MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

9.4

One of my favorites from Premiere Napa Valley 2020 #pnv20 #pnv2020 #napa only 5 cases produced. “A blend of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from two of the best AXR Napa Valley blocks
50% from Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville and 50% from Denali Vineyard in the hills of St. Helena
100% barrel fermented from our finest barrels utilizing native yeast; unfined and unfiltered
Reflection of Jean Hoefliger’s pursuit to create a wine to push the envelope of Cabernet Sauvignon

AXR is a winery that pays homage to the past at their historic estate in St. Helena. AXR, named after the rootstock which succumbed to phylloxera, left the California wine industry a blank canvas. This was a crossing of the past and future of the wine industry as we know it. AXR has given winemaker Jean Hoefliger this same blank canvas. Jean is driven to push the envelope, challenging not only winemaking but life in general. With an insatiable appetite for art, philosophy and good discussion, Jean thrives when his creativity and passion is left unbound by conventional thinking.


Wine Facts

Wine is unfiltered
Single vineyard wine
Sustainably produced — 3 years ago

with Ron

Jen

9.0

D managed to send this to us at the end of the Denali park road as a surprise. Made it taste even better. — 8 years ago

Christine Yost

9.1

More dry than most Chiantis. Good, fruit forward, label says vanilla aromas. Second night in Denali! — 11 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

The Denali showed better than the earlier red wines we tasted. This is where we crossed over into the realm of outstanding during our single vineyard tasting at AXR.

The 2018 has great freshness & mouthfeel. Beautiful, floral, round, ripe, lush, juicy fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plums, bark cherries, some blueberries & haunting raspberries over the top. Dry, grainy tannins that show their baby teeth, caramel, cinnamon, light nutmeg, clove & vanilla, some black licorice, tree sap, black tarriness, dry crushed rocks, limestone, soft volcano, saline, stones, light graphite, beautiful florals that are; dark, purple, red & blue framed in violets. Excellent acidity. The lush, well balanced, elegant, sexy finish sings on the palate for minutes.

Photos of, the entrance to their main tasting room in the rear of the property, the main house as you drive up to their Estate, their woods off the tasting patio and their Estate vines. — 3 years ago

John Harding

9.2

Denali Cellars Estate Cabernet - plum, cherry, and ripe berry nose. Fruit forward raspberry, blueberry, cherry, and chocolate with a long, slightly tangy finish. Fruity and rich, easy to drink, but would benefit from some age. My new favorite wine. — 8 years ago

Aaron Chan

9.1

Enjoyed at Princess Denali Lodge with Phil and Ellen — 7 years ago

Ryan Mullins

9.6

The Denali of Loire valley SB — 7 years ago

Travis Morningstar

9.3

At first mistook it for an IPA. Creamy, clean, and a bit bitter. — 8 years ago