95pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore Vineyard comes from a vineyard located at the end of Bella Oaks Lane in Rutherford. This has slightly less Cabernet Sauvignon than the Bosche Vineyard, at 84%, and the rest is Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged three months less in oak. Loads of clove, sweet blackberry and cassis, black olive tapenade and earthy forest floor notes are all present in this wine that shows dazzling richness, a heady full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning finish. The wine is slightly more evolved with the tannins and structure less present than in the Bosché.

93pts James Suckling

Aromas of mahogany, redwood and dust. Ripe redcurrants underneath. Turns to black truffles and mushrooms. Full-bodied and round with juicy fruit and tannins. Hints of dusty wood. Late release.

92pts Wine Enthusiast

A classically styled, beautifully made red, this is defined by its well-chiseled structure and sanguine characteristics, as well as notees of cranberry, dried herb and anise. Lush and full-bodied, it has additional elements of pencil shavings and meaty game, complex and interesting to the end. Enjoy best 2022 through 2032. Cellar Selection.

Winemaker Notes

Opaque dark ruby in color. Blackberry and dark currant dominate the depth of flavor with nuances of blackberry jam on toast, dark chocolate truffle with cocoa dust, cinnamon and clove. The oak is very well integrated, adding just the right amount of spice. The wine has great depth of black fruits with a strong expression of sweet black cherry. There is a complexity in the nose that hints of tobacco and a briary thicket. This full bodied cabernet sauvignon has well integrated tannin which yields a very pleasant, fruitful finish.