This warm, rich, gently spicy wine achieves terrific quality for the broad Napa Valley appellation. It tastes ripe, inviting and delicious, pouring plump black cherries and black currants over the palate, accented by a mélange of cinnamon, vanilla, mint and cedar. Fine-grained tannins add a velvety texture.
94 points, Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2022)
Juicy yet restrained, with a solid core of dark currant and warmed fig notes underscored by alder and sweet tobacco on the finish. On the toasty side, but this has a nice flicker of violet for a pure hint. Drink now through 2034. 2,089 cases made.
92 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Dec 2022)
Chocolatey aromas, together with blackberries, some grilled meat and dried herbs. Rich and juicy on the medium-to full-bodied palate, filled with sweet blackberries and firm tannins. Drink now or hold.
92 points, James Suckling (Sep 2022)
John Anthony Truchard's project. A 100% Cabernet that offers intriguing green tobacco leaf, currants, baked red fruit and turned earth. Savoury and succulent red berries mingle with blackcurrants, sage and smoky clove on the palate, while a framework of plush tannins underscore a sanguine mineral note, finishing with smoke and cedar.
92 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Jun 2022)