97pts Jeb Dunnuck

Another tour de force is the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Sugarloaf Vineyard, a full-bodied, powerful, structured 2019. Giving up lots of darker cassis and currant fruits as well as damp herbs and violets, it has plenty of mountain-like structure, purity, and focus on the palate. It’s certainly approachable today yet deserves 2-4 years in the cellar. It should have 20 years or more of prime drinking.

93pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Sugarloaf charges out of the gate with bombastic notions of crème de cassis, plum preserves and sautéed herbs, plus hints of unsmoked cigars and tilled soil. Full-bodied, rich and packed with savory layers, it has an energizing grainy texture and oodles of freshness, finishing on a lingering herbal note.

93pts James Suckling

A ripe and flavorful red with full body, chewy tannins and lots of flavor. Chocolate, hazelnut and spice character. Some stone, too. Needs time to soften. Try after 2023.

Winemaker Notes

Ripe and aromatic, the 2019 Purlieu Sugarloaf Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon shows off the unique complexity of southern Napa Valley terroir. The nose is rich with dark red fruit aromas, stony minerality and the gentle warmth of dried oregano. In the mouth, bright cherry and ripe blue fruits weave a nuanced tapestry with notes of graphite, mocha, and toasted fennel seed. Fine, elegant tannins and a slippery mouthfeel carry the wine into a long, sweet finish of caramelized cherries and baking spice.