Wine Advocate (98+)

Realm took over the management of Farella vineyard in 2018. Since then, winemaker Benoit Touquette explained their focus has been to open out the canopy, creating better exposure for the fruit, aiming to achieve riper tannins. A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and a powerful, expressive nose of baked plums, juicy blackberries and blackcurrant pastilles, plus touches of black olives, lavender and cinnamon stick, with a waft of fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate is seriously dense and muscular, featuring a rock-solid foundation of super ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and energy. A spectacular showing for Farella!

Vinous (97)

From the Realm Estate in Stags Leap, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is an elegant, sophisticated Cabernet that shows the nuanced side of Stags Leap in its red-toned fruit profile, floral aromatics and mid-weight structure. I would give the 2019 at least a few years in the bottle. There is a certain approachability to the 2019, but ultimately I think that might be a bit deceptive relative to the wine's ultimate potential.

Wine Advocate (99)

Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color, requiring a little coaxing before it spills out of the glass with fantastically showy blackberry preserves, boysenberries and cassis notes, plus hints of black raspberries, clove oil and potpourri, with a touch of tobacco leaf. The decadent, full-bodied palate sports a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins with beautiful freshness. All that generous black fruit melds seamlessly into a very long, mineral-laced finish.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

The 2019 The Bard checks in as 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, and it’s another dense, rich, powerful wine from this team that readers are going to absolutely love. Coming from throughout the valley (it’s always a great representation of the vintage), it offers up a brilliant nose of crème de cassis, ripe plums, graphite, scorched earth, and chocolate. About as seamless as they come on the palate, it’s full-bodied and has a thrilling texture, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It’s one of those wines where I feel like I’m overusing adjectives, but it’s warranted.

Vinous (96)

The 2019 The Tempest, Realm's Merlot based red, is not surprisingly, quite accessible. Super-ripe blackberry, cherry jam, sweet spice, licorice and new oak all flesh out as this succulent, hugely inviting wine shows off its considerable charm. The 2019 is a looker, that's for sure. The blend is Merlot from Realm Estate, Farella and Orchard, with Cabernet Sauvignon from Houyi.

Vinous (96)

The 2019 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is a wine of nearly indescribable finesse. The sweet floral and savory bouquet alone is so enticing. Bright beams of minerality give the 2019 a feeling of energy that builds with time in the glass. The Alpine is not terribly forthcoming today, but it is clearly a long distance runner. Give it time in bottle. The 15% whole clusters are nicely integrated.

Vinous (96)

The 2019 Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard is laced with the essence of crushed rocks, white pepper, orchard fruit, white flowers, chalk and mint. It is a bit less forthcoming than the Alpine Chardonnay. Saline notes build into the palate staining finish. This classically austere young Chardonnay just needs time in bottle. Tasted next to the Alpine, the Horseshoe has more mid-palate weight and feeling of phenolic intensity. The differences between the two are remarkable considering the sites are just 400 yards apart. The Horseshoe is planted on Monterey shale, while the soils at Alpine are Purisima, a formation that is about 8 million years younger. Such is the complexity of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Vinous (96)

The 2019 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard is one of the most powerful, structured wines in this lineup. It has so much to offer, but very clearly needs quiet a bit of time. Strong mineral and savory accents drive the balance today. Crushed rocks, tobacco, cedar and earthy notes are very much in the foreground, while the fruit appears quite reticent at this stage. The Horseshoe was done with fully destemmed fruit and yet it is quite closed. I can hardly wait to taste it with some time in bottle.

Vinous (97)

The 2019 Pinot Noir Porcupine Hill is a beautifully translucent, nuanced Pinot that shows the heights of finesse that are possible in Anderson Valley. A wine of unreal subtlety and nuance, the Porcupine Hill hits so many high notes. Crushed red berry, mint, spice, tobacco, cedar, rose petal and espresso build over time. As always, the Porcupine Hill Pinot is sourced from high-density blocks on the property and is done with minimal whole clusters.

Vinous (92)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers a hugely appealing mix of fruit richness married to the savory, structured style that is the Ridge signature. The 2019 is beautifully exotic, but natural without the volume of the Monte Bello. I imagine it will drink splendidly with minimal cellaring. Succulent red cherry, blood orange, mint, cinnamon and pomegranate.

