Accolades
95
pts
Meso by LXV
2023 Meso by LXV G2N Cabernet Franc
Best Red Wine of the Vintage from Paso Robles. Unabashedly Cabernet Franc on the nose, with pyrazine notes peeking through beyond the prominent notes of dark berry glaze. Cedar and cigar box round out the nose. The palate brings freshly cracked peppercorns, beautifully integrated chalky tannins, and an earthy core reminiscent of freshly turned soil, with a budding truffle note and layered spices. A contemplative, meditative wine that unfolds slowly in the glass and would truly shine alongside food.
94
pts
Meso by LXV
2022 Meso by LXV Armaan Syrah
This Syrah from the LXV estate vineyard showcases a precise and expressive nose, with varietal character shining through—aromas of Amarena cherries, dried meats, and holiday potpourri prevail. The palate is lush and unctuous, brimming with dark fruits such as boysenberry and layered with dark chocolate and cacao. A velvety, silky texture leads to a lingering finish of cacao nibs and dried blueberries. It is a natural pairing for short ribs or braised meats.
93
pts
Meso by LXV
2022 Meso by LXV Armaan Sangiovese
From the inaugural vintage of the LXV estate Armaa.N Vineyard, this well-knit wine displays a medium garnet hue in the glass and a beautifully layered profile. The nose is rich with plums, cedar, and deep spice, accented by dark chocolate-covered cherries. It is delicate and sensuous on the palate, with seamlessly integrated tannins and a lingering, lengthy chocolate finish. Fresh and vibrant yet complex, this wine is drinking remarkably well in its youth, hinting at great potential.
92
pts
Meso by LXV
2022 Meso by LXV Gateway Cabernet Sauvignon
Crafted by Indian-American-owned LXV Wine (co-owner Neeta Mittal's mother lives in a small town south of Mumbai), this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon gives dark berries, dried plums and Christmas spices on the nose. The tannins are surprisingly reined in, with all structural elements, including the alcohol, beautifully balanced. Mocha notes linger on the back palate. This wine begs to be paired with food and stands out in a challenging vintage.
91
pts
Meso by LXV
2022 Meso by LXV G2N Cabernet Franc
The nose reveals concentrated red fruits, cherries and strawberries, with a faint hint of pyrazines hinting at Cabernet Franc. On the palate, powerful tannins dominate, requiring at least three years to resolve and integrate fully. This bold wine demands an equally assertive food pairing, such as a dry-aged Tomahawk steak, to match its intensity. From an Indian-American-owned winery, this is sourced from the esteemed G2 North vineyard.
91
pts
Meso by LXV
2021 Meso by LXV Gateway Cabernet Sauvignon
he nose of black fruits, cedar and tobacco points squarely at Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate showcases dark black fruit and well-integrated tannins for a surprisingly silky smooth finish. Will gracefully age due to tannin structure and fruit concentration.
92-94
pts
Meso by LXV
2022 Meso by LXV Armaan Syrah
Not yet bottled, the 2022 Syrah Meso Armaa.N Vineyard is all varietal and is still resting in 50% new oak. Blackberries, new leather, ground pepper, red plums, and savory flower notes all shine on the nose, and this medium to full-bodied, supple, nicely balanced, textured Syrah has a complex, nuanced, incredibly compelling profile.
95
pts
Meso by LXV
2022 Meso by LXV Armaan Syrah
Another rocking wine in the lineup, the 2022 Syrah Meso Armaa.N Vineyard (100% Syrah aged 22 months in 50% new French oak) offers darker berries, smoked herbs, game, and pepper nuances. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, concentrated, remarkably well-balanced, and has a great finish. Coming from a site in the Willow Creek District in Paso Robles, this brilliant 2022 will evolve for a decade. Drink 2025-2035.
94
pts
Meso by LXV
2022 Meso by LXV G2N Cabernet Franc
A step up in purity, precision, and complexity, the 2022 Cabernet Franc Meso G2 North Vineyard (100% Cabernet Franc aged 21 months in 50% new French oak) reveals ripe red and blue fruits, graphite, crushed stone, and sappy, violet nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, has ripe, building, solid tannins, beautiful purity, and a great finish. Drink 2025-2045.
