Red? Medium pigment extraction, very good clarity. Woody herbal flavors, cherry and black currant finish. Some unexpected flavors in there so the Lagrein varietal comparison is more apt than I anticipated. With more development, some spice and eucalyptus emerges. Good value but strikes me as different from previous releases by Kiona. Have the grapes changed their varietal expression (climate change), the winemaking, or my palate? Nice wine, good value but no answers, friends — 2 months ago
So cool!!! — 23 days ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over two days and consistent throughout. The Founders Reserve VII is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 52%, Syrah 35%, Merlot 8%, and Cabernet Franc 5% from a half dozen vineyard sources: StoneTree, Firethorn, DuBrul, Kiona, Weinbau, and Rasa’s estate vineyard in The Rocks District. The quality of the sources is obvious. The wine pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core. Medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. No signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with black currants, brambles, blueberries, lavender, stoney minerals, some vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the tannins are grippy. Another solid edition of the Founder’s series. Definitely on the young side but drinking well now and I expect it will do so through 2030 with relative ease.
— a month ago
The smell of a fresh ripe pear.
Medium to heavy weight, candied ginger, apricot, star fruit. Deliciously bright acidity with a touch of effervescence. Aged to perfection- I could see this getting Interesting in 10 years. Yet so freaking good right now.
Golden drops of absolute pleasure.
— a year ago
Old vines. Pale yellow, excellent clarity. Some sulfured dried apricot on the nose. Floral, apple, underripe nectarine, pear and lemon flavors, dryish. Mild but slightly prickly skin astringency on the finish. Great fruit, nothing fancy, but a solid take on the variety — 2 months ago
Smooth with an interesting aftertaste. Really enjoyed it. — 2 months ago
Terrific wine — 3 months ago
Wonderful cabernet sauvignon with Pat’s Beef Stroganoff ($20) Still wonderful with Pat’s lasagna September 2022 — 2 years ago
Dan Casagrande
2018. Smooth, rich , wow I love it. Not too jammy as well. Bottoms up! The dude abides. — 15 days ago