Vinous (94)

The 2019 Geyserville marks a pretty huge step up in this range. What a wine! Black cherry, plum, chocolate, cloves, menthol and licorice blast across the palate. Deep and saturated, with tremendous concentration, the 2019 Geyserville is a wine to cellar for at least a few years. Today, it is positively stunning.

Vinous (95)

The 2019 Lytton Springs is another embryonic wine in this range. Readers will have to be patient. Time in the glass brings out an exotic mélange of rose petal, blood orange, pomegranate and star anise, all wrapped together by plush, silky tannins. There is a lot of wine here. Healthy dollops of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mataro round out the blend, but the Zinfandel is pretty expressive in the leading role.

Vinous (97-100)

The 2019 Monte Bello, tasted from barrel, is insanely beautiful. Vibrant, deep and pulsing with energy, the 2019 simply has it all. How will it turn out in bottle? I can’t say just yet. But this barrel sample shipped across the country is positively dazzling, so the wine’s potential is clear. The 2019 offers superb fruit density, with mid-weight structure, bright acids and plenty of tannin. It could very well turn out to be epic.

Vinous (97-100)

The 2019 Monte Bello, tasted from barrel, is insanely beautiful. Vibrant, deep and pulsing with energy, the 2019 simply has it all. How will it turn out in bottle? I can’t say just yet. But this barrel sample shipped across the country is positively dazzling, so the wine’s potential is clear. The 2019 offers superb fruit density, with mid-weight structure, bright acids and plenty of tannin. It could very well turn out to be epic.

Vinous (97-100)

The 2019 Monte Bello, tasted from barrel, is insanely beautiful. Vibrant, deep and pulsing with energy, the 2019 simply has it all. How will it turn out in bottle? I can’t say just yet. But this barrel sample shipped across the country is positively dazzling, so the wine’s potential is clear. The 2019 offers superb fruit density, with mid-weight structure, bright acids and plenty of tannin. It could very well turn out to be epic.

Vinous (97-100)

The 2019 Monte Bello, tasted from barrel, is insanely beautiful. Vibrant, deep and pulsing with energy, the 2019 simply has it all. How will it turn out in bottle? I can’t say just yet. But this barrel sample shipped across the country is positively dazzling, so the wine’s potential is clear. The 2019 offers superb fruit density, with mid-weight structure, bright acids and plenty of tannin. It could very well turn out to be epic.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Pure perfection from Napa Valley, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is, as always, all Cabernet Sauvignon from an incredible site in Rutherford that spent 21 months in 70% new French oak. Incredible aromatics of crème de cassis, darker currants, smoke, tobacco, and assorted floral notes all define the bulk of the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, with a multi-dimensional, layered texture, ultra-fine tannins, and perfect balance. This is such a magical site, and this wine consistently checks in with the greatest wines of the world. It already offers pleasure yet should have 30 years of overall longevity. Hats off to winemaker Celia Welch and the team at Scarecrow.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Pure perfection from Napa Valley, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is, as always, all Cabernet Sauvignon from an incredible site in Rutherford that spent 21 months in 70% new French oak. Incredible aromatics of crème de cassis, darker currants, smoke, tobacco, and assorted floral notes all define the bulk of the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, with a multi-dimensional, layered texture, ultra-fine tannins, and perfect balance. This is such a magical site, and this wine consistently checks in with the greatest wines of the world. It already offers pleasure yet should have 30 years of overall longevity. Hats off to winemaker Celia Welch and the team at Scarecrow.

In the realm of fine wine, the Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer LPV Piedras 2019 reigns supreme. Hailing from the revered Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard in the heart of Napa Valley, California, its pedigree is simply unmatched. Winemaking luminary Thomas Rivers Brown honed this exceptional varietal under the auspices of Schrader Cellars, garnering it unparalleled prestige.

Highbrow critics recognise this Cabernet Sauvignon for its robust personality, shimmering with layers of black fruit, cream of cassis, and dark chocolate, leading to a profoundly sensual finish. Its rich tones derive from an 18-month barrel ageing in the finest French oak. Meticulous attention to detail throughout the vinification process showcases the characteristics synonymous with Schrader's single-vineyard wines - stellar depth, intricacy, and a plush texture. Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer LPV Piedras 2019 truly stands as an impressive addendum to any discerning collector's cellar, offering an unrivalled experience for the palate that elevates the simplest of moments to an occasion.

