Reviews

The 2016 1 1/2 Acre Red is composed of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 6% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot sourced from a single block on the Raymond Rutherford estate, all certified organic/biodynamic and aged for 20 months in 48% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sings of fragrant earth notions on the nose, giving scents of damp soil, mossy bark and fallen leaves with a core of warm red and black currants, black cherries and mulberries plus a touch of black pepper. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm, grainy and very minerally, finishing fresh and long. 159 cases produced.

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 56% new French oak, the 2016 JCB Passion Proprietary Red is deep garnet-purple colored with lovely red currants, kirsch, black cherries and mulberries scents with hints of pencil lead, cigar box, underbrush and moss. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated, flamboyant and lively with a velvety frame, finishing long and earthy. 683 cases produced.

As I predicted last year, Louis Bernard's 2016 Gigondas has turned out well and will undoubtedly be an excellent value once pricing is released (the 2014 is the latest vintage available in the United States at the time of this writing). Hints of garrigue accent ripe cherry and stone fruit aromas, while the full-bodied palate is creamy and supple in texture. It's already so drinkable, so sexy, that I question its ability to age, so enjoy it over the next 6-7 years.

Lightly chewy and nicely balanced with notes of raspberry, boysenberry, vanilla and cedar. 

Creamy, soft, full and fresh with notes of peach, pineapple, gingerbread, cinnamon toast, crème brulee and white chocolate shavings. 

Full and finely chewy with notes of strawberry, red plum, thyme, lavender, cedar and mushroom. 

Soft, smooth and fresh with notes of lemon cream, apple crisp, grilled pineapple and buttered rum. 

Pleasantly plump then tart and dry with notes of raspberry, blueberry, tomato and sage leaf. 

Delicate, tart and dry with notes of pomegranate, raspberry, pink rose, juniper and cedar. 

Bright violet color. Ripe red berry, vanilla and floral scents show very good clarity, picking up a hint of smokiness as the wine stretches. Fresh, pliant and seamless on the palate, offering appealingly sweet black raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors and a touch of mocha. Smooth, even tannins shape the persistent finish, which leaves a hint of candied flowers behind.