United States of America Archives - Iconica https://iconica.wine/country/united-states-of-america/ Appreciating Fine Wine Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:13:12 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://i0.wp.com/iconica.wine/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-Iconica-Flavicon.webp?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 United States of America Archives - Iconica https://iconica.wine/country/united-states-of-america/ 32 32 254871815 Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Magnum) https://iconica.wine/product/hundred-acre-wraith-cabernet-sauvignon-2018-magnum/ https://iconica.wine/product/hundred-acre-wraith-cabernet-sauvignon-2018-magnum/#respond Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:11:36 +0000 https://iconica.wine/?post_type=product&p=7342

The Ultimate Single Vineyard Blend From The Mind Of Jason Woodbridge.

100 points | Wine Advocate

'Deep garnet-purple, the Hundred Acre 'Wraith' Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 drifts effortlessly out of the glass with compelling scents of Morello cherries, boysenberry preserves and blackcurrant pastilles, plus hints of unsmoked cigars, wild sage, underbrush and pencil shavings. The taut, tightly packed, muscular, full-bodied palate quakes with energy, supported by beautifully ripe, grainy tannins, finishing incredibly long and provocatively perfumed. So lively and layered, this Wraith perfectly captures the captivating vibrancy of this great, great vintage! Drink: 2027-2067.' (LPB  Dec 2021)

98 points | Jeb Dunnuck

'The Hundred Acre 'Wraith' Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is one of those wines that would be a perfect example of the expression “iron fist in a velvet glove.” Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it has that classic 2018 frame that carries pure darker currant and cassis fruits as well as complex notes of leather, licorice, and spring flowers. This layered, multi-dimensional, perfectly balanced 2018 will reward 3-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-25 years.' (JD Feb 2023)

97+ points | Wine Advocate

'A blend of fruit from the three single vineyards, the Hundred Acre 'Wraith' Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 offers up more cherries and cranberries beautifully complemented by deep loam and mocha undertones. It's full-bodied, lush and velvety in texture with a long vibrant finish. It's even a bit tart. Drink 2024 - 2040.' (Joe Czerwinski February 2023)

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]]> THE WRAITH is a trinity of Hundred Acre’s three single vineyard wines. It is a special selection from Jayson Woodbridge of barrels set aside in the cellar from those waiting to be blended someday into the single vineyard wines from Kayli Morgan, ARK or Few and Far Between.

Each possessing distinct characteristics, they unite to craft an unparalleled experience. Each Vintage of WRAITH shows all the beauty and personality of each specific vineyard and how they come together to develop even greater complexity.

The Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 attained a flawless 100-point rating, a true pinnacle of cult wine craftsmanship.

Learn more about Hundred Acre Wines here or visit the Hundred Acre website here.

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]]> https://iconica.wine/product/hundred-acre-wraith-cabernet-sauvignon-2018-magnum/feed/ 0 7342 Melka Metisse Martinez Napa Valley 2017 https://iconica.wine/product/melka-metisse-martinez-napa-valley-2017/ https://iconica.wine/product/melka-metisse-martinez-napa-valley-2017/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:11:03 +0000 https://iconica.wine/?post_type=product&p=4205
96 points | Vinous

"The last wine in this range, the Melka Metisse Martinez Napa Valley 2017 shows all of the natural intensity of Pritchard Hill. The presence of 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot infuses the 2917 with layers of nuance and structure. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, leather, licorice, grilled herbs and menthol all meld together in this full-throttle Cabernet. The 2017 needs a few years to soften, but it has so much to offer. Even in the early going, the 2017 is a knockout." (AG) (tasted Sept 2019)

95 points | Jeb Dunnuck
"The Melka Metisse Martinez Napa Valley 2017 comes from a site next to Ovid on Pritchard Hill and is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot. Aged 20 months in 75% new French oak, it's pure mountain fruit and boasts a saturated purple color as well as brilliant levels of black and blue fruits, graphite, crushed stones, licorice, and hot gravel. Rich, powerful, and structured on the palate, with a full-bodied, pure, seamless texture, it's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and evolve for two decades or more." (tasted Jan 2020)
95 points | James Suckling
"This is really framed and beautiful with blackberry, licorice and ink character. Spicy. Full body. Tight center palate that is not giving away a lot. Fluid and pretty at the end. Drink in 2022, but already pretty." (tasted Feb 2020)
93 points | Wine Advocate

