Gandona

Encosta Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.246 ratings
9.216 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Sipping Fine Wine

Just tried another bottle. Meaning “hillside” in Portuguese, a blend of 88% Cab Sauv, 8% Cab Franc & 4% Merlot. Small production, big wine, black berry fruit aromas with sweet spice notes. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry and currants with cacao, with smooth tannins. Great balance, enticing character, long finish ending with earthy tones. Aging well. Very nice.

Just tried another bottle. Meaning “hillside” in Portuguese, a blend of 88% Cab Sauv, 8% Cab Franc & 4% Merlot. Small production, big wine, black berry fruit aromas with sweet spice notes. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry and currants with cacao, with smooth tannins. Great balance, enticing character, long finish ending with earthy tones. Aging well. Very nice.

Feb 16th, 2021
Sipping Fine Wine

Meaning “hillside” in Portuguese, a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc & 4% Merlot. Small production, big wine, black berry fruit aromas with sweet spice notes. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry and currants with cacao, with smooth tannins. Great balance, enticing character, lingering finish ending with hints of earthy tones. Has room to age. Very nice.

Meaning “hillside” in Portuguese, a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc & 4% Merlot. Small production, big wine, black berry fruit aromas with sweet spice notes. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry and currants with cacao, with smooth tannins. Great balance, enticing character, lingering finish ending with hints of earthy tones. Has room to age. Very nice.

Mar 9th, 2018
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Dark fruit with baking spices on the nose. Somewhat of a fruit bomb on the palate. Super thick and concentrated. Ripe blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, blueberries, coco powder, vanilla , caramel, violets, soft and silky medium intensity minerality, soft leather, lite oak presence and a very nice long full finish that leaves a dusty tannin presence the palate on the long finish.

Dark fruit with baking spices on the nose. Somewhat of a fruit bomb on the palate. Super thick and concentrated. Ripe blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, blueberries, coco powder, vanilla , caramel, violets, soft and silky medium intensity minerality, soft leather, lite oak presence and a very nice long full finish that leaves a dusty tannin presence the palate on the long finish.

1 person found it helpfulSep 18th, 2016
Knightsbridge Wine Shoppe

Big, dense CA Cab. Dark berries, spice, tons of power. Great 2nd label!

Big, dense CA Cab. Dark berries, spice, tons of power. Great 2nd label!

1 person found it helpfulJun 20th, 2015
Knightsbridge Wine Shoppe

Dense dark berries, bit of tar, sweet core of fruit.

Dense dark berries, bit of tar, sweet core of fruit.

Dec 17th, 2015
Jim Anderson

2012

2012

Apr 2nd, 2015
Joe Flo

Wow very impressed with this Pritchard Hill sourced grapes.

Wow very impressed with this Pritchard Hill sourced grapes.

Dec 10th, 2017
Brenda Reyes

Madrina $180
Jammy, polished tannins, complex slight acidity

Madrina $180
Jammy, polished tannins, complex slight acidity

Aug 14th, 2016
Gina Puente

Jammy, complex. Anticipating to be awesome w cabrito y lobster

Jammy, complex. Anticipating to be awesome w cabrito y lobster

Aug 14th, 2016
Ryan Mayes

This puppy has a nose bigger than Nixon. Ton of cassis, licorice and alcohol. I guessed this was 15.2% and turns out it's 15.3% (+/- so maybe I'm right - either way, a wine that will f you up). Gripping tannins and acidity, this juice is alive. It's alive! Berries, chocolate, other tooth staining corrosives. Finish is just beginning. Paired very well with steak and Mac and cheese. In conclusion: a bit over the top yet very much enjoyable nonetheless.

This puppy has a nose bigger than Nixon. Ton of cassis, licorice and alcohol. I guessed this was 15.2% and turns out it's 15.3% (+/- so maybe I'm right - either way, a wine that will f you up). Gripping tannins and acidity, this juice is alive. It's alive! Berries, chocolate, other tooth staining corrosives. Finish is just beginning. Paired very well with steak and Mac and cheese. In conclusion: a bit over the top yet very much enjoyable nonetheless.

Jun 3rd, 2016