Jeb Dunnuck (99)

I was blown away by the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon DVO, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc made as a collaboration between the team at Dalla Valle and Ornellaia. Remarkable notes of red and black currants, spring flowers, lead pencil, loamy earth, and classy oak all emerge from this young yet amazingly balanced, seamless Cabernet. Full-bodied on the palate and perfectly balanced, with silky tannins, it will probably be as good as it gets with 7-8 years of bottle age and is a magical Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that will evolve for 30 years or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

I was also able to taste the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is an utterly classic Napa Cabernet with its layered, expansive mouthfeel and majestic style. Red and black currants, savory herbs, tobacco, new leather, and pressed roses all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a deep, layered mouthfeel, an incredible salinity and minerality, and a gorgeous finish. It's pure class and elegance married with incredible Napa fruit. As with many 2019s, it already offers pleasure yet this should benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and I wouldn t be surprised to see it evolve for 30+ years.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

I was also able to taste the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is an utterly classic Napa Cabernet with its layered, expansive mouthfeel and majestic style. Red and black currants, savory herbs, tobacco, new leather, and pressed roses all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a deep, layered mouthfeel, an incredible salinity and minerality, and a gorgeous finish. It's pure class and elegance married with incredible Napa fruit. As with many 2019s, it already offers pleasure yet this should benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and I wouldn t be surprised to see it evolve for 30+ years.

James Suckling (97)

Very subtle aromas of green apple, pear, kumquat and light peach. Medium to full body with a really refined nature, showing similar flavors to the nose, as well as lightly toasted oak and acacia and nut undertones. Honeydew melon and lilac, too. Refined and savory. Delicious complexity. Drink or hold.

EnRoute Pinot Noir Pommiers 2019, crafted by the esteemed EnRoute winery, exemplifies superior winemaking tradition. Nestled in the prestigious Russian River Valley appellation of California, the winery employs meticulous artisan techniques to capture the distinctive flavours of various vineyard sites.

Proprietary clones are hand-selected, and meticulously farmed until they reach optimal maturity, then hand-sorted at harvest to ensure pristine quality. Each small lot is fermented separately to preserve the individual character. Vinted utilising traditional Burgundian practices including open top fermenters and native yeast fermentation, this Pinot Noir bursts with complex, layered red fruit tones.

The 2019 vintage marries rich intensity with graceful elegance, offering enticing aromas of ripe black cherry, dried flowers and exotic spice, leading to plush, full-bodied palate, with a harmonious, lingering finish. Trust this meticulously crafted, iconic EnRoute Pinot Noir Pommiers 2019 for an elevated wine experience.

Vinous (89)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a straightforward, easygoing effort. The Far Niente Cabernets typically show a bit more depth and creaminess, but the 2019 comes across a bit light and lacking in depth. Dark red plum, mocha, spice and new leather linger.

Vinous (89)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a straightforward, easygoing effort. The Far Niente Cabernets typically show a bit more depth and creaminess, but the 2019 comes across a bit light and lacking in depth. Dark red plum, mocha, spice and new leather linger.

Vinous (89)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a straightforward, easygoing effort. The Far Niente Cabernets typically show a bit more depth and creaminess, but the 2019 comes across a bit light and lacking in depth. Dark red plum, mocha, spice and new leather linger.

Decanter (100)

A new addition to the Place de Bordeaux this year - the eponymous project of husband and wife duo; viticulturist Annie Favia and winemaker Andy Erickson. A beautifully scented nose full of rose and violet touches, the Cabernet Franc nuances leap from the glass - fresh and minty, full of herbal sun-kissed ripe fruit but pristinely delivered. Smooth and driving on the palate, crunchy, crisp flavours give a real bite to the palate - red berries, blackcurrants and raisins, all nicely integrated and balanced. This doesn't feel super worked and polished, instead it gives crystalline iron-minerality, lifted acidity and fragrance throughout - real signatures of the terroir and the minimal interventionist winemaking style - the grapes speak more than the winemaking. I just love the sense of wildness, a smoked touch with blue fruits, Asian spices and slightly angular tannins but with ripe fruit giving the body and cool acidity giving the freshness. A stunning wine and welcome addition to the Place. Ageing in French oak barrels (50% new).

Vinous (98)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville is a blend mostly from Meteor. A stunning wine, the 2019 possesses off the charts richness and tremendous depth that just builds with time in the glass. Inky dark fruit, plum, spice, licorice, menthol and crushed berries saturate the palate. The 2019 is one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Andy Erickson and Annie Favia. Don't miss it.

Experience the distinctive taste of Fortunate Son The Warrior 2019, exquisite wine crafted in the renowned vineyards of Sonoma County, California. This bold red blend exhibits a smooth, harmonious composition of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grape varieties, matured splendidly in a balanced climate of cool nights and warm days.