"This comes from Pritchard Hill and is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. Most of the fruit was harvested on September 28 and the Petit Verdot was harvested on October 4. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Metisse Martinez bursts from the glass with exuberant blackberry pie, wild blueberries and red and black currants with touches of tobacco, wild sage and underbrush plus a waft of violets. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant and refreshing with a quiet intensity of mineral-laced red and black fruits, finishing pleasantly chewy." (LPB) (tasted Oct 2019)

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“A spectacular example of a classic hillside site showing intense power and finesse.”
-Philippe & Cherie Melka, proprietors

Vineyards

Our seventh vintage from this vineyard located on Pritchard Hill at 1200 feet in elevation above Oakville.  We continue to strive to craft wines we love with the three Bordeaux varietals from this spectacular site.  A complex wine that builds in crescendo with graphite, iron, wet stone, black currant and tobacco.  The wine exhibits intense minerality along side beautiful elements such as cocoa bean, lavender and violets.  There is a restrained masculinity about this wine that is demonstrated in its long lasting textural tannins and superb length of finish.

  • Production: 360 cases 750ml, 10 cases 1.5L
  • Bottling: August, 2023
  • Aging: 20 months in 70% new French oak barrels

For more information about Melka Vineyards click here or visit their website here.

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]]> https://iconica.wine/product/melka-metisse-martinez-napa-valley-2017/feed/ 0 4205 Melka Mekerra Proprietary Red 2016 https://iconica.wine/product/melka-mekerra-proprietary-red-2016/ https://iconica.wine/product/melka-mekerra-proprietary-red-2016/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:53:14 +0000 https://iconica.wine/?post_type=product&p=4199
98 points | Jeb Dunnuck

"The only wine from Sonoma and the first year where the blend includes more Merlot than Cabernet Franc (and Merlot was incredibly successful in 2016), the Melka Mekerra Proprietary Red 2016 is a rocking wine that offers tons of blackcurrants, chocolate, forest floor, and flowery camphor-like notes. Full-bodied, beautifully layered, with building tannins and a great elegance and seamlessness on the palate, it never puts a foot wrong and has a finish that goes on for nearly a minute. A blend of 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Franc brought up in 60% new French oak, the only downside is that there are only 425 cases made. If you’re lucky enough to snag some bottles, it should drink beautifully for 15-20 years." (tasted Jan 2019)

96 Points | Vinous

"Melka Mekerra Proprietary Red 2016, the estate's Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is terrific. Aromatic, deep and sumptuous, the 2016 is absolutely gorgeous today. Wild flowers, tobacco, cedar, menthol, cured meat and dark red cherry fruit are all pushed forward. The Franc is quite expressive today, but what impresses me most about the 2016 is how much it has softened with time in barrel."Antonio Galloni (Dec 2018)

95 Points | James Suckling

"A beautiful, layered red with plenty of dark-berry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Full-bodied and round. Juicy finish. A blend of cabernet franc and merlot."

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“This woodsy, rich wine has real backbone while maintaining freshness – like a heavy weight boxer that is light on his feet.”

— Philippe & Cherie Melka, Proprietors

Vineyards

Both the Cabernet Franc and Merlot were planted first on this parcel of land in 2004.  Their age and our understanding of the vineyard have allowed us to craft an amazing blend from this Estate.  The aromatics are distinctive for the varietals – fig jam, dried violet, cedar, black pepper, lavender and red currant fruits.  Big, sumptuous and very concentrated, this wine is opulent without being heavy.  It finishes long with unexpected freshness.  Recommended to decant.

  • 59% Merlot, 41 % Cabernet Franc
  • 100% Knights Valley
  • Production: 375 cases 750ml, 30 cases l.5L
  • Bottling: June, 2018
  • Aging: 20 months in French oak, 70% new
  • Release: September 17, 2019

For more information about Melka Vineyards click here or visit their website here.

