This Week's Must-Try Wines from Vinous
Dominus Estate
Napanook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2019
A fabulous effort, the 2019 Napanook punches well above its weight. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2019 is a big, generous wine that captures all the radiance of the late summer heat. Black cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, licorice and incense fill out the layers. As always, I tasted the 2019 from two bottles, one opened on the spot, the second double decanted a few hours prior. Aeration makes a huge difference for this wine. — 2 years ago
Beaulieu Vineyard
Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour is an infant, but it is shaping up to be a real gem. The 2019 includes 9% Petit Verdot, the highest ever, an approach that works here in giving the wine tremendous aromatic presence and overall depth. A whole range of savory and earthy notes lends complexity to this powerhouse Georges de Latour. The 2019 is impressive, that much is evident. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023) — 2 years ago
Opus One
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2019
The 2019 Opus One is a remarkably elegant wine. Silky tannins and bright, floral aromatics add to an impression of total finesse. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, mint, lavender and rose petal are all beautifully delineated. There's a touch of new oak today, but new wood has never been a signature of Opus One, so I imagine that is a stage in the wine's development. Interestingly, the 2019 is the first vintage fermented mostly with ambient yeasts. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023) — 2 years ago
Dolce Winery
Late Harvest Napa Valley Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2015
The 2015 Late Harvest Wine is redolent of tangerine peel, crème brûlée, spice, ginger, coffee and new French oak. This mid-weight, intensely aromatic late harvest dessert wine is very nicely balanced. Drink it over the next handful of years. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023) — 2 years ago
Chateau Montelena
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is impressive. Elegant and poised, the 2018 is a wine of reserve at this stage. Dark red/purplish berry fruit, mint, sage, spice, mocha and dried flowers open first, followed by a kick of vibrant acids that lends notable energy throughout. All this young Cabernet needs is time in the bottle to fully come together. I won't be surprised if it turns out to be a touch more compelling than the 2019 tasted alongside it. Truth be told, both vintages are captivating, but for very different reasons. Superb. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023) — 2 years ago
Hyde De Villaine
Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
The 2020 Pinot Noir Ygnacia Hyde Vineyard is an attractive wine. The 2020 has a slightly gamy quality and the fruit is a touch muted, but all things considered, this is a very good wine for the year. Bright red/purplish fruit, spice and lavender open with a bit of coaxing. In 2020, the Ygnacia is not quite as effusive aromatically as it can be. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023) — 2 years ago
Forman
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2021
The 2021 Chardonnay is a classic Ric Forman wine. Bright and focused, the 2021 is laced with plenty of lemon oil, white flowers, chalk, mint and white pepper. As always, there's a good bit of body from aging on the lees, but blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors brisk. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023) — 2 years ago
Diamond Creek Vineyards
Red Rock Terrace Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace opens with a striking bouquet redolent of crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, blood orange and mint. Medium in body and silky, with tremendous fruit purity, the 2019 impresses with its finesse and open-knit personality. There's good energy and tension, but the Red Rock in 2019 is, unusually, a wine of total sensuality. I loved it. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023) — 2 years ago
Arietta
On the White Keys White Blend 2021
The 2021 On The White Keys is a pretty rich wine, much of that a result of tiny yields. Orchard fruit, white flowers, chamomile, sage and a kiss of French oak fill out the layers. Creamy and expansive, the 2021 is flat-out gorgeous. It's one of the best vintages I can remember tasting. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2023) — 2 years ago
Delectable Wine
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The 2018 Promontory is as phenomenal as it has always been, but it, too is going through a period of reticence. This dark, brooding Cabernet is packed with character. Time in the glass brings out striking inner perfume and sweetness. There is a feeling of stark minimalism in the 2018 that I find compelling. Constantly changing in the glass, the 2018 is a magical, exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon. — 2 years ago