Country: | United States |
Regions: | California California (Sonoma County) |
Winery: | Sinegal Estate |
Grape Type: | Cabernet Sauvignon |
Vintage: | 2019 |
Bottle Size: | 750 ml |
It is hard to imagine with the Lithology range receiving 298 points out of 300 for the three single-vineyard wines, that there could possibly be a wine above them. But there is, and it is our Estate wine. Blended several times very intently by masters of their craft Philippe Melka and Michel Rolland, this is the ultimate expression of our house’s work. Positive, full-bodied, and quite powerful, there’s the expected crème de cassis and blackberry from St. Helena Cabernets, with mineral, herb, subtle tobacco and vanilla, plum skins, and pie crust, purple flowers, forest-conifer notes, and very fine tannic structure. It is a magnificent, and magnificently elegant expression of this house, and when asked recently, Monsieur Rolland stated plainly to me, “oh yes indeed – this is the best one, the best yet…”
Review:
Pure perfection in Cabernet, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Alejandro Bulgheroni is all varietal and comes two-thirds from Oakville with the balance from sites in St. Helena and Rutherford. Aged 20 months in 70% new French oak and put together by Philippe Melka and Michel Rolland, it has an incredibly pure, full-bodied, massive yet weightless style that I suspect couldn’t be achieved anywhere outside of Napa Valley. Cassis, blackberries, leafy herbs, lead pencil shavings, and tobacco leaf are just some of the nuances here, and it’s full-bodied, deep, and concentrated on the palate while maintaining an ethereal, seamless, utterly perfect balance between its fruit, alcohol, tannins, and acidity. As good as it gets, it needs just 2-4 years in the cellar and will evolve gracefully for at least 20-25 years.
-Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points
Alejandro Bulgheroni Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate Lithology is a series of single vineyard and AVA-designated wines made from select sites within Napa Valley. Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is produced solely from fruit grown in the historic Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard planted in 1865 by W.H. Crabb and represents Oakville's famous bench land.
Review:
The 2019 Cabernet Franc Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard just shines for its bouquet, which is classic To Kalon with its floral, incense, spicy, red and black-fruited aromatics. These all flow to a medium to full-bodied, utterly seamless Cabernet Franc that’s balanced, has laser-like precision, and a great finish. This isn’t the biggest or richest wine in the lineup, but it’s Cabernet Franc in all its glory, with soaring aromatics and complexity, ample richness and texture, and a beautiful sense of finesse and elegance. It’s going to keep for 15-20 years with no issues.
-Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points
Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is a barrel sample with a deep garnet-purple color. It needs a fair bit of coaxing to unlock scents of blackberry pie, warm blueberries and cassis plus suggestions of spice cake, underbrush, candied violets and chocolate box. The full-bodied palate brings forth loads of earthy layers to accent the rich, black fruits, framed by plush tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and fragrant.
-Wine Advocate 97 to 99 points
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is one of the very finest wines I have tasted from Alejandro Bulgheroni's Napa Valley project. The 2019 To Kalon captures all the pedigree of this iconic Oakville vineyard, and yet also remains nuanced and wonderfully finessed for an intense wine. To Kalon Cabernets are rarely this elegant, but the Bulgheroni 2019 sure is.
-- Antonio Galloni 97 Points
Blind Justice Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc.
The dream team does it again. Melka, Koschitzky and Sands have collaborated on a compelling Cabernet. The creamy mouthfeel is almost decadent, but there’s always a balance kept between opulence and energy. Wonderfully expressive in its aromas and flavors, it’s just swimming with dark cherry and plum on a bed of dried flowers and gravel with a hint of mint. Complex and impressive, as always.
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Justice Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is creamy and super-expressive from start to finish. The balance of opulence and ‘energy here makes for an absolutely compelling Cabernet. Dark cherry, plum, tobacco, dried flowers, menthol and gravel lend quite a bit of complexity throughout. Impressive.
~ Antonio Galloni 95 Points
Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
The estate Cabernet Sauvignon is grown primarily along the southwest ridge of the vineyard. The vines produce small berries with bountiful flavor, concentration and intensity, but also a good degree of finesse, excellent structure and layers of complexity that will continue to develop during extended bottle aging for those who want to cellar and age their wines. The wine is powerful, elegant, full-bodied.
Bottled unfined and unfiltered.100% free run
Pumpovers and punch-downs, up to 45 day macerations
Native yeast, 5 day cold soaks
22 months in 75% new French oak barrels
Fermented in concrete and stainless closed top tanks.
Review:
Another gem is the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate, a deep, concentrated, powerful Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that I suspect will be up there with the legendary wines from this terroir. Beautiful cassis, graphite, lead pencil shavings, and damp earth notes give way to a full-bodied effort that has a liqueur of rocks-like minerality, flawless balance, building yet polished tannins, and a great finish. Hide bottles for 4-5 years, and it will evolve for 25-30 years if properly stored. Best After 2026.
-Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points
Hoopes Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Our flagship wine is, and always has been, the soul of our farm. Crafted from our ten-acre vineyard in the heart of Oakville, planted in 1983, it was previously a fruit source for a number of famous estates until we started winemaking ourselves. The soil is dense in geologic composition, featuring four different types of soil. One, volcanic, is unheard of in the Oakville sub-appellation, with the exception of To Kalon, and is rarely, if ever present, in valley floor vineyards. We harvest this vineyard in fourteen small batches, despite the small size, to ensure the perfect balance of acid, flavor, and tannins. "
This wine's deep garnet hue invites you to dive into the nose as it opens with soft fruity-floral aromas of lilac and rose petals then moving into red fruits, pencil shavings, honey and plum. The aromas are deceptively delicate and refined with an ethereal quality. The mouth is more concentrated leaning towards ripe, rich black fruits. Juicy blueberry and sweet licorice flavors carry into the mid-palate with an open, spacious and inviting character. Lush, elegant, tannins support a mouthwatering finish with a savory aspect and notes of black tea bringing the wine to a balanced and layered close.
Review:
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville brings more elegance and finesse. Coming all from Oakville and aged 28 months in 50% new barrels, it has perfumed red and black fruits, lots of spicy oak, medium body, and just a seamless, pretty, elegant profile that's going to evolve nicely for 10-15 years.
-Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
Ink Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is made from 100 percent Cabernet.
Precariously clinging to the side of Howell Mountain, the Ink Grade Estate Vineyard claims a view unbeknownst to most in the Napa Valley. Amongst densely forested pines and sequoia stands, it lies in the north-east corner of the Howell Mountain AVA with a predominant view facing East. Terraced throughout due to the extreme slope, this mountainside vineyard grasps to volcanic “tufa” soils. Ink Grade Estate possesses a raw tension that renders fruit of immense intensity and depth.
Rugged terrain. Lush foliage. Abundant wildlife. This is no ordinary vineyard. This is the Ink Grade. Once owned by Napa Valley legend Theron Ink, our estate on Howell Mountain spans hundreds of wild acres—planted so as to nurture rather than disrupt the ecosystem that has thrived here for centuries. Ink Grade Estate Vineyard is the largest Demeter Certified Biodynamic Ranch in Napa County. If ever there was a site which imparted a feeling of reverence, Ink Grade is such a place.
The Ink Grade Estate Vineyard claims a view unbeknownst to most in the Napa Valley, lying in the northeast corner of the Howell Mountain AVA. Terraced throughout due to the extreme slopes, this mountainside vineyard clings to volcanic “tufa” soils. Ink Grade Estate possesses a raw tension that renders fruit of immense intensity and depth. If ever there was a site that imparted a feeling of reverence, Ink Grade is such a place
A GRAND CRU OF HOWELL MOUNTAIN This wine is crafted from Ink Grade’s highest elevation parcels. Vines are hand-selected, utilizing gentle processing techniques throughout fermentation, employing less new oak and larger aging vessels to maintain and express the purity and pedigree of this vineyard. The resulting wine is profound and possesses tension while remaining fresh and bright. A distinctive artifact of place, Ink Grade Cabernet Sauvignon is truly a grand cru of Howell Mountain
2019 VINTAGE HIGHLIGHTS “The 2019 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon carries the flinty graphite signature of this special terroir, highlighting the vibrant red fruit character, while showcasing notes of cedar and spices. The luscious texture of this vintage was achieved by utilizing large aging vessels during the elevage process, resulting in a beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignon with great aging potential.” ― Master Sommelier and Managing Partner Carlton McCoy Jr., May 2022
Review:
So much pine needle, flowers, currants and ripe plums on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine and polished tannins. Linear and very tight with a clarity and energy. Vivid is the word. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Expressive, with bramble and black licorice notes leading off, followed quickly by fresh black cherry and currant preserves. Features flashes of bay leaf and mesquite on the sleek finish, with a strong mineral underpinning as well. Drink now through 2035.
#96 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2023
If you look closely, you will notice the devil is in the details. The skull label is inspired by the ever-mysterious goat eyes, which are capable of seeing and sensing two things at once. The art conveys the double meaning behind the devil inside. The hieroglyphs tell their own detailed story within the goat’s skull. What do you see?
The 2019 DETAILS Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from the finest appellations in Sonoma County. The majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon for the blend comes from Sonoma Valley. Both Knights Valley and Alexander Valley are cooler climates for Cabernet Sauvignon, which bring elegance, nuance, and acid structure to the blend.
