Côtière 2019 Dérive Bordeaux Blend Napa/Santa Ynez Valley – 94 Points

Vinous 94 Points: “The 2019 Red Blend Dérive is a bold Bordeaux blend from Kevin Law. Blackberry, crème de cassis, new leather, licorice, and incense make a strong first impression. Huge tannins add to the effect of pure power. The 2019 is impressive. I am not sure it will ever fully soften, though. That said, it’s a gorgeous and compelling wine.”

Notes: . It’s another successful, incredibly attractive red from this estate, offering lots of darker currant and black cherry fruit, medium to full-bodied richness, plenty of chocolate and leafy herb aromatics, good mid-palate depth, and a great finish. Drink this forward, pleasure-bent, sexy red blend over the coming 8-10 years.

Winery Notes: “This Red Bordeaux style cuvée is a 53/47% blend of two iconic regions, Napa and Santa Ynez Valley. The Cabernet Sauvignon is from St. Helena in Napa Valley and the Merlot of course is from the clay based soils of Los Carneros. While the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are both from our cooler and local regions right here in Santa Ynez. The final blend is 37% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and to finish it off – 10% Petit Verdo”