96pts International Wine Report

The 2019 'Erba' is an absolutely stunning wine from Adversity Cellars. It begins with fantastic aromatics of ripe boysenberries, black raspberries and red/dark currants woven together with intense florals, black olive, iron, dried exotic spices and a lovely mineral character. On the palate this full-bodied red shows wonderful elegance and vibrancy, with a bright core of beautifully ripe red and dark currants, fresh florals and minerals that are framed by gorgeous velvety tannins. It continues to impress with its remarkable structure, as it all comes together seamlessly with wonderful focus and definition as it glides into the finish which displays tremendous length. Russell Bevan has crafted an utterly captivating wine, which is fabulous now, but should also continue to evolve marvelously for many years to come.

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

The inky hued 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Erba Vineyard, which includes 15% Petit Verdot, comes all from Atlas Peak (next to Pahlmeyer) and was brought up in new barrels. It's loaded with bloody, iron-laced blue fruits as well as notes of sage brush, bouquet garni, chocolate, and crushed stone. Full-bodied, seamless and beautifully pure, with a big finish, it's going to benefit from short-term bottle age and keep for 20 years.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Originating from a vineyard on Atlas Peak, the 2019 Syrah Erba Vineyard is loaded with blueberries and sage with a hint of licorice. Unlike the Cabernets from Adversity, which typically age in barriques from Taransaud and Darnajou, this wine spent its élevage in Francois Frères and Gamba. It's full-bodied, creamy textured and richly concentrated, with a long, vanilla-tinged finish.

Winemaker Notes

The Erba Cabernet Sauvignon is the most intellectual of our 2019s. The combination of red fruits, cherry, plum, and boysenberry all compete to see who can dominate each sip. These pure fruit flavors mingle with mocha and a fabulous minerality that gives this wine a flavor profile that pulls you into the glass. It's the kind of wine that will keep you going back and back to discover new flavors and accents. Even though the Vineyard is a rock pile, the wine’s textures are incredibly supple and round. The tannins are always present, but never assertive. It is deep, complex, and continues to steal your attention.The Erba Cabernet Sauvignon is the most intellectual of our 2019s. The combination of red fruits, cherry, plum, and boysenberry all compete to see who can dominate each sip. These pure fruit flavors mingle with mocha and a fabulous minerality that gives this wine a flavor profile that pulls you into the glass. It's the kind of wine that will keep you going back and back to discover new flavors and accents. Even though the Vineyard is a rock pile, the wine’s textures are incredibly supple and round. The tannins are always present, but never assertive. It is deep, complex, and continues to steal your attention.