Latest Scores from Robert Parker!

July 08, 2015 at 9:00 AM

Jed Dunnuck from the Wine Advocate reviewed our 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon out of the barrel and also tasted the 2012 again. This year we received our HIGHEST Scores yet. We are excited to have these amazing scores for our first vintages. Chris said “These initial outstanding scores really demonstrate how excellent this Red Mountain site is and promises wonderful things as these vines gain more age”.

2013 Vintage – In Barrel Rating: (94-97) – Drink 2018 – 2033

Cost: $68

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch Vineyard is another sensational Cabernet from Chris Upchurch and, certainly, is up with the best of the vintage. Inky colored, it offers ample notes of cassis, graphite, licorice, violets and crushed rock to go with a full-bodied, structured and tannic feel on the palate. While no lightweight, it still comes across as a relatively civilized expression of Red Mountain and I love the quality of the tannin. Short-term cellaring should be the name of the game here, and it will see its 20th birthday in fine form.

2012 Vintage – Rating: 96 – Drink 2017 – 2032

Cost: $65

Another sensational Cabernet From Chris Upchurch, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch Vineyard has flat-out great aromatics of creme de cassis, licorice, graphite, crushed rock and toasted bread. This gives way to a full-bodied, elegant, seamless 2012 that has no hard edges, prefect balance and a blockbuster finish. While the Red Mountain tannin and structure are both present here, the polish, balance and purity are exceptional. It offers ample pleasure today, but will evolve for two decades

 “This was a serious lineup of Cabernet Sauvignons by winemaker Chris Upchurch”

2011 Vintage – Rating: 93 – Drink 2014 – 2023

Cost: $62

Showing the more difficult nature of the vintage, yet still a superb bottle of wine, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch Vineyard offers impressive red and black fruits, spice, lead pencil and serious floral overtones to go with a full-bodied, up-front, supple and juicy profile on the palate. Ready to go now, it should continue to evolve nicely through 2023.

2010 Vintage – Rating: 95 – Drink 2016 – 2036

Cost: $60

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch Vineyard is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot that spent 22 months in 100% new French oak. A big, massive and hedonistically styled effort that excels on all accounts, it gives up decadent aromas and flavors of licorice-laced plums, creme de cassis, violets and assorted wild flowers. Full-bodied, voluptuously textured and showing superb mid-palate depth and a terrific finish, it’s certainly approachable now, but will be better in 2-3 years and have two decades or more of longevity.