Employing a traditional fermentation process in stainless steel vats with gentle pump-overs, the Warrior 2019 demonstrates the Fortunate Son winery's commitment to preserving the integrity and characteristics of each varietal. Aged in French oak barrels, this grand cuvée unveils intricate layers of blackberry, cassis and anise, underscored by notes of mocha and subtle earthiness.

Fortunate Son The Warrior 2019 encapsulates the unwavering dedication of its producers to quality and complexity. A testament of excellence, it seamlessly melds time-honoured techniques and modern innovation, making this full-bodied wine a precious addition to any well-curated collection.

Vinous (95-98)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up be another jewel of a wine from Rosemary Cakebread. Ample and explosive, the Cabernet shows all of the natural richness of the vintage in spades. Whereas the 2018 is bright and somewhat reticent, the 2019 is very much an extrovert. I would give it a few years to soften and shed some baby fat. Crème de cassis, licorice and lavender add the closing shades of complexity.

Experience the exquisite Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2019, meticulously crafted in California's premier cool-climate wine region. This meticulously selected grape variety, suited to the foggy mornings and sunny afternoons of Anderson Valley, lends to the wine's notable depth and complexity. Sustainably farmed, hand-picked, and gently pressed, its intricate journey from vineyard to bottle reflects Goldeneye's commitment to quality.

An intriguing dance of black cherry, raspberry, and forest floor notes, this remarkable Pinot Noir exudes a vibrant nose of red fruit and baking spices. The palate, velvety smooth yet refreshingly vibrant, boasts a rich spectrum of dark berries contrasted by balanced acidity and supple tannins. Lovingly nurtured for 16 months in French Oak barrels, Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2019 attains a perfect synergy of fruit, spice, and earthy undertones that will resonate with even the most discerning wine aficionado.

The Wine Independent (100)

The 2019 Harlan Estate is deep garnet-purple in color. It swans out of the glass with graceful notions of fresh blackberries and boysenberries, leading to a core of blackcurrant pastilles and licorice, followed by suggestions of spice cake, dusty soil, cinnamon stick, and Sichuan pepper. The rich, black-fruited, full-bodied palate is sparked with electric black berry and earthy accents, framed by exquisitely ripe tannins and compelling tension, finishing long and earthy. Stunning!

Vinous (98)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is another fabulous wine in this range from Hourglass. It possesses tremendous depth and gravitas. Dark fruit, graphite, spice, chocolate and new leather all build as this potent, extroverted wine shows off its personality. St. Helena's Northern Corridor is famous for big, dramatic Cabernets. The Hourglass Cabernet is a terrific example. I loved the 2019 from barrel and am every bit as enthusiastic today. What a wine!

The Wine Independent (99)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Morgan's Way Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon bursts with flamboyant notes of black cherries, blackcurrant preserves, and blackberry pie with nuances of Chinese five spice, spearmint, and cast-iron pan. The full-bodied palate is tightly wound with firm, perfectly ripe, fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension supporting the muscular bright black and red fruits, finishing long and minerally.

The Wine Independent (99)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Morgan's Way Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon bursts with flamboyant notes of black cherries, blackcurrant preserves, and blackberry pie with nuances of Chinese five spice, spearmint, and cast-iron pan. The full-bodied palate is tightly wound with firm, perfectly ripe, fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension supporting the muscular bright black and red fruits, finishing long and minerally.

James Suckling (95)

This shows notes of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants with hints of licorice, cloves, walnuts and chocolate. It has full body and a velvety tannin structure. Juicy and vibrant fruit on the palate with a touch of earthiness. Smooth and delicious. Long, fruity finish. Very pure fruit. Try after 2024.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

A storrming, stonking Napa wine, playing at the top of its game in 2019. Somehow takes the power and concentration of Napa but makes it full of texture, life, light and shade. Espresso, liqourice root, cocoa bean, cassis, cranberry, black cherry, cold ash and crayon. Hard not to fall in love with, nothing overdone, everything in its place. Winemaker Todd DeVincezi, consultant winemaker Philippe Bascaules. All aged in French oak barrels, 75% new.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

A storrming, stonking Napa wine, playing at the top of its game in 2019. Somehow takes the power and concentration of Napa but makes it full of texture, life, light and shade. Espresso, liqourice root, cocoa bean, cassis, cranberry, black cherry, cold ash and crayon. Hard not to fall in love with, nothing overdone, everything in its place. Winemaker Todd DeVincezi, consultant winemaker Philippe Bascaules. All aged in French oak barrels, 75% new.

