2021 Reserve Claret
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Claret Reserve is mainly Merlot (79%), with most of the rest consisting of Cabernet Franc (14%). Dusty and herbal up front but imbued with deep black cherry fruit, this medium to full-bodied wine is creamy-ripe in texture, dense and concentrated, with a long, lush finish. It's a strong step up in quality from the Merlot and the Merlot Vintner's Select.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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As with many wines here, the 2021 Reserve Claret comes from almost equal parts Sonoma and Napa Valley. A bend of 79% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a semi-opaque ruby/plum hue as well as a beautiful, Pomerol-like vibe in its ripe black cherries, currants, leafy herbs, chocolate, and damp earth. With medium-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, and beautiful tannins, this classy Merlot benefits from air (and will probably be even better in 2-3 years) and has 15 years of prime drinking ahead of it.
The 2021 Claret Reserve is redolent of crushed rocks, iron, white pepper, mint and blood orange, all of which lend notable aromatic presence. Bright acids run through a core of vibrant red-toned fruit as the 2021 opens in the glass. This full-bodied, structured Merlot-based blend packs a pretty serious punch, but it also offers notable freshness and verve to balance things out.