Red - Cabernet Sauvignon

With a shared vision, Gavin Newsom, Gordon Getty and John Conover imagined the addition of a complementary estate vineyard to the valley floor terroir of their Oakville estate at PlumpJack Estate Winery. In 2005, that dream came to fruition in the form of a 54-acre estate, elevated high above the fog line, on the dramatic slopes of Howell Mountain – it would become CADE Estate Winery. The CADE  Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 dazzles with its opulent, brambly blue and blackberry layers, balanced by dark chocolate and an incredibly welcoming personality. This gorgeous wine is unusually open, resonant and richly layered. Hints of smoke, tar, licorice and minerality add complexity to the intense dark fruit. “This is a wine I want to drink, not merely taste”, says winemaker Danielle Cyrot. All the elements come together in an effortless, inviting wine loaded with layers of intrigue.

93 points Wine Advocate
92 points Wine Spectator
92 points VINOUS

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 has aromas and flavors which can only be achieved through “hang time” – a technique which chances the loss of crop if early winter sets in. Leaving the fruit to “hang” on the vine unusually long develops suppleness, increases color, and matures the tannins of the grapes. 

The wine is abundant in textural tannins yet soft as velvet. Deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon springs from the glass with lifted crème de cassis, violets and chocolate box notes plus hints of lilacs, raspberry leaves, anise and cardamom. The perfumed black fruit preserves and chocolate-laced notes completely pack the full-bodied palate, with soft, velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing very long and very spicy. Definitely one for hedonists seeking immediate gratification. 94 Points – Robert Parker

Piocho Ranch was acquired by Thomas J. Barrack Jr. in 1992. Out of a love for the countryside and a ranchers life, the Barrack family developed rolling acres of vineyards. The peaceful and beautiful property sits nestled in the Happy Canyon Valley, a perfect location for growing grapes and riding horses. Two regulation sized Polo fields are groomed with the same care as the finest golf courses in the world. Piocho means “Where the two rivers meet and go to heaven.” The Happy Canyon Piocho 2013, a Bordeaux blend, has an inviting deep ruby color. Ripe black currant, cherry, espresso and smoky oak show on the nose. This wine is lush, sweet and open-knit, with a pliancy to its flavors of dark berries, licorice and chewing tobacco. The Happy Canyon Bordeaux Red Blend 2013 exhibits deep aromas of spice, dark bing cherries, wood, burnt blackberries and jam.  On the palate there are slight herbal/floral flavors with minerality, dried violets and tobacco all surrounded by dense fruit.  This a truly lovely wine that is wonderful to drink today when paired with big rich cuisine such as Santa Maria Tri-Tip.  The wines structure will allow it to mature and age nicely for at least another decade! Dusty, slow-building tannins give grip to the finish, which repeats the cherry and licorice notes.