Decanter (94)

Ripe and concentrated on the nose, smells full. Gorgeous texture and overall impression in the mouth. I love the sticky liquorice aspect to the black cherries, blackcurrants and plum fruit, it's not spicy so much as in piquant but the hints of cinnamon and tobacco leaf give that added complexity and edge to the concentrated fruit. It's a bold style, but I like the sweetness and the acidity keeping it lifted. It's a joyful expression, easy to drink. Rich and round but not heavy, there really is nothing not to like here. Amazing for the price! 1% Malbec completes the blend. Ageing 18 months in 48% new oak (58% French, 42% American) and 52% older French and American oak barrels before bottling.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

Another beautiful wine from this team, the 2019 Insignia is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes smaller amounts of Merlot and Malbec, brought up all in new barrels, sourced from seven estate vineyards. It has a classic varietal and incredibly complex nose of crème de cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, green tobacco, and damp earth, with a kiss of background sappy spring flowers. Seemingly from a cooler year with its freshness, vibrancy, and herbal, floral character on the nose, it's nevertheless full-bodied and beautifully concentrated on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, layered mouthfeel, and a gorgeous finish. Unquestionably up with the finest vintages of this cuvée, this is legit awesome juice that’s going to offer incredible pleasure over the coming 20-25 years. Hats off to winemaker Ashley Hepworth.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

Another beautiful wine from this team, the 2019 Insignia is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes smaller amounts of Merlot and Malbec, brought up all in new barrels, sourced from seven estate vineyards. It has a classic varietal and incredibly complex nose of crème de cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, green tobacco, and damp earth, with a kiss of background sappy spring flowers. Seemingly from a cooler year with its freshness, vibrancy, and herbal, floral character on the nose, it's nevertheless full-bodied and beautifully concentrated on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, layered mouthfeel, and a gorgeous finish. Unquestionably up with the finest vintages of this cuvée, this is legit awesome juice that’s going to offer incredible pleasure over the coming 20-25 years. Hats off to winemaker Ashley Hepworth.

Wine Advocate (100)

Deep purple-black, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard rockets out of the glass with intense notes of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves and blueberry pie, plus hints of Chinese five spice, dusty soil, menthol, tar and black truffles, with a waft of roses. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise, delivering layer upon layer of vibrant black and blue fruits with a rock-solid backbone of super ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and just plain delicious. Pure, seemingly effortless, seamless perfection. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 80% new French oak, the alcohol is a relatively modest 14.3%. 300 cases were made.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Another brilliant vintage for this cuvée, the 2019 Syrah Hangman's offers a beautiful bouquet of both red and blue fruits as well as classic cool-climate Syrah notes of bacon fat, violets, orange blossom, iron, and hints of tapenade. Full-bodied on the palate, it has a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, sweet tannins, no hard edges, and an incredible finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This magical Syrah will stand up to anything coming out of California today. It should evolve for 10-15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Another brilliant vintage for this cuvée, the 2019 Syrah Hangman's offers a beautiful bouquet of both red and blue fruits as well as classic cool-climate Syrah notes of bacon fat, violets, orange blossom, iron, and hints of tapenade. Full-bodied on the palate, it has a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, sweet tannins, no hard edges, and an incredible finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This magical Syrah will stand up to anything coming out of California today. It should evolve for 10-15 years.

The Keplinger Lithic 2019 is a gourmet rarity born from the diverse terroirs of California. Crafted under the meticulous guidance of Helen Keplinger, this regal blend comprises Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre varietals, carefully sourced from unique vineyards in Amador County. A blend representing the elemental splendour, ‘Lithic’ denotes the stony and mineral-rich soils wherefrom this exquisite wine derives its signature character. The handpicked grapes undergo traditional winemaking processes, maturing exquisitely in French oak barrels, resulting in a wine of impeccable balance and character.

The Keplinger Lithic 2019 is renowned for its remarkable structure and depth. It unfolds with notes of vibrant red-berry fruit intermingling with nuances of cracked pepper and dried herbs, the palate displaying a splendid harmony of intensity and elegance. Finish is enduring, ensuring a captivating drinking experience - a true testament to Helen Keplinger's mastery in viticulture and vinification.

Presenting a truly exceptional Californian wine, the Keplinger Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. Masterfully crafted by renowned winemaker Helen Keplinger, an inductee into the Food and Wine Hall of Fame, and sourced from the esteemed Oakville AVA, Napa Valley - a region lauded for its impeccable Cabernet Sauvignon.

Keplinger Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is an extraordinary amalgamation of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, hand-selected from the sun-kissed, well-draining soils of the Oakville Ranch. Raised in French oak barrels, this exquisite vintage weaves a complex tapestry of flavours, where blueberries, violets and graphite meld seamlessly with hints of exotic spices and undercurrents of earthy truffles and cedar.

With exemplary structure, silky tannins and an everlasting finish, the Keplinger Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 unveils layers of depth and distinction, exuding the essence of supreme winemaking in each glass. This wine is pure opulence, embodying the heart and soul of its Napa Valley terroir.