Vinous 95+ Points: “The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is another fabulous wine from Detert. It is a bit reticent today, but that should not be an issue in time. This classically built, medium to full-bodied Napa Valley Cabernet offers tons of depth as well as structure. It’s another super example of this sector of Oakville. The 2019 is not an immediate wine, though, so readers should plan on being patient.”

Jeb Dunnuck 99 Points: “A bigger, richer, more structured wine, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder Estate Vineyard has brilliant black fruits, tobacco, iron, and subtle smoke-like nuances in a full-bodied, concentrated, layered package. This is pure Mountain Cabernet genius, and while it’s far from unapproachable today, it will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age. It’s up with the crème de la crème of the vintage and should be snatched up by readers.”

94 Points WE “Editor’s Choice”: “The producer’s marquee wine and a nod to its long-standing ties to farming, this is fresh and earthy in notes of crushed rock, slate, dried herb and black pepper. The fruit is layered and sumptuous in flavors of raspberry and black cherry, while supple tannins and a hint of toasted oak provide framing.”

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: “The 2019 Red Wine Larner Vineyard is a blend of 87% Syrah, 10% Grenache, and a splash of Viognier. It offers a deep purple hue to go with a totally brilliant nose of ripe blackberries, blueberries, ground pepper, game, and violets. Pure class on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a seamless, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. Spectacular juice, it should evolve for a decade.”

Mark Aubert’s Tasting Notes: “The alluring 2018 UV-SL is a kaleidoscope of apple oil, lemon confit, crème patissière, and almond croissant lined with a subtle saline note and a touch of talc. With air the tight-knit core grows to reveal seductive flavors of praline, stone fruit preserves, and white flower. Full-bodied and opulent, the compelling UV-SL finishes long and pure. This wine has more to reveal and will age gracefully for 10+ years. The wine is slightly hazy showing our commitment to minimal intervention winemaking.”

Vinous 97 Points: “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Cimarossa Vineyard is such a classic Howell Mountain wine. Scorched earth, leather, licorice, tobacco, licorice and gravel lend striking aromatic nuance to this virile, potent Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2018 is a real stunner. Its breadth, power and resonance are thrilling.”

Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points: “In contrast, the 2021 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard is more masculine and feral, with ripe black fruits, cracked black pepper, leather, iron, and spring flowers, and a certain bloody character developing with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, it has a similar level of polish but is a touch more concentrated and lengthy on the palate, with ripe, building tannins and awesome length. Drink this spectacular Syrah over the coming 10-12 years.”

Robert Parker 92+ Points: “The latest release of Billecart’s NV Brut Sous Bois is excellent, unwinding in the glass with notes of lemon oil, crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and elegantly vinous, with chalky phenolic structure and an enlivening pillowy mousse, it’s impressively deep and concentrated, with fine tension and grip. Early renditions of this cuvée tended to be at their best on release, but this impressive effort appears to be built to age.”

James Suckling 98  Points: “Spices and dried strawberries with stone and mineral aromas as well as sandalwood and oyster shell. Some orange peel and lavender. Full-bodied with layers of very fine tannins that have a firm and direct nature. It goes on for minutes. So structured with tannins that spread across the palate. Needs time to soften and open. Try after 2028.”

Robert Parker 99 Points: “A blend of 45% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Estate Cuvée is another outstanding wine from L’Aventure in the challenging 2020 vintage, offering singular concentration and elegance. Deep ruby-purple, it has a pure core of cassis and slowly unfolding accents of licorice, cured meats, tobacco leaves, cedar and truffle. Full-bodied, juicy and alluring, it floods the mouth with layers of blue fruit, floral perfume and spice. It is supported by powdery tannins and boasts a tremendously long, detailed finish.”

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