Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Red 2018

98 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The 2018 Proprietary Red Blend Amuse Bouche is composed of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bombastic scents of ripe black plums, boysenberries and Black Forest cake with hints of Morello cherries, star anise, cardamom and red roses, plus a touch of garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate is an exercise in poise, delivering loads of vibrant black fruit and exotic spice flavors with bold freshness plus exquisitely ripe, rounded tannins, finishing with fantastic length and perfume. Absolutely stunning Merlot! Drink: 2021-2045. (Nov 2020)"

95+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Amuse Bouche is a Right Bank-inspired blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with the Franc very much in evidence in the wine's aromatic profile. Bright red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco, mint, dried flowers and a kiss of sweet French oak give the 2018 its racy, extroverted personality. The 2018 needs a bit of time to be at its very best. Drink: 2022-2036. (Jan 2021)"

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Fashioned after a Right Bank Bordeaux, the 2018 Napa Valley Red Wine is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc sourced from a handful of sites throughout Napa. It has a beautiful bouquet of black cherries, tobacco leaf, damp earth, and chocolate that flows to a medium to full-bodied red with silky tannins, a nicely integrated spine of acidity, and just terrific overall balance. It’s already approachable today, with the vintage’s freshness and purity front and center, and it’s going to evolve gracefully for 10-12 years at a minimum. Drink: 2021-2035. (1/27/21)"