Hudson 2019 Phoenix “Bordeaux-Blend” Estate Carneros Napa Valley – 96 Points

Vinous 96 points: “The 2019 Phoenix is a blend of 64% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc. It offers up soaring aromatics and pliant red-toned fruit, all in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. This beautifully balanced wine from Lee Hudson and his team is an absolute winner.”

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points: “The Merlot-dominated 2019 Phoenix (there’s 18% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) offers a great nose of ripe black cherries, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth, and it’s medium to full-bodied, ripe, and incredibly polished on the palate. It’s one hell of a Merlot, especially at the price. Drink this beauty over the coming 8-10 years.”

FMW 96 Points: “Composed of 64% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc, the Phoenix has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and springs from the glass with vivacious black cherries, black raspberries, and plum preserves notes plus wafts of red currants, garrigue, menthol, pencil shavings, and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely freshness and soft tannins supporting the red and black fruit layers, finishing with a minty kick.”

Winery Notes: The 2019 Hudson Phoenix checks in as 64% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Cabernet Franc, all from the estate Hudson Vineyard and aged 20 months in 90% new French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. It offers a deep purple color as well as an old-school vibe in its black cherry, currant, dried earth, pine, and chocolate-driven aromas and flavors. It has sweet tannins, a great texture, and should continue drinking nicely for another decade or more.

Also, check out these other Hudson wines:

Hudson 2020 Chardonnay “Estate” Carneros Napa Valley 95 Points

Hudson 2019 White Study # 2 Proprietary White Blend Napa