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]]> https://iconica.wine/product/melka-mekerra-proprietary-red-2016/feed/ 0 4199 Melka Mekerra Merlot Knights Valley 2017 https://iconica.wine/product/melka-mekerra-merlot-knights-valley-2017/ https://iconica.wine/product/melka-mekerra-merlot-knights-valley-2017/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:03:57 +0000 https://iconica.wine/?post_type=product&p=4192
95 points | James Suckling

Melka Mekerra Merlot Knights Valley 2017 is "A beautiful, layered red with plenty of dark-berry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Full-bodied and round. Juicy finish." (tasted Jan 2020)

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“This is our fourth bottling of this single varietal and we continue to love the richness and vibrancy that the soils bring to the personality of this wine.”

~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors

Tasting Notes

100% Merlot from a single vineyard La Mekerra. Deep garnet colour with violet highlights. Aromas of black cherries, tobacco, chocolate and dried herbs dominate the nose and palate. The structure of the wine is very elegant and sophisticated. The wine is energetic with supple tannins and juicy acidity. Very long spicy finish.

Vineyard

We purchased the land for this vineyard in 2001 after searching for a location that would allow us to produce profound terroir based wines.  Located in Knights Valley, ten acres are planted, two-thirds to red varietals and one third to white.  Planting was done in stages by varietal to create the three wines in succession.  The elevation of this vineyard is 2300-2500 feet and its steep slopes and bowl shape create intriguing microclimates with mostly southern and western exposures.  The soils are rich in volcanic ash – ideal for Cabernet franc and Chardonnay; clay for Merlot and Sauvignon blanc. La Mekerra displays a sense of wild animal, full of energy.  The wines have floral dark fruit mixed with minerals and big tannic structure for the red and great natural acidity for the whites.

  • Production: 150 cases
  • Bottling: June, 2019
  • Aging: 19 months in French oak, 50% new
  • Release: September 22, 2020

For more information about Melka Vineyards click here or visit their website here.

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]]> https://iconica.wine/product/melka-mekerra-merlot-knights-valley-2017/feed/ 0 4192 Melka Majestique Syrah Paderewski Paso Robles 2018 https://iconica.wine/product/melka-majestique-syrah-paderewski-paso-robles-2018/ https://iconica.wine/product/melka-majestique-syrah-paderewski-paso-robles-2018/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:37:51 +0000 https://iconica.wine/?post_type=product&p=4186
95 points | Jeb Dunnuck (2016 vintage)

"Coming from the Paderewski Vineyard in Paso Robles, the 2016 Syrah Majestique is 100% Syrah that was mostly destemmed and brought up all in puncheons. It has a rocking Paso Robles bouquet of ripe black fruits, ground pepper, crushed violets, and hints of bouquet garni. Ripe, full-bodied, incredibly layered and sexy on the palate, it’s a beautiful and pleasure-bent Syrah that does everything right. Drink it over the coming decade. 130 cases." (tasted Jan 2019)

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Tasting Note

This is a beautifully made, opulent wine that has inviting aromas of blackberry, blueberry, violet along with a smoky, meaty quality. The richness follows through in the pallet with an incredible seamlessness showing balanced tannins and a lingering finish.

History

Philippe and Cherie Melka started their own label in 1996. Initially, the wines were produced externally using purchased grapes. In 2010, the couple decided to take the next step. After years of trying, Philippe and Cherie received the necessary permit to build their own winery in June 2015. The winery has since been

A small, functional winery was built along the Silverado Trail north of St. Helena in the direction of Calistoga. The winery now houses its own wines, which were previously vinified and stored at BRAND and Vineyard 29.

For more information about Melka Vineyards click here or visit their website here.

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]]> https://iconica.wine/product/melka-majestique-syrah-paderewski-paso-robles-2018/feed/ 0 4186 Melka CJ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 https://iconica.wine/product/melka-cj-cabernet-sauvignon-2017/ https://iconica.wine/product/melka-cj-cabernet-sauvignon-2017/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:07:20 +0000 https://iconica.wine/?post_type=product&p=4178
92 points | Jeb Dunnuck (2018 Vintage)

"Coming mostly from the Soda Canyon region and 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon CJ has a big, ripe, fruit-driven nose of blue fruits, lots of peppery herbs and earth, medium to full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This nicely balanced, pure, charming red brings loads of charm and is well worth seeking out. (JD)" Tasted Jan 2021

