Randy Fuller

9.5

This Cabernet Franc wine is dark in color, as well as in smell and taste. The aromas are in the red fruit area, but a bit on the dark side. Cherry, black cherry, raspberry and black pepper come forth persistently. On the palate, the darkness continues. Cherry and cassis are joined by herbs and spices and a firm tannic structure. This is a wine that was made to pair with lamb, or so it seems, anyway. By the way, it was vinified and aged completely in stainless steel. — 6 months ago

Aravind A

9.3

Pop and pour. Absolutely singing. On the nose: soft petrol, dense peach, light roasted floral coffee, a warm darkness to this.. On the palate: lovely acidity, a hint of sweetness, peach coulis, lemon, tarragon...fantastic density. Yum. — 3 years ago

with James and Peter

Matt Duncan

9.1

Savory nose. Bright red fruit lingers from attack through finish, changing shapes and perspectives along the way. Oak is subtle but darkness of tannin seem out of place. — 3 years ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.4

Sticking with St. Emilion for the night. This wine is quite different from the last. Deep dark stewed blue fruits and figs, pencil lead, quite extracted, nose and palate in harmony transmitting similar notes. Even the darker color forshadows the darkness to follow. This wine is oppulent, but without the big fruit forward New World bravado. It stays true to Bordeaux but pushes the limits. Medium plus alcohol and body, slightly drying tannins, long finish. I regret that I have finished my steak because this wine craves a proper food pairing. Excellent and it will only get better.

94 points — 2 years ago

Jeremy Pollard

9.0

It’s moved into more brooding darkness in the past few years. Black fruit and a bit of spice, earthy notes, menthol and a touch of liquorice. A little short on the depth and finish, but it’s nice drinking. — 3 years ago

with Sam

Joyce Brooks

9.1

Spicy and smoky. $11. A good value. — 3 years ago

Nicole Ruiz Hudson

9.1

Nose: bright blackberries, coffee , black licorice, smoke, bramble. Palate: tart but ripe blackberries, dark plums, white pepper, mocha, bacon drippings, star anise.

Smooth tannins, medium + body, medium + acid.

Sample — 3 years ago

Roberto Carli

9.2

Pretty. Pomegranate and loads of cherry cola. Some darkness underneath but light on its feet — 2 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.5

Dark fruit dominates the nose while some savory notes play through. The aromas of black and blue berries, plums and cassis define the bouquet, which is shaped by shades of anise and earth. The palate is really a delight, as fruity as you want it to be while maintaining the Prince of Darkness title. Tannins are firm but not feisty. The wine drinks quite smooth, even upon recent pouring. I liked it paired with a Spencer steak seasoned with salt and pepper, and a side of chimichurri. I make mine with parsley, cilantro and a Fresno pepper cut up in it. — 2 years ago

Andrew Schirmer

9.2

Appealing darkness, garrigue. Muted aromatics. Good fruit. Entering early drinking window, rim gradation and softening tannin. A tad hot, but well-constructed and a lovely match with ME food. — 3 years ago

with Alsu