97+ Points! I was blown away by the 2016 Château Gracia from barrel and it doesn’t disappoint from bottle. Coming from Michel Gracia’s tiny 1.83-hectare vineyard and a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in new barrels, it sports a vivid purple color as well as a blockbuster bouquet of blackberries, cassis, liquid violets, graphite, crushed rocks, and background high-class oak. With full-bodied power, a deep, layered, concentrated mid-palate, sweet tannins, and awesome purity of fruit, it’s another magical vintage for this estate. Hide bottles for 3-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 2-3 decades.- Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
95-97 Points! Not yet bottled, the 2018 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict is still resting in 20% new French oak. Coming from a great site on the southern side of the Sta. Rita Hills, it offers a rocking bouquet of lemon curd, chamomile, toasted bread, spice, and a touch of crushed stone-like flinty minerality. Beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, and elegant on the palate, it's another brilliant wine from this estate. - Jeb Dunnuck Learn More