2019 DETAILS Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec 5% Merlot, 5% Petite Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot. 14.8% alcohol. The passion to create an exceptional California wine at an affordable price point was factored into every step of the process. The magic truly comes together when the best lots are tested and selected for the final blend.
The 2019 DETAILS aromatics are meant to be savored, shared, and appreciated. The nose is immediately greeted with sensual aromas of ripe raspberry, plum, and blueberry, with more subtle oak aromas of cedar and allspice.
The 2019 DETAILS Cabernet Sauvignon delivers elegance, depth, and power in one stunning wine. Enticing aromas of violets and ripe raspberries are followed by notes of sage, allspice, and a touch of balsamic reduction.
The 2019 growing season in Sonoma started off with record-breaking rainfall in the winter, followed by a cool spring, causing bud break to be delayed into late March and early April. Unseasonably heavy rainfall in May, had very little effect on flowering, due to the cool and later start to the vintage. Average and consistent temperatures throughout the summer, led to even ripening and flavor development in the vineyard. The heat picked up in late September and helped facilitate the final stages of the vine prior to harvest. With a slow, cool start to the vintage and long hang time, the fruit held its natural acidity well, while allowing the sugar, color, and tannin to develop in harmony. Together, these factors created optimal conditions for Bordeaux varieties throughout Sonoma County, especially the warmer hillside sites.
Review:
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Details is stunning. Vibrant and explosive in the glass, the Details Cabernet shows just how compelling Cabernet can be beyond Napa Valley. Gravel, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, plum and incense saturate the palate. This inky, structured Cabernet is one of the very finest Cabernets readers will find in its price point, or virtually any price point, for that matter. The 2019 is a blend from sites in Sonoma Valley, Alexander Valley and Knights Valley.
-- Antonio Galloni 96 Points
Ours is a quintessential Napa Valley wine country destination that celebrates the area's original spirit of adventure and exploration.
Experience the journey from vine to glass – exploring the remarkable lands, the beautifully-restored stone winery, 6,500 square feet of underground caves, and a modern wine tasting room.
Discover a distinctly authentic experience where curiosity is rewarded with warm hospitality and exceptional quality.
A Napa Valley escape that’s just an hour from San Francisco, but worlds away from the usual. Sinegal Estate is right in the heart of Napa Valley, at the base of the gorgeous Mayacamas Range, a few minutes outside of St. Helena. Known historically as The Inglewood Estate, our 30-acre retreat is one of Napa’s oldest and most coveted.
History:
After acquiring the 30-acre property known as the Inglewood Estate for $7,500 in 1879, Alton Williams planted the first vines here in 1881. Production at this Napa Valley winery was continuous through many different generations of winemakers before the Sinegal family purchased the St. Helena property in 2013. A multi-million dollar expansion and modernization produced the first wines under the Sinegal label just a year later to enviable critical reviews and ratings.
Terroir:
Residing in the heart of the renowned St. Helena AVA of Napa Valley, the legacy of the Sinegal Estate is perfect soil, subtle microclimates and a variety of terrains. We’re proud to have inherited noble vines that allow us to produce celebrated, award-winning Napa Valley wines. As unique as a fingerprint, our terroir is like none other anywhere.
Pazo de Senorans Seleccion de Anada Albarino is made from 100 percent Albarino.
Straw yellow with greenish tints, vivid and brilliant. High intensity and very expressive. Profusion of aromas with traces of mineral. Great volume and ample body leaving a lasting impression from beginning to end.
Reviews:
Style, defined aromas, taut, crisp, original. Colour, bright straw. Aroma, scrubland, fine lees, complex, varietal. Flavour, full of life, flavourful, complex.
-Guia Penin 98 Points
Tech:
Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Dark cherry, raspberry, and elderberry intertwine with intriguing hints of fresh basil, and pomegranate. Decadent fruit flavors unfold, showcasing remarkable acidity with dynamic structure and an enduring finish.
Our Appellation Series wines embody our unwavering commitment to exploration and the artistry of crafting soulful, thought-provoking wines that pay homage to the world’s extraordinary terroirs.
The Sonoma Coast is the largest appellation in Sonoma County, strongly influenced by its proximity to the ocean and heavy rainfall—producing more than twice the annual amount of its inland neighbors.
Our Sonoma Coast vineyards span the northern true coastal zone and the southern edge of the appellation. This distinctive blend is made from 11 different clones, fermented in predominantly stainless steel, and aged for 16 months in 38% new oak. The resulting wine has an energetic acidity with cascading layers of black cherry and elderberry, followed by a lasting finish.
Fact of Note: This Sonoma Coast blend was the longest to ferment in stainless steel from our Appellation Series.