The Buzz 2016
:Nota Bene Arianses Vineyard
90 Points
Reviewed on 4/15/2020
The 2016 Arianses Vineyard checks in as a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot, and 11% Cabernet Franc. This medium ruby/purple-hued effort offers lots of smoked black currants and tobacco notes as well as a touch of chocolatey oak, medium to full body, a rounded, nicely textured style, and outstanding length. It's another solid, thoroughly enjoyable red from this estate. – Jeb Dunnuck
:Nota Bene Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon - Dineen Vineyard
91+ Points
Reviewed 4/15/2020
All Cabernet from a site in the Yakima Valley, aged mostly in neutral barrels, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dineen Vineyard is a classic, well-made Cabernet that has plenty of spiced red and black fruits, some tobacco and spicy oak, medium body, a rounded, nicely textured mouthfeel, and a great finish. It's a classic, impeccably put together Cabernet that will drink well for 10-12 years or more. Drink 2020-2032. – Jeb Dunnuck
:Nota Bene Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Blend
92 Points
Reviewed on 4/15/2020
Lastly, the 2016 Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard comes from a great vineyard on Red Mountain and is 50% Cabernet, 33% Cabernet Franc, and 17% Merlot. Cassis, candied violets, lead pencils, and hints of orange zest all emerge from the glass, and it's more medium-bodied, with a great mid-palate, ample concentration, and that classic sense of minerality that I almost always find from Red Mountain fruit. As with the other wines here, it's beautifully balanced and will evolve gracefully for 15 years. Drink 2020-2035. – Jeb Dunnuck
:Nota Bene Malbec - Heart of the Hill Vineyard
:Nota Bene Merlot - Ciel du Cheval Vineyard
MCM Wine Company Spectaculuxe
88 Points
Reviewed on 4/15/2020
Violets, orange blossom, and exotic pepper as well as both red and blue fruits emerge from the 2016 Spectaculuxe, which is nicely balanced, with lively acidity and a clean, enjoyable style. Based on a mix of Syrah and Grenache, brought up in barrel, drink it over the coming 4-6 years. Drink 2020 – 2026. – Jeb Dunnuck
:Nota Bene Syrah - Stone Tree Vineyard
88 Points
Reviewed on 4/15/2020
Incorporating 5% Viognier, the inky colored 2016 Syrah StoneTree Vineyard offers a modern, slightly oaky style that carries lots of ripe black fruits, melted licorice, tar, and chocolate notes. This ripe, powerful effort lacks a touch of elegance yet certainly brings the fruit and richness. Drink 2020-2026. – Jeb Dunnuck
:Nota Bene Una Notte
Gold Medal at the 2020 Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival