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
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.
Seductive oak-spice aromas and a rich but gentle palate make this full-bodied wine compelling and delicious. Cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and cigar-box scents lead to ripe blueberry and mocha flavors and relatively soft tannins.
When you drink wine for pleasure (don’t take it for granted – there are many reasons why people drink wine – to fit into the crowd, to be socially accepted, to show your status – drinking for pleasure is only one of the reasons), mystery, art, magic – call it whatever way you want, but it all comes to a play when you take a sip. Wine is a complete mystery as you have no idea what will be your conscious and subconscious reaction to the experience of that sip – what memories will come to mind?
The nose is concentrated yet lifted and fresh, with notes of dark cherry compote, violets, beets and spices. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and acidity, showing layers of blackcurrants, mocha, cassis and sweet spices. Drink now.
Showing a multifaceted bouquet of dark red fruit and earthy tobacco, the 2013 Cab is a bit lighter than the 2016 vintage, but it offers lots of sweet dark fruit flavors accompanied by notes of pepper and tobacco. There’s well integrated oak and a persistent finish with solid tannins. A great steak wine.
A powerful, full-flavored red that offers abundant cherry, rose petal and iron aromas followed by densely concentrated red and black fruit flavors. It’s full-bodied, sturdily tannic and balanced by good acidity for freshness. Raspberries, minerals, toasted cedar and wild herbs. Drinkable now, but best from 2029.