Red Blends
2014 Fidelitas, M100
Columbia Valley, Washington
Showing aromas of currant, blackberry, plum and dark cherry that show with herbs, bay leaf, tomato stems, cedar, vanilla, baking chocolate, toast and oak. The palate is firm and austere, with juicy medium+ acidity, matching firm tannins and concentrated currant, blackberry, dark cherry and plum flavors with hearty herbs, tomato leaf and bay leaf notes. Bittersweet chocolate, vanilla and firm oak notes pull through the finish.
$15 – 90 Points
2012 Tait, The Ball Buster
Barossa Valley, Australia
77% Shiraz, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot. 12 months in used American (90%) and French (10%) Oak. Rich fruit forward aromas of wild boysenberry, marionberry, cherry, plum and blackberry are met with notes of black licorice, herbs vanilla and cassis. Ancillary scents of cigar box, roasted meats, sarsaparilla, violets and lavender. On the palate this wine has some heft but is balanced out with juicy acidity and ripe, smooth tannins. Flavors of cherry, marionberry, plum and blackberry wash over the palate carrying flavors of black licorice, vanilla, candied violets, cola, sage and other herbs as well as leather, and subtle spice notes. The finish is long and persistent.
$20 - 91 Points
2013 Tikal, Patriota
Mendoza, Argentina
60% Malbec, 40% Bonarda.
Aromas of blackberry, plum, black cherry, licorice pastille, cocoa powder and cracked black pepper are bold. Full bodied yet very balanced on the palate with layers of luscious raspberry, cherry, plum and cocoa powder with big peppery flavors. Just a hint of baking spice on the end brings it all together.
2012 Kuleto Estate, Native Son
Napa Valley, California
37% Zinfandel, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 14% Syrah, 12% Merlot, 1% Malbec aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak. Aromas of medium-plus intensity show complex aromas of pencil shavings, cedar, currant, raspberry and cassis, mountain herbs, with touches of vanilla, baking spice, blackberry and dark chocolate. On the warm palate, medium-plus bodied and smooth. Flavors of dark cherry, chocolate, cassis, vanilla, toasty oak, herbs, blackberry and hints of earth, blackberry and raspberry. The finish lingers with moderate complexity.
$20 – 92 Points
2014 Denner, The Ditch Digger
Paso Robles, California
60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise and 5% Cinsaut fermented 70% whole cluster. Aged for 18 months in 500L and 600L barrels, 15% new. Once in the glass beautiful and intense aromas of blackberry cream, juicy blueberry, huckleberry, orchids, bergamot, deep cherry, licorice and vanilla with hints of Chinese 5 spice, baking spices, star anise, white pepper and plum sauce. Rich and bold on the palate with firm cocoa powdery tannins, juicy medium-plus acidity and alcohol, all provide structure. Moderate-plus density as this wine crosses the mid-palate with a round, creamy texture. Bold flavors of rich blackberry, blueberry, huckleberry and boysenberry all coat the palate with suave notes of vanilla crème anglaise, ganache, licorice, baking spice, Luxardo cherries and shisha with an underlying floral presence.
2013 Paraduxx, Proprietary Red
Napa Valley, California
From the sister winery of Duckhorn this is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 10% Zinfandel, 4% Petit Verdot aged 18 months in oak, 95% French Oak, 5% American Oak (50% New).
Richly scented with aromas of toasty oak, vanilla soaked cherries, cassis, mocha, herbs and baking spice with subtle notes of pepper, framboise and dried florals.
Polished on the palate with a combination of creamy textures, silky refined tannins and juicy acidity. Flavors of cassis, raspberry and sweet cherry meet suave notes of double mocha, vanilla and toast with herbs, baking spice and crushed florals. Long and lingering through the finish.
2013 Quinta da Foz, Reserva
Douro, Portugal
A field blend of very old vineyards and made up of 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz and 30% Touriga Franca. Traditional feet treading is followed by a 15 day maceration in a stone fermenter. 18 months aging in French oak barrels.
This wine displays a range of aromatics consisting of blackberry, boysenberry, fig, plum and cranberry sauce with notes of fresh roast coffee, flowers, tobacco, toast, vanilla, French oak, herbs, mole and spice.
The palate is bold and saturated with deep flavors of plum, blackberry, cranberry sauce, fig and boysenberry preserve that is woven neatly with dark roast coffee, dried flowers, earth, tobacco, toast, graphite, herbs, and mole flavors of spice, dark chocolate and ancho. The tannins are firm and well integrated. The finish lingers with a grip.
2013 Maison Bleue, Métis
Columbia Valley, Washington
45% Grenache, 37%Syrah, 18% Mourvedre,
Showing masculine notes of aged meats, brine, black olives, black pepper, dried violets, cardamom and cinnamon spice with notes of blackberry, dark plum and wild berries with hints of sassafras, vanilla and anise.
