Hidden Gem: This wine is a beautiful expression of high-elevation Cabernet Franc grown in California. The Red Hills sub-Ava in Lake County has iron-rich soil, translating into complex, fully flavored wines with red berries, dark plum, sweet cigar, and star anise on the nose. The flavors on the palate are high-energy, bright, raspberry, Mulberry, Sage, orange, and vanilla cream, with supple acidity creating a mouth-watering finish.— Tonya Pitts
Similar Posts
The platinum and gold awards are flowing
We are honored to have received a platinum and three gold medals from the 2020 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.
2017 Petite Sirah / The Syrah Queen
Byjuliek
This is a fantastic Petite Sirah from Lake County. Nearly oxblood in color, aromas of ripe blackberry and nutmeg give way to nuanced flavor profile. Notes of deep, dark chocolate, raspberry and spice give way to rich, velvety tannins. Pair with grilled steak with peppercorn sauce or chocolate souffle.
2019 Petite Sirah / Isaac Baker
Deep purple color. The nose shows a nice mix of tangy plums and blueberries, with spicy pepper, anise, some coffee, toffee and mocha. Nice grip on the palate but the tannins have these suave edges and the acidity is really nice, balancing out the deep plum and currant fruit. Notes of black olive, tar, mocha, black pepper and bell pepper add complexity, and I love the deep, earthy, mineral and stony vibes in here. There’s a ton of freshness in here for a Petite Sirah. This puppy will age wonderfully. All PS aged in all French oak.
2023 Cabernet Franc / 91 Points / James Suckling
From the winery’s biodynamic-certified estate vineyard reaching elevations as high as 2,200 feet, this is a highly aromatic red with a perfume of chocolate-covered cherry and new leather. On the palate, the grip is firm and dusty, Italian herbs, iron and taut acidity settle atop a mineral base.
2022 Block Three / 93 Points / Tasting Panel
Still youthful in demeanor, this wine possesses a savory, earthy Old World character that reveals itself through graphite, Italian herbs and defined tension and grip. Acidity rears up, adding freshness to a flow of black raspberry.
2016 Block Three Cabernet Sauvignon / 94 points / Tasting Panel
From the estate’s 18-acre biodynamic mountain vineyard at 2,00o feet elevation, we are constantly in awe of the dynamism of these wines. Starting with rocky, red volcanic soils and aged for 25 months in French oak, this small production red (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) offers up violets and iron on the nose. Chalky, dry cocoa-cherry wood tannins produce a thrilling mouthfeel. Muted dried blue flowers and Italian herbs are saturated by black cherry.