Made with 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a fresh, juicy, firm profile with a dense core of dark fruit and dusty florals. Lifted aromas of spiced cherry, plum skin and fresh blackberry add complexity to the nose. Full-bodied and firm on the palate, it features a delightful tannic edge and a balanced expression of spicy oak as the wine unpacks along the ever-evolving finish. This beauty will remain food friendly and age-worthy until its 21st birthday, perhaps even longer. Grapes from the Quintessence, Col Solare Estate and Shaw vineyards were used. The wine aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, and approximately 36,000 bottles were produced.
96 points, Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate (Mar 2024)
Classic Red Mountain, classic Col Solare…the two notions are inseparable. This leads with scents of turned soil, along with a dark oak spice that expands into clove and cedar. The flavors are chocolatey, full-throated, with a texture that flaunts density, but with a velvety give to the tannins. Over three days it became only more harmonious, suggesting a long life ahead.
94 points, Patrick J. Comisky, Wine & Spirits (Apr 2023)
This is attractive, with crushed blackberries and blackcurrants, chocolate orange, anisette and spicy herbs. Full-bodied with tight and compact yet finely polished tannins. Structured and firm with finesse and a velvety mouth-feel. It slowly reveals dark-fruit character as it progresses, which lasts long on the palate. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. Needs some time to soften. Try from 2025.
94 points, James Suckling (Mar 2023)