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“A beautiful expression of Napa Valley Cabernet from three of our favorite vineyards that have continually produced great fruit for years.”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors

As we begin our third decade of producing this Cabernet named after our children (CJ is an acronym for Chloe and Jeremy), we are excited at how incredible this wine continues to be.  Exhibiting a nose of dark blackberry and blackcurrant, nuanced with notes of vanilla, and fresh rose powder, the subtlety and finesse are what strike the mind.  The beautiful framework of this creamy, velvety and rich wine has amazing structure and mid-palate with a mouthfeel full dark cherry and purity of fruit expression.  This wine has incredible balance and length to its finish.

  • Production:  1375 cases
  • Bottling:  June, 2019
  • Aging: 22 months 40% new French oak
  • Release:  January 21, 2020

For more information about Melka Vineyards click here or visit their website here.

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]]> https://iconica.wine/product/melka-cj-cabernet-sauvignon-2017/feed/ 0 4178 Ulysses Napa Valley 2016 https://iconica.wine/product/ulysses-napa-valley-2016/ https://iconica.wine/product/ulysses-napa-valley-2016/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2024 08:36:05 +0000 https://iconica.wine/?post_type=product&p=4166 99 points | James Suckling

Ulysses Napa Valley 2016 has "Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing. Fascinating and thoughtful. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold." (tasted Dec 2018)

98 points | Vinous

"The Ulysses Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is fabulous. Bright, powerful and pulsing with energy, the 2016 possesses stunning textural depth allied to a real sense of drive. Black cherry, tobacco, menthol, sage and licorice give this Cabernet from southern Oakville much of its distinctive personality. In this tasting, the 2016 Ulysses simply towers with pedigree and character. I loved it. Although the track record is short, the 2016 is the finest wine Christian Moueix and Tod Mostero have made at Ulysses." (AG) 98+

95 points | Wine Advocate

"The deeply concentrated and densely colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon needs additional cellaring. While its tannins are ripe and reasonably supple, the flavors need time to unfold—right now, there's a lot of dark chocolate, mocha and rich loamy notes, with black cherries and cassis yet to really blossom. Full-bodied but restrained, elegant and reserved, it's the most Bordeaux-like of these three prior vintages, still in need of additional aging. (JC)" (tasted May 2022)

94 points | Wine Spectator
This is well-built but stays restrained in style, featuring alluring cassis and blackberry flavors, lined with black tea, minerally iron and warm tobacco accents. A late flash of warm paving stone adds depth and range through the finish. Should put on weight in the cellar. (JM) (tasted July 2020)

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Tasting Notes

Remarkably fresh and full of energy, the Ulysses 2016 offers deep boysenberry,lavender and sage, spruce, rose petals, and wild cherry. The palate vibrates with fine-grained tannins and a long, bracing finish.

Vintage

2016 was characterized by a rainy and warmer than average winter. With soil water reserves full, vines quickly grew dense and vigorous canopies. Bloom and veraison unfolded in warm and dry conditions. Ripening slowed down in August because of cooler temperatures and late morning fog. Warm temperatures in September (99 F on 18th, 100 F on 25th, 100 F on 26th) helped fruit to ripen consistently.

Serving and Decanting Ulysses with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon wines are best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Young vintages of their red wine can be decanted for 1-3 hours, depending on the character of the vintage. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Ulysses is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, ribs, hamburgers, barbecue, roasted, braised, grilled dishes and stews. Ulysses is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, salmon, mushrooms and pasta.

 

For more information about Ulysses Vineyard click here or visit their website here.

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]]> https://iconica.wine/product/ulysses-napa-valley-2016/feed/ 0 4166 Opus One 2021 https://iconica.wine/product/opus-one-2021/ https://iconica.wine/product/opus-one-2021/#respond Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:29:07 +0000 https://iconica.wine/?post_type=product&p=3190 100 points | Jane Anson

A classical vintage that perfectly suits the Opus style. Gorgeous vivid plum colour, sculpted, balanced, with a ton of lift, waves of rose petals, iris and peony, soft grilled cumin, sage and white pepper spice. Love the hidden power here and the supple slightly chalky tannins that are structured in their architecture with a precision and carved quality. Precise, layered and stretched out, a brilliant Opus, concentrated and yet delicate. Feels pared back and captures the spirit of early Opus, when it moved forward the conversation of what Napa could be. Michael Silacci director, 100% new oak for ageing extremely well integrated even now.