The medium-bodied palate echoes with brined flavors of black olives and floral accents of rubbed dried violets with aged meats, black pepper and cardamom that weave into assorted forest berries, vanilla and sassafras that all linger through the finish.
2015 Quilceda Creek, CVR
Columbia Valley, Washington
81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot
A MWM favorite! From a collection of Washington’s most prized vineyards and almost unbeatable in its price point for quality! Deeply scented fruit forward notes of marionberry, fig, black plum and dark cherry that are followed by rich notes of mocha, and cassis and again with cigar box, spice and hints of violets and minerals.
The palate offers plush textures, super fine tannins and juicy acidity. Dense fruit on the palate shows rich notes of blackberry, dark cherry, fig and plum that intermingle with cassis, baking spice, mocha, vanilla, tea and hints of smoke, earth and mineral. The finish lingers with density letting the individual components stand out but also playing off each other with harmony. A glimpse into the spectacular 2015 vintage
2015 Kuleto Estate, India Ink
Napa Valley, California
60% Petite Sirah, 20% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon 6% Merlot, 5% Zinfandel, 3% Syrah. 16 months in French, American, and Hungarian Oak, 33% new. .
Dark, opaque and inky in the glass. Aromas show densely packed notes of baking spice, fig, blueberry, ripe blackberry, banana bread crust, brown sugar, vanilla, violets, mocha and toasty oak.
The palate reveals much of the same... Deep, dense flavors that show notes of mocha, toasted anise, baking spice, deep blueberry, fig, plum and blackberry notes that incorporate vanilla, toast and violet. This shows great density on the palate while being lifted by the moderate-moderate+ acidity and chocolaty tannins last through the long finish!
2013 Sinclair Estate Vineyards, Pentatonic
Columbia Valley, Washington
53% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petite Verdot. 19 Barrels produced.
Rich and polished aromas show dark cherry and cassis with scents of mocha, vanilla, plum, deep marionberry, cigar box, freshly sharpened pencil, herbs, new leather and hints of toast and spice.
The palate is polished and refined showing a velvety texture, silky-fine tannins, balanced acidity and decadent flavors of deeply penetrating cherry, cassis, plum, vanilla bean, sweet herbs and tobacco, leather and velour with rich mocha and hints of toast, graphite and wood. Long and intense through the finish.
2015 J. Bookwalter, Conflict
Columbia Valley, Washington
100% Connor Lee Vineyard. 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 8% Malbec Aged in new French oak Puncheons for 15 months before final blending and bottling.
Scents of toasted oak, baking spice and pepper blend with the aromas of currants, plum and black cherry with ancillary notes of bay leaf, pine, dark chocolate and sandalwood.
On the palate penetrating notes of cherry, redcurrant and plum show edgy notes of bay leaf, herbs and pine that intertwine with pepper, baking spice, cedar and cocoa dust. Full on the palate with structured acidity and smooth tannins. Lingering through the juicy finish.
2016 Quilceda Creek, CVR
Columbia Valley, Washington
87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
From open, through note, the nose is an absolute show stopper. Young but intense scents show notes of cigar box and cedar that meet aromas cassis, cherry and marionberry before revealing scents of herbs, graphite, vanilla bean, high-end dark chocolate, suede and toasted star anise.
Intense on the palate and no shortage of stuffing in this wine. The tannins are full, fine and plush with balanced acid structure and above moderate density and alcohol. Flavors of rich cassis, dark cherry and marionberry weave seamlessly into the notes of vanilla bean, dark chocolate, espresso bean, toast, smoke, graphite, herbs, earth, new leather and velour. Unending on the finish that struts both power and finesse.
2015 Penfold's, Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz
South Australia
53%/47% Cab-Shiraz blend (components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange) 12 month American Oak.
The nose shows off not only the 2 varietals very well but also the Australian terroir. A cornucopia of fruits; blueberries, blackberries, cassis and plum are well integrated with scents of anise, sandalwood, cedar, sarsaparilla, earth, partially dried violets, fudge, leather and a faint hint of herb and menthol.
The palate is wound a little tight. Well structured with above-moderate acidity, bold-full tannins and alcohol that are all balanced. Flavors confirm the nose. Tastes of fresh picked blueberries, blackberries, plum and black currant with notes of violets, leather, spice, anise, earth, cocoa nib, herb and the tell tale eucalyptus on the back end. The finish is long and grippy. Cellaring will be rewarded.
2016 Denner, The Dirt Worshiper
Paso Robles, California
97% Syrah, 2% Roussanne, 1% Viognier. 42% Whole cluster. 3 -week total maceration. Aged for 20 months in French oak barriques and cigars, 12% new and 88% neutral.
