This massively built wine wraps potent black fruit flavors and sophisticated spices in substantial tannins that will surely guide it to greater complexity and smoothness with time. Minerals, graphite, cloves, cedar and blackberries are layered inside a mouthfilling texture. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Best from 2028-2040.
96 points, Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast (Sep 2023)
Combines structure and freshness, showing the spice and intensity of the 2020 vintage in Napa, softened by black cherry, blackberry, cocoa bean, espresso and the freshly cut herbs that takes you up into mountain Napa. Broad and almost sweet in feel, but lifted up by crunchy redcurrant fruit and mandarin peel on the finish. Grapes for this wine come from terraces set on the higher sections of the vineyard, from 300m and above, together with the premium Up and Down plot, in plots across both St Helena and Rutherford, all estate owned and located around the property. Justine Labbé winemaker, Frederick Ammons consultant, aged in 40% new French oak barrels and 20% large oak casks.
95 points, Jane Anson (Jan 2023)
An elegant, beautifully structured, classic red offering dark berry fruit, green tobacco, lovely integrated cedarwood, and emerging graphite notes. Full-bodied with pure, concentrated blackberry and black cherry fruit framed by pixelated tannins backed by terrifically tart blood orange acidity. A long finish of savoury wild herbs and brown spices with a touch of clove. Aged 16-18 months in 40% new French oak and large foudres. Florence and Daniel Cathiard, owners of Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux, bought the property in early 2020. The roughly 87-hectare estate hugs the eastern foothills of the Mayacamas. This blend was primarily sourced from older vines in the elevated foothills above the winery. Justine Labbé is the general manager and head winemaker. Michelle Rolland consults.
95 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Feb 2023)
So pure and beautiful with perfumes and cedar as well as currants. Dark mushrooms and bark. A medium-bodied wine with dark berry, currant, chocolate, hazelnut, and fine tannins. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. Better in two or three years and beyond.
94 points, James Suckling (Mar 2023)
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