99 points | James Suckling

An enticing aroma of violets, cherry blossoms, fresh blue and black fruit and great structure define this beautiful, age-worthy wine. Subtle layering of fruit and oak spices between firm, fine-grained and supportive tannins gives it a calm intensity. So elegant and polished. Hints of cinnamon and graphite accent blackcurrant and blueberry flavors that linger and grow in a long finish. Already attractive to drink, but best after 2029.

98 Points | Lisa Perrott-Brown The Wine Independent

The 2021 Opus One is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% each of Merlot and Malbec. It was bottled in July 2023. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes barreling out of the glass with gregarious notions of creme de cassis, wild blueberries, and redcurrant jelly followed by hints of cedar chest, sassafras, vanilla pod, and dark chocolate plus a waft of lilacs. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers shimmery red, black, and blue fruit layers with a firm texture of rounded tannins and impressive tension, finishing long and fragrant.

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Opus One Returns with a stellar 2021 vintage, after a fire-damaged 2020 vintage led to no release. This exceptional wine has received a perfect 100-point score, showcasing the brilliance of the vintage.

Vinification

With a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than previous vintages, the harvest lasted 4 weeks. Aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak barrels.

Background

Baron Philippe de Rothschild, proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi founded Opus One. They combined their families’ winemaking traditions and innovations to create an exceptional wine in Napa Valley. Opus One was born from their passion and dedication to uncompromised quality. Its sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.

Additional Ratings

97 points | Antonio Galloni

The 2021 Opus One is absolutely gorgeous. Vibrant, layered and quite sensual in feel, the 2021 possesses the concentration and depth of years such as 2013 and 2010 but with more polished tannins. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and a touch of cinnamon open gracefully. Sweet floral notes extend the mid-palate into the finish, where silky tannins wrap it all together. The 2021 is an incredibly promising Opus One. Anticipated maturity: 2026-2051 [Tasted, 21/12/2023]

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Opus One is another riveting wine from this estate. Pure cassis, graphite, chocolate, and nicely integrated oak, as well as an undeniable sense of minerality, all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, building tannins, wonderful purity and precision, and a great finish. This is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet in the making, and it’s going to evolve for 20-25 years if well stored.

Learn about the Opus One click here or visit the Opus One website here.

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]]> https://iconica.wine/product/opus-one-2021/feed/ 0 3190 Paul Lato ‘Il Padrino’ Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah 2021 https://iconica.wine/product/paul-lato-il-padrino-bien-nacido-vineyard-syrah-2021/ https://iconica.wine/product/paul-lato-il-padrino-bien-nacido-vineyard-syrah-2021/#respond Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:56:22 +0000 https://iconica.wine/?post_type=product&p=2939 97 Points | Robert Parker

This Paul Lato 'Il Padrino' Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah 2021 showcases remarkable concentration and complexity, offering layers of dark fruit flavors, such as blackberries and plums, with accents of cracked black pepper, leather, and floral undertones. The wine is structured and full-bodied, with an excellent balance between power and elegance, making it ideal for aging through 2033​.

98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

In contrast, the Paul Lato 'Il Padrino' Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah 2021 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. 98+

97 Points | Wine Advocate

The 2021 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard is particularly elegant and detailed. Grapes come from 26-year-old Estrella clone vines, and the wine was matured for 19 months in 66% new French oak. It has an intense perfume of cassis, blueberry jam, mint chocolate, tapenade, aniseed and dark spices. The full-bodied palate has plush, pixelated tannins and a concentrated core of perfumed fruit. Focused acidity offers balance, and it has a long finish with a flourish of spicy accents. It develops dramatically as it spends time in the glass and will be long lived in the cellar. 160 cases were made. Drink between 2025-2045. (Erin Brooks - tasted Dec 2023)