Derived from some of Napa Valley's most coveted vineyards, the Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon GIII Beckstoffer Georges III 2019 is an exquisite blend embodying the region's distinguished winemaking prowess. This vintage, produced by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, showcases the sheer quality of Schrader's boutique vineyards. Grown in the legendary Beckstoffer Georges III vineyard, renowned for its velvety, rich soils, the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit quality is flawless.

The Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon GIII Beckstoffer Georges III 2019 was crafted through meticulous fruit selection, traditional winemaking methods and barrel aging for 20 months. Expressing distinctive ripened blackcurrant, ripe plum, and cocoa undertones, this profoundly deep and complex wine caters to both the avid connoisseur and novice wine lover, offering a nuanced palate composed of purity, intensity and velvety tannins. With limited production, it represents a rare find for collectors and wine enthusiasts.

Indulge in the quintessential representation of Californian Cabernet Sauvignon, exuding both power and elegance encapsulated in a bottle.

The Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon 2019 is an opulent embodiment of luxury from the famed Beckstoffer Vineyards. This exquisite wine comes from the globally acclaimed winemaker, Thomas Brown. Carefully crafted in the heart of Napa Valley, this wine boasts a distinct, well-structured character forged by the unique terroir of the Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard — coveted as a 'Grand Cru' of Napa. The grapes are fermented in French Oak barrels, resulting in a rich pour that strikes a harmonious chord between ripe black fruit and sweet spice tones.

Schrader's insistence on minimal interference during vinification translates to a wine that stays true to its origin. Drinking the Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon 2019 is a chance to sample the bold, robust, and sensuously layered flavours hailed in wine circles as an authentic expression of one of Napa Valley's premier terroirs.

Schrader CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is an opulent offering from the prestigious Napa Valley vineyards. Specially curated by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, it reflects the exquisite calibre of Schrader’s viticultural artistry. This wine is a product of meticulous hand harvesting and sorting, combined with state-of-the-art winemaking techniques.

It invites a sensory experience with its deep, inky purple color, followed by a sophisticated bouquet of dark fruits and a complex fusion of cacao and spice on the palate. The luscious layers unfold gracefully with silky tannins and linger on the finish. This fine red wine is the epitome of brilliance and balance, reflecting the exceptional terroir of the Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard.

With its illustrious decades-old heritage, the Schrader CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 represents an exceptional contribution to fine wine excellence; a statement vintage that's quintessentially opulent and beautifully complex.

Delight in the luxurious qualities of the Schrader Mayacamas Range Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, an acclaimed vintage from celebrated vintner, Fred Schrader. Grapes for this exquisite Cabernet are handpicked from the illustrious vineyards of the Mayacamas Mountain Range, California. Fermented in French oak barrels, this prestigious red wine combines a sonorous depth of flavour with a vivacious freshness, capturing the unique terroir with finesse.

The Schrader Mayacamas Range Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 delivers layered undertones of ripe fruit, dried herbs, and savoury earthiness, leading to a captivating finish. Pour a glass to appreciate the elegant aroma or enjoy a bottle with gourmet dining for a most exceptional experience. Celebrate any occasion with this superb wine, and allow the rich, vibrant tastes of the Schrader Mayacamas Range Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 to elevate your palate to new heights.

Wine Spectator (94)

'#1 in Wine Spectator Top 100 2022' - Packs in generous steeped plum, boysenberry and mulberry flavors backed by a broad swath of roasted alder and bittersweet cocoa. Brimming with dense fruit, and is squarely in the not-shy style. The long finish has a serious loamy tug, too. Best from 2023 through 2035. 10,000 cases made.

Vinous (100)

The 2019 Screaming Eagle is a wine of mind-blowing elegance and finesse that stand apart from the generally more potent style of so many wines in this vintage. Deep, sensual and beautifully layered, the 2019 is simply magnificent from the very first taste. A whole range of red/purplish fruit, spice, leather, dried herb and blood orange accents give the 2019 its vivid, wonderfully detailed personality. Because of its price, both on release and in the secondary market, Screaming Eagle is the most talked about wine in Napa Valley. It is hype or not? All I can say is that I was very fortunate to drink a number of older vintages during lockdown and all those wines lived up to their reputations.