The reserve label for Mike Andrews of Coyote Canyon Winery uses the Big John program to supply more evidence for why the Horse Heaven Hills ranks among the West Coast’s top regions for Cabernet Sauvignon as winemaker Justin Michaud wins a Platinum for the third straight vintage. It’s a classic Cab with black fruit, black olive, cocoa and graphite notes, framed by integrated Earl Grey tea tannins. All totaled, Big John — named for a prized bull that topped the Western Nugget National Hereford Show and Sale in 1974 — has accounted for five career Platinums. Its first was from the 2007 vintage. Award: Critics Challenge International (gold).
Rating: Platinum, 91 points
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
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