95 Decanter

Positively soaring out of the glass with refined, ripe, dark berry fruits, elegant cedarwood notes, and powerful tannins that are superfine, creating a solid foundation to support all this ripe, generous and pure crunchy black and red fruit character. Complex notes of paprika smoke and unsweetened cocoa powder, along with graphite and anise nuances, infuse the long, full-bodied finish. For all the wine's generosity there's good tension here. A great new release from Julien Fayard.

94 Decanter

A well-structured, medium- to full-bodied wine in 2023. It opens with savoury aromatics of dark berry fruits, rich underbrush and earth, alongside nuances of dried tobacco, leather, and spiced oak. The chocolatey tannins offer perceptible grip yet remain well integrated, leading to a long finish marked by saline-mineral tension.

96 Eros Teboni - Wine Journal

92 Wine Enthusiast

The nose of this Grenache blend delivers aromas of concentrated cherry, pithy citrus, dark chocolate, and sweet cinnamon. The palate comes with a pop of lively acidity and grippy tannin that frame flavors of black plum, spiced raspberry compote, and lemon verbena that echo over the finish.

94 Wine Enthusiast

"An earthy coolness, of soil, herbs, salt and tart berries defines the nose, while the palate is simultaneously direct, balanced and ethereal, as delicate, savory overtones hover above a precise fruit element and a latent, simmering heat. -DC"

91 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a soft, supple, easygoing Cabernet that will drink well right out of the gate. Blackberry jam, spice, chocolate, menthol and licorice are nicely pushed forward in this succulent, plush Cabernet, the 2019 is beautifully done. The 2019 is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (92%), with a touch of Merlot."

91 Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Independent

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 3% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs with exuberant blackcurrant pastilles and black cherry preserves notes, followed by hints of bay leaves and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is lively and fine-grained, with spritely black fruits and an herbal lift on the finish.

92 Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

"This is attractively fragrant and inviting on the nose with dark berry, green olive, clove and toasted almond characters. The palate is equally attractive with succulent fruit intensity combined with silky texture and fine-grained tannins, finishing lingering and sturdy. At its best: now to 2033."

91 The Real Review

"Moderately intense cabernet sauvignon with dark berry/blackberry, vanilla and cedar flavours. Dense, almost chewy wine with a firm tannic backbone. Aerate to enjoy the wine at its best."

88 Decanter

Perfumed with citrus blossom, a saffron edge. Luscious lime and white peach palate core, luxurious mineral-saline finale.

92 Eric Guido - Vinous Media

The 2022 Cabernet Franc is peppery, fresh and lifted. It displays crushed raspberries complicated by dried roses and violet pastilles. It splashes across the palate with ease, showcasing savory red berry fruits and hints of citrus. Brisk acidity maintains energy throughout as this finishes with staining length and gentle tannins, leaving a pleasantly chewy feel.

92 Wine Enthusiast

A wine that smells and tastes like blackberries is off to a fine start. Additional aromas of violets, petrichor and pie crust are matched bonus flavors of clove and a saline note similar to squid ink. There's plenty of acidity here,along with velvety tannins, to match up with those berries. Give me a glass of this wine with a bowl of homemade beef barley soup and I will be a happy human.

98 Bonfort’s Wine & Spirits Journal

Big, bold and richly elegant, Big Chief is a commanding Mount Veeder Cabernet with impressive depth and renement. Sourced from Brioso Vineyard, the blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot and 1% Malbec delivers concentrated aromas of blackberry, cassis, dark plum, violet and graphite, layered with cedar, cocoa and baking spice. Twenty-two months in 83% new French oak lends polish and structure, while rm mountain tannins support the wine’s dense fruit and long, powerful nish. Substantial yet composed, this is rened Napa Valley elegance built for the cellar. 170 cases.

93 Owen Bargreen - OwenBargreen.com

The 2023 ‘La Cruz’ Pinot Nor comes from this site in the Sonoma Coast AVA that neighbors the Pacific Ocean. Salty pomegranate seed and kumquat zest flavors combine with crushed wet rock and shades of Yakima cherry on the palate. Rich and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034

94 The Real Review

A blend of cabernet sauvignon 53%, merlot 35% and cabernet franc 12%. Vinous rather than fruity with chocolate/mocha, dark berry, cedar and petrichor (rain on hot asphalt) flavours. A complex wine with rich, ripe tannins.

92 Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

This is immediately appealing on the nose with dark plum, sweet cherry, warm spice and assorted nut characters. The palate is equally attractive with excellent weight and plump mouthfeel, well framed by silky tannins, finishing persistent and flavoursome. At its best: now to 2029.

94 Decanter

"Lovely nose of raspberries and currants. The palate is elegantly layered, with cocoa-new earth edges and pretty red damson fruit."

95 Wine Enthusiast

This wine is concentrated, with aromas of boysenberry, black strawberry, dried potpourri and molasses on the nose. The flavors on the palate are brandied cherry, raspberry coulis, simmering spices and citrus zest, sliding into a creamy and mouthwatering finish. Decant and aerate for 30 minutes. Pair with braised pork shoulder.

93 Wine Enthusiast

A pale pink shade in the glass with a delicate mousse, this bottling offers citrus pith, nectarine and pink rose petal aromas on the engaging nose. The palate is very energetic and lively with orange blossom, Meyer lemon and light grapefruit flavors.

94 Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

"It's wonderfully ripe and complex on the nose showing cassis, vanilla, cedar and warm spice aromas with a hint of dried herb nuance. The palate delivers terrific weight and intensity combined with supple texture and chalky tannins, finishing impressively long and structured. At its best: now to 2034."