WINE COUNTRY CONNECTION WINE CLUB LEVEL TWO RED TASTING NOTES
NOVEMBER 2022 SHIPMENT
LEVEL (2) ALL RED
2017 MARTIN & CROSHAW VINEYARD MC4 ST. HELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
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“The MC4 Saint Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 begins with blackberry preserves, coffee, vanilla spice, white rose petals, and dried mushrooms on the nose. The palate is dominated by red currants, Kalamata olives, and black cherries, with a lively style and satiny tannins. Drink now through 2030.”
93 Points
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2013 RELIC MOUNT VEEDER NAPA VALLEY GRENACHE
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“The 2013 Grenache, from Paras Vineyard on Mt. Veeder, is deep, plush and bursting at the seams with intense red fleshed fruit. Succulent and beautifully layered, the Grenache oozes character. A hint of French oak shapes the finish in a racy, voluptuous Grenache that is an absolute joy to taste today. Drink 2016-2023.”
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2016 SEQUUM KIDD RANCH NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
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“The Sequum Kidd Ranch Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 begins with a complex nose that includes black cherry cola, sassafras, uncooked peppered steak, sweet violets, milk chocolate, Italian glove leather, and vanilla spice. The complexity continues on the palate with juicy black plums, wild blackberries, and kalamata olives, along with a savory quality that balances these characteristics. It is a beautiful wine with charisma and character that shines even brighter with every sip.”
94+ Points
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2019 DOLUM NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
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“Aromas of crushed blackberry, plum, blackcurrant and menthol. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. Succulent and fruity on the palate with a core of black fruit and berries. Ground spice, too. Focused. Best after 2026.”
94 Points
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2019 CHATEAU HAUT BRETON LARIGAUDIÈRE MARGAUX
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“The 2019 Haut-Breton Larigaudiere is plush, deep and wonderfully expressive. Black cherry, licorice, spice, chocolate, leather and espresso all flesh out in a generous, creamy Margaux that will drink well right out of the gate. The exuberant, racy style is hugely appealing.”
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“Blackberry, blueberry, walnut and spice aromas follow through to a medium body with round tannins and a creamy and pretty finish. Cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and merlot. Best after 2024.”
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“An enjoyably balanced 15ha Margaux located in Soussans. This is rippling with dark cassis fruits, well-judged extraction that shows firm tannins and a crushed mint leaf finish. Pretty subdued, but there’s attractive spice notes when you sit with it awhile. Good potential, classic rather than exuberant. Tasted twice two weeks apart. A value pick.”
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2018 DOMAINE EDEN SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS PINOT NOIR
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“Gamy aromas of roasted pork and a wet stone mineraliy surround the plush cranberry fruit on the nose of this bottling. There’s a floral edge to the palate, from rose petal to violet, as well as light red-currant and more game flavors.”
93 Points
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“The 2018 Pinot Noir is positively stellar. Bright, aromatic and deep, the 2018 is marvelously complete. Sweet red cherry, cinnamon, blood orange and mint all grace this flavorful, mid-weight Pinot. The 2018 is so nicely done.”
92 Points
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“The 2018 Pinot Noir is also impressive, with lots of Burgundian style in its aromatics of ripe cherries, wood smoke, forest floor, spice, and earth. These carry to a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with a focused, firm, yet elegant texture, good acidity, and outstanding length. It shows the house style nicely and will benefit from another year in bottle and keep through 2028. I’d be happy to drink a bottle at dinner.”
91 Points
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“Delicate, with silky tannins and rich acidity backing a lively mix of cherry turnover and spice flavors, which extend on the supple and open-textured finish. Drink now through 2024.”
91 Points
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