2019 Red Hills Lake County Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon Sparkling Wine
By James Melendez
93 points
2019 Red Hills Lake County Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon Sparkling Wine
By James Melendez
93 points
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon shows earth and dark red berries on the nose. It’s a bit lighter in weight with less fruit than the younger vintages of this wine, but it’s well balanced with firm, round tannins. Fruit and oak are well integrated, and it’s drinking nicely now.
Notes of blackberries, savory herbs, red plum, baking spice, cedar, leather, underbrush, cocoa, oak and licorice. Slight tartness on the palate, more of a medium bodied mouthfeel to it despite its 14% ABV. Medium plus acidity, big tannins, slightly herbaceous finish. Stayed very consistent across 3 days while picking up a very attractive mint and savory herb note near the end, this wine is built to last so no rush to consume.
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-cherrywood tannins produce a thrilling mouthfeel. Muted dried blue flowers and Italian herbs are saturated by black cherry.
The winery’s first release of this variety shows remarkable success in bringing out the best of its nature. Crushed stone and dried violets merge with a blackberry chocolate wash. Farmed with Biodynamic certification “closed system” on their 180-acre mountain estate. Slick and opulent.
Garnet red. Ripe dark red berry and plum with vanilla and cedar show on the nose. Richer and fuller than the 2008 vintage, it’s softer on the attack with more notable ripeness than the 2010. Attractive cedary spice is married to spicy huckleberry, plum and cassis on the palate. There are fine firm tannins on the finish.
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.