2017 Nicolas Allen Carte Blanche The Mark
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Tasting notes
There are two Bordeaux variety releases, both beautiful wines. The 2017 The Mark checks in as 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, all brought up in new barrels. This smoky, gravelly mineral (almost Graves-like) effort has loads of ripe dark fruits as well as medium to full body, a complex, nuanced bouquet, terrific purity, and integrated, ripe tannins. It’s a classic, balanced Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley to enjoy over the coming 15+ years or more.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
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The 2017 The Mark is blended of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper vineyard in Oakville, the Merlot from the Beckstoffer Orchard vineyard and the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from the Sage Canyon vineyard in Napa Valley. It was aged 22 months in 100% French Darnajou, Taransaud and Sylvain barrels. Very deep purple-black in color, it gives up serious, classic scents of cassis, preserved plums and cedar chest with touches of pencil lead, dried herbs and black olives. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is well expressed with bags of juicy black fruit and plush tannins, finishing long. 150 cases were made.