Bordeaux native Philippe Melka has long made headlines for his work in Napa and beyond, and while he’s recently branched out to Red Mountain to consult for the Aquilini family, it was Allan Shoup who first brought him to Washington for this Left Bank approach with Agustin Huneeus, Sr. They arrived at a blend led by Cabernet Sauvigon (68%) with Merlot (15%), Petit Verdot (8%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Malbec (3%) from Sagemoor site Dionysus as well as prized plantings on Red Mountain. There’s a significant investment of new French barrels (75%), but the deployment of oak is balanced, allowing for black cherry, dusty blueberry, cocoa powder and light toast. There’s juiciness that comes with those ripe blue fruit flavors, and while the age-worthy tannins arrive up front, they merely add to the pleasingly long finish.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 2,188 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
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