Pure Central Coast Syrah! Explosive on the nose and palate, showcasing depth even at this young age. Meaty with notes of dry aged beef, olive tapenade and smoke meld with crushed blackberry, black plum, blueberry, pepper, sandalwood, violets, bruised mint, sous bois, mushroom paste and espresso. Incredibly long on the seductive finish.
2014 Hence Cellars, Cultivar Red Blend
Walla Walla Valley, Washington
From a true boutique producer in the heart of the Walla Walla Valley AVA. This is 100% estate fruit. A scarce 375 cases were produced. This wine is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Syrah that is aged in 100% New oak barrels (75% French & 25% American) for 24 months. Rich, bold notes of dark cherry, cassis, blueberry and vanilla meet scents of herbs de Provence, sun dried tomato, cocoa and hints of spice and mint.
On the palate this wine is full-bodied, decadent and smooth. Juicy acidity plays against the ripe tannins. Flavors of dark cherry, cassis, blueberry and marionberry show first followed by a mix of vanilla, milk chocolate, herbs, rubbed lavender and hints of spice and sundried tomato that linger through the round finish
2016 Figgins, Estate Red Wine
Walla Walla, Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot aged 23 months in 60% New and 40% Neutral French oak.
Aromas show cassis, Luxardo, smashed blueberry and blackberry that weave in notes of violets, sage, soft leather, mocha, vanilla, oak spice and fresh pastry.
The wine displays broadness and density across the full-bodied palate revealing high level structure; lifting acidity, plush-ripe tannins and integrated alcohol. The mouth-feel is smooth and velvety. Flavors of cassis, luxardo cherry, blueberry Danish, chocolate truffle, vanilla bean, violets, herbs, leather, baking spice, caramel and oak play out through the long plush finish.
Good now, but will get better with time.
2015 II Squared by Alpha Omega, II
Napa Valley, California
67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot aged 16 months in 40% new French oak.
Rich scents of cassis, Kirshwasser, raspberry pastilles, Danish pastry, fresh cut flowers, vanilla bean, cinnamon toast, spice box and mocha.
The palate shows a great freshness with firm-sweet tannins, juicy acidity and balanced alcohol. Flavors show a deep core of raspberry puree, cassis, Kirsch and pomegranate that bring in notes of Danish pastry, vanilla bean, floral pastilles, spice and traces of cocoa dusted almonds and toast. Elegant and long through the finish.
2017 Viña Cobos, Volturno
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc. Aged 18 months in 100% new French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The wine is opaque and almost pitch black in the glass.
Bold and sophisticated on the nose showing a complex matrix of cracked black pepper, espresso, cocoa, wild herbs, cassis, black plum, dark cherry, cigar box, sweet tobacco, pencil shavings, vanilla, violets, and rocky earth notes. The palate if full bodied and shows opulent and suave dusty tannins, structured acidity and alcohol. Deep and expansive across the palate showing cassis, plum and dark cherry flavors that are laced with pepper, violets, espresso, chocolate, earth, herbs and toasty oak notes that all play through the long bold finish.
2014 Valenciso, Rioja Reserva
Rioja, Spain
100% Tempranillo, fermented and patiently settled in cement before aging a of 18 months in fine grained French oak, one-third new and the 12 more months in cement before further aging in bottle.
The aromas show the prettier side of Tempranillo from Rioja with details of potpourri, dried violets and roses and light spices that come with notes of pencil box, stony earth, black plum, black currant, and dried dark cherries.
The palate shows structure with juicy, above moderate acidity and drying tannins that have a rustic edge. moderate weight across the mid-palate and flavors follow the notes from the nose with floral highlights alongside notes of stone, earth, darker and slightly dried fruits, spice and minerals. The finish lingers.
For me, this wine is just starting to enter its drinking window.
2019 Quilceda Creek, CVR
94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot from Champoux, Galitzine, Mach One, and Palengat vineyards and aged 20 months in 100% French oak.
On the nose this wine is not as concentrated and rich as the '18, which is not a bad thing. Aromas come through with a combination of cassis, blackberry, plum and dark cherry accompanied by notes of graphite, pencil, rubbed herbs, chocolate, purple flowers and hints of tobacco, suede and earth.
The palate reveals more intensity and shows a serious, precise wine. Upon entry the wine is youthful but carries itself with poise. Tannins are suave and fine and in harmony with the acidity. Flavors coat the palate in notes of cassis, muddled blackberry, dark cherry, floral pastilles, herbs, cocoa, cigar, no. 2 pencil and hints of pepper, leather and earth. The finish lingers on and on.
Showing a lot of poise for its youth and with a touch more restraint than the '18. A well-made wine consistent with this bottling.