Tasting Notes

91
Vinous Stephen Tanzer - 01 May 12
Deep ruby-red. Aromatic nose combines blackberry, cassis, licorice, violet, mint and minerals. Dense, juicy and sharply delineated, with a supple texture to its black cherry, cassis and bitter chocolate flavors. Large-scaled, harmonious, ripe wine with no rough edges. Still, I'd give this distinctly chocolatey wine a few years in the cellar to absorb some of its tongue-dusting tannins. Finishes with noteworthy persistence.
Drinking Date:
United States Vineyard Fine Wine

United States

The U.S. is a top wine producer, with California leading at 90% of production. Napa Valley is famous for powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, while Sonoma shines with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Oregon's Willamette Valley excels in elegant Pinot Noir, and Washington State is known for robust Merlot and Syrah from the Columbia Valley. Notable producers include Robert Mondavi, Opus One, and Stag's Leap in Napa, Domaine Serene in Oregon, and Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington.