"Very strong, ripe and extracted. The word massive comes to mind. So packed with blackberry and blueberry preserves, it's almost a food group in itself. Then there are the tannins, huge and soft, giving the wine dramatic refinement. Defines the modern style, and shows that Alexander Valley doesn't have to take second place to Napa Valley when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon. —S.H."
Wine Enthusiast (December 31st 2011), 94 pts
"This is a standout wine from the vintage, made from a selection of the Trione Cloverdale Ranch. Blended with smaller percentages of Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, it sings in robust red and black cherry and currant, as well as more luxurious waves of chocolate and vanilla. There's a forwardness to the texture, making for a wine that's both big and happy. - Virginie Boone"
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2016), 91 pts
Wine Enthusiast (May 2017), 91 pts
"The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Block 21 comes from a site in the Alexander Valley. Its deep purple hue is followed by a complex bouquet of red plums, currants, saddle leather, and lead pencil. Bordeaux-like aromatically, it's medium to full bodied, has good acidity, and ripe tannins. It's from a scorching hot vintage yet it stays nicely balanced, has good purity, and a great finish."
- Jeb Dunnuck (May 2020), 90 pts
"The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Block 21 has a medium ruby color and ripe red and black fruits on the nose accented by vanilla, tobacco, dried herbs and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate has well-managed ripeness and mineral-laced fruits in a grainy, fresh frame and with a long finish. This is a fresh style that's approachable right out of the gate. - Erin Brooks"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (August 2020), 91 pts
"A soft, velvety red in a reserved and polished style. It’s medium-to full-bodied with lovely flavors of berry, tobacco and some herb. Why wait? Very drinkable now."
- James Suckling (January 2021), 92 pts
