New Release California Red Wines

Notes on a selection of new red wines from California:

Silverado Vineyards – Established in 1981, Silverado Vineyards is one of the stalwarts of the Stags Leap District in southeastern Napa Valley. The style here displays the plush, ripe fruit and round tannins this area is known for. Jon Emmerich is the winemaker.

Merlot St. George Vineyard 2016 (Coombsville, Napa Valley) – Aromas of dried plum, forest floor notes and oak. Medium-full, this is quite rich with very good ripeness and youthful tannins. This has very good persistence and balance, although there is much too much oak. Best in 5-7 years. Good

Cabernet Sauvignon “Estate Grown” 2016 (Napa Valley) – A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot; the fruit is from three of the winery’s estate vineyards in Napa Valley. Aromas of black plum, black currant and anise. Medium-full, this has excellent ripeness, good acidity, very good complexity and excellent persistence. Noticeable wood notes, but not too strong. Impressive, but needs time to settle down. Best in 7-10 years. Excellent

Cabernet Sauvignon “GEO” 2016 (Coombsville, Napa Valley) – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Mt. George vineyard in Coombsville, east of the town of Napa. Deep ruby red/light purple; volutpuous aromas of black cherry, black plum and violets. Medium-full with excellent concentration. Generous mid-palate, excellent persistence, good acidity, well-integrated wood notes and nicely balanced tannins. Just a baby now – this is approachable now, thanks to its supple character, but it will be a far more refined wine in another 7-10 years, with peak drinking in 12-15 years. Outstanding

Cabernet Sauvignon “Solo” 2016 (Stags Leap District, Napa Valley) – Solo is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the vineyard that surrounds the winery. Bright ruby red/scarlet; aromas of black cherry, cassis and carnation – lovely perfumes! Medium-full with ideal ripeness, a generous mid-palate, excellent persistence, good acidity and beautiful harmony. A marvelous example of Stags Leap District style, as this is a Cabernet Sauvignon that does not overpower you, but instead, seduces you with its charm. A few years in the bottle will bring out greater charms, with peak drinking in 12-15 years, perhaps longer. Superb

Other producers

Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir 2017 (Sonoma Coast) – Pretty garnet; aromas of cardamom, morel cherry and a hint of sage. Medium-full with excellent concentration. Beautiful varietal character, distinct spice, medium-weight tannins, good acidity and well integrated oak. Quite stylish and ripe, but with proper structure. 5-7 years. Excellent

Donum Estate Pinot Noir “West Slope” 2016 (Carneros, Sonoma) – The Donum Estate in Carneros is one of the most beautiful sites in all of California; it is also known for its collection of artwork spread throughout the vineyards. The wines rarely get the attention they deserve. Inviting aromas of cardamon, bing cherry and tea leaf. Medium-full with very good to excellent concentration. Excellent persistence, good acidity, nicely integrated wood notes and very fine varietal character. Very nice expression of Carneros Pinot Noir. Enjoy over the next 7-10 years. Outstanding

Donum Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Single Vineyard 2016 (Russian River Valley) – Exotic aromas of wild strawberry, morel cherry and oregano. Medium-full, this has nicely integrated wood notes, very good complexity and persistence. Good acidity and excellent harmony, this is a stylish Pinot Noir with a wild side. Peak in 10-12 years. Outstanding

Pope Valley Merlot 2016 (Napa Valley)- Aromas of black cherry, menthol and tar. Medium-full with very good depth of fruit, well-integrated wood notes, balanced acidity and notable persistence. This combines very good varietal character with good ripeness and a distinct light herbal character, with subtle hints of tobacco and brown spice. Very fine complexity, this is a low-key style of Merlot meant for food, not one styled to be excessively showy. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Excellent

Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Napa Valley) – Aromas of black currant, blueberry and violet. Medium-full with excellent concentration. Very well balanced wine with rich, young tannins, balacing acidity and impressive ripe fruit. Notable persistence. Perhaps a bit strong on the new oak notes, but otherwise, this is an young, fruit-dominated Napa Cabernet with very fine complexity. Give time – peak in 10-12 years. Excellent

Duckhorn Vineyards “The Discussion” 2015 (Napa Valley) – A super blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot. Deep ruby red; aromas of roasted coffee, black currant and soy sauce. Full-bodied with a rich mid-palate, Powerful finish, balanced acidity, youthful tannins and very good complexity. This is certainly structured for the long haul (10+ years), but the problem is that there is much, too much oak influence (100% new French oak). This may appeal to some, but this is an example where bigger is not better. Very Good

Odette Cabernet Sauvignon “Estate” 2016 (Stags Leap District, Napa Valley) – Deep ruby red/light purple; rich aromas of ripe blackcurrant, blueberry and red poppies. Medium-full with excellent concentration. Wonderfully supple entry on the palate, good acidity, excellent persistence, balanced, but firm tannins. A touch of heat in the finish (15.2%) is a slight flaw, and there is ample oak influence, but otherwise this is a stellar wine. Beautiful example of Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon terroir. Lovely harmony- very stylish! Could be enjoyed now with aged cow’s cheese, but best to pair this with roast lamb in a few years. Peak in 12-15 years. Outstanding