96 from the Tasting Panel:
Winemakers Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky were the hands and minds behind the latest vintage of this wine, which is more than deserving of its name. It’s a California red with a French accent, blending 46% Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Syrah, 19% Mourvèdre, and 10% Grenache; the Rhône varieties were grown on Westwood Estate’s Biodynamically farmed Annadel Gap Vineyard, while the Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Sonoma and Napa valleys. Together, they create a wine that’s alert with Old World acidity as it unleashes a waterfall of violets, plum, and black cherry skin that cascades across the lush palate. Tannins are sheathed in dark chocolate and tempered by white pepper.
Also 96 from Decanter:
Aromas of sweet, savory soil are primed with rich tones of blueberry preserves. Generous and a true extrovert, this red gives wide berth on the palate to creamy boysenberry and luscious, ripe plum. Red floral and graphite strike an accord with high-energy acidity. Finely grained tannins grip like a professional golfer, firm, but not tight – confident and seamless. Finishes with a snip of cayenne, sparking an alignment with cinnamon oak as the blue fruit turns darker.