94 points | Vinous

The 2021 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Il Padrino is one of the most distinctive wines in the range from Paul Lato. Brilliant aromatics, chiseled fruit and power abound. Even so, the 2021 remains light on its feet, showing tremendous energy and drive that builds into its persistent finish. All this needs is a bit more polish. Hopefully that will come with time in bottle. (AG - Sept 2023)

 

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Bien Nacido  is one of the most historic vineyards in Santa Maria Valley, tracing its grape-growing history back to the days of the Spanish land grants. Vineyard Manager Chris Hammell and his dedicated crew continue to take this vineyard to even greater heights. Many of this region’s most acclaimed winemakers have enjoyed great success working with this internationally renowned site. While offering a variety of topography, my very special block of the Estrella clone grows on hillside and produces an elegant, spicy expression of Syrah like those from the great Northern Rhône appellations. This wine often smells of church incense with white pepper and minerality. My Syrah speaks with a softer voice, presenting beautiful aromatics and velvety texture while retaining great structure and perfect acidity.

Learn more about Paul Lato Wines here or visit the Paul Lato website here.

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]]> https://iconica.wine/product/paul-lato-il-padrino-bien-nacido-vineyard-syrah-2021/feed/ 0 2939 Paul Lato ‘Suerte’ Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 https://iconica.wine/product/paul-lato-suerte-solomon-hills-vineyard-pinot-noir-2021/ https://iconica.wine/product/paul-lato-suerte-solomon-hills-vineyard-pinot-noir-2021/#respond Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:35:19 +0000 https://iconica.wine/?post_type=product&p=2931 97 Points | Robert Parker

The Paul Lato 'Suerte' Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 comes from 21-year-old vines planted in sand and was matured for 17 months in 53% new French oak. It has a deep, alluring perfume of strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate, with nuances of blood orange, tea leaves, graphite and fresh tobacco that continue to unfurl as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is more coiled at this youthful stage, its flavors driven by iron-like mineral tones. It has a fine, powdery texture, mouthwatering busts of acidity that call you back to the glass and a long, spicy finish. It deserves 3-5 years in bottle to unwind and will be long lived.

97 Points | International Wine Report

With fruit coming from the famous Solomon Hills Vineyard, the Paul Lato 'Suerte' Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 showcases those telltale notes from the area. Gobs of rich dark raspberries, spiced black cherry, grilled Blood orange peel, dried violet flowers, and stony minerality are all present and wonderfully combined in the glass. Wonderfully textured, incredibly balanced, and impeccably made, this is another stunning Pinot Noir from the magicians of Paul Lato that will drink well over the next 10-15 years with proper storage. Highly recommended.

95 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

I always love Lato's Pinot Noir from this site, and the Paul Lato 'Suerte' Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is no exception. Revealing a ruby hue as well as gorgeous notes of wild strawberries, black tea, toasted spice, and exotic flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered, supple texture, integrated tannins, and outstanding length. Drink this more up-front, fruit-loaded, gorgeous Pinot Noir over the coming 5-7 years. (Aug 2023)

94 points | Vinous

The Paul Lato 'Suerte' Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is a super-classic wine from this site. There is a bit of youthful austerity, but also enough fruit to provide lovely inner sweetness and fine balance. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol fill out the layers nicely. This bright, energetic Pinot will drink beautifully for a number of years. I especially admire its vivid, slightly nervy, personality.

 

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A development by the Miller family, founders of Bien Nacido Vineyards, this fine project adds a new level of refinement to this region. From the first few vintages, wines from this vineyard made by other producers showed great potential and have not disappointed. Spread on beautifully even hills, this is the most westerly vineyard in the appellation making it the coolest due to its proximity to the ocean. Notoriously low yielding vines of clones 115, 667, and 777 create a great concentration of balanced flavours. Bright acidity highlighting gentle red fruit aromatics with a hint of chocolate and smokiness. Medium to full-bodied with velvet texture but perfectly delineated. This vineyard has the potential to become the “Grand Cru” of the Santa Barbara County.

Winemaker Notes

The nose is intense, with notes of blueberry, potpourri, and forest floor. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruit, red velvet, and baking spices. The tannins are fine-grained, and the finish is long and satisfying.

Learn more about Paul Lato Wines here or visit the Paul Lato website here.

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