2023 Block Three Cabernet / 97 Points / Tasting Panel

His 2016 Block Three is yet another stunning Cab from Mitch, on a par with more famous wineries in neighboring Napa. This vintage is rich and dense, with aromas of blackberry and spice, a note of graphite and beautifully integrated tannins. A Platinum Award winner at the 2020 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.

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.

Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry and cassis. In the mouth, rich black cherry flavors have a decent lift thanks to good acidity, and hints of cola and tobacco as the wine finishes under a gauzy blanket of tannins. Dark and rich and thankfully not marred with excessive oak treatment.

More elegant than blockbuster, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is our favorite of the three vintages we tasted. The bouquet is redolent of dark cassis complemented by notes of earth and underbrush. There’s a lovely, silky texture to the mouthfilling palate and nice integration of blackberry fruit and toasted oak.  The tannins are still youthful but ripe. A wine that will only improve with a couple of years bottle age.

Excellent fruit concentration and generous oak shadings make this full-bodied, layered wine a winner. Black cherries and blackberries blend with subtle cinnamon, cedar and vanilla notes on a mouth-filling, moderately tannic texture.