2019 Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, USA (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES: 

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of black currant, plum, and blackberry with subtle notes of dried herb, coffee, and loamy earth. Layered in complexity with flavors of dark cherry and cocoa, this wine has rich, refined tannins that lead to a long, elegant finish.

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc

TASTING NOTES: 

Made with 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a fresh, juicy, firm profile with a dense core of dark fruit and dusty florals. Lifted aromas of spiced cherry, plum skin and fresh blackberry add complexity to the nose. Full-bodied and firm on the palate, it features a delightful tannic edge and a balanced expression of spicy oak as the wine unpacks along the ever-evolving finish. This beauty will remain food friendly and age-worthy until its 21st birthday, perhaps even longer. Grapes from the Quintessence, Col Solare Estate and Shaw vineyards were used. The wine aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, and approximately 36,000 bottles were produced.

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 pts. 

A study in refinement and elegance, fruit takes a back seat to floral, savoury and mineral elements in the wine's aromatics of violet, lavender, sage and subtle black currant. The palate continues to demonstrate grace with black tea, crushed stone, savoury garrigue and cassis flavours. Beautiful.

- Decanter, 95 pts. 

This is attractive, with crushed blackberries and blackcurrants, chocolate orange, anisette and spicy herbs. Full-bodied with tight and compact yet finely polished tannins. Structured and firm with finesse and a velvety mouth-feel. It slowly reveals dark-fruit character as it progresses, which lasts long on the palate. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. Needs some time to soften. Try from 2025.

- James Suckling, 94 pts. 

Beautifully balanced with a silky mouthfeel, this wine's rich black fruit aromas tip-toe up to cassis territory. Tinier notes of lilac and pork fat hitting the red-hot coals of a grill are stunning. Blackberry, black tea, orange peel and dark chocolate flavors are winning in every way.

- Wine Enthusiast, 92 pts. 

Refined and expressive, with multilayered blackberry, savory tarragon and stony mineral flavors that build tension and structure toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2030. 2,992 cases made.

- Wine Spectator, 92 pts.