LAST CALLCarte Blanche 2014 Red Blend

97 POINTS — Jeb Dunnuck (formerly with Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate)
“A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petite Verdot and Malbec, the 2014 Proprietary Red is killer stuff that checks in near the top of the vintage. Deep purple-colored with loads of cassis and black cherry fruit intermixed with notes of chocolate, scorched earth, and subtle graphite, it’s full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, and layered on the palate. It’s a sensational Napa blend from winemaker Helen Keplinger.”

94 POINTS — Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
“. . . the 2014 Proprietary Red has a deep garnet-purple color and compelling cassis, black cherries, mulberries and plums on the nose with hints of chocolate box and menthol. Full-bodied and jam-packed with muscular black fruit, it has a very firm, ripe, fine-grained tannic backbone and a long, pure-fruited finish.”

94 POINTS — Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“The 2014 Proprietary Red Wine is a powerful, tannic wine that is going to need at least a few years to fully come together, but it is impressive, even at this early stage. This is an especially vibrant 2014. Floral, savory overtones laced with violet, lavender, spice and menthol add shades of nuance throughout.”