas of plum, black cherry, and mocha introduce Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2020. A palate brimming with boysenberry, brown spice, and structured tannins is a luscious tribute to its superior ageing potential. Enjoy this diverse pairing companion, be it succulent beef tenderloin or gourmet mushrooms. Make no mistake, Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2020 is not just a wine; it's an embodiment of an impressive legacy. Decant it and behold the radiance of the Napa Valley in your glass!