91
pts
Meso by LXV
2022 Meso by LXV Wines Gateway Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Meso Gateway Vineyard comes from a site in the Willow Creek District and spent 21 months in French oak (67% new). Its ruby/plum hue displays a lighter rim, and it has pretty Cabernet notes of red and black fruits, smoked tobacco, cedary herbs, and loamy earth. It's medium-bodied, focused, and savory on the palate, with ripe, building tannins and a good finish. It’s outstanding and should have a solid 10-12 years of prime drinking. Drink 2025-2037.
94
pts
Meso by LXV
2021 Meso by LXV Wine Bien Nacido Syrah
Lots of juicy blackberries, peppery herbs, bay leaf, sage, and iron-like nuances emerge from the 2021 Syrah Meso Bien Nacido Vineyard, a richly textured, medium to full-bodied, concentrated Syrah. It has plenty of classic Bien Nacido wildness, terrific balance, and a great finish.
96
pts
Meso by LXV
2021 Meso by LXV Armaa.N Estate Syrah
Rich and lavish aromas of baked boysenberry, milk chocolate and violet cream converge on the inviting nose of this estate bottling. The palate is joyously ripe in blackberry and black currant flavors, as hints of caramel add to this hedonistic spin on Syrah.
94
pts
Meso by LXV
2021 Meso by LXV Gateway Cabernet Sauvignon
Snappy aromas of red berry and cherry are elevated by hints of cedar, cocoa and espresso on the nose of this bottling. The palate leans toward the heavy side, balanced by fine tannins that aren't intrusive, as red spice and mace flavors slide into the creamy finish.
94
pts
Meso by LXV
2022 Meso by LXV G2N Cabernet Franc
Red currant, plum skin, sandalwood and cedar shaving aromas entertain the nose on this bottling. The palate's core of dark cherry, blackberry and elegant elderberry are spiced with light peppercorn and framed by taut tannins that are bound to age well. Drink 2026-2040.
94
pts
Meso by LXV
2021 Meso by LXV Armaa.N Estate Sangiovese
Dark cherry, strawberry and hearty red plum aromas are layered in dark mint tones on the nose of this bottling. There's a firm tension to the palate, which remains fascinatingly fresh as it weaves through bright red fruit, toasted herb and warm spice flavors. Drink now-2037.
95
pts
Meso by LXV
2021 Meso by LXV Bien Nacido Syrah
This bold, ripe and delicious-smelling bottling offers immediately appealing aromas of boysenberry, violet, caramel and pie crust spices on the nose. The palate is loaded with berry and black plum flavors that are boosted by graham cracker, cocoa dust and hints of black truffle.
95
pts
Meso by LXV
2021 Meso by LXV Gateway Cabernet Sauvignon
This polished, rich and savory Cab starts with aromas of cocoa, oak, baked berry and light mint. The palate is broad in both mouthfeel and structure, offering a creamy, tense frame to showcase flavors of coffee, stewed fruit and subtle spices.
98
pts
Maison Mittal
2022 Maison Mittal G2 North Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon
Bright garnet with purple edges; opening aromas of confectionary, candied fruit, stollen, and Christmas cake, followed by hints of truffle and wet earth. Undertones of barnyard are supported by rum-soaked cherries, forest-fruit jam, and Scandinavian berries. The finish is marked by minerality and a rye toast character. 57% Cabernet Franc and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon.
98
pts
Maison Mittal
2022 Maison Mittal G2 North Cabernet Franc-Merlot Red Blend
Notes of potpourri, including dried roses, on the nose. Steely on the palate, with a tannin grip that yields to flavors of ripe pluots, crushed red fruit, and strawberry compote. Hints of tobacco and anise on the finish. 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc.
97
pts
Maison Mittal
2022 Maison Mittal Chateau Tour Perey Saint-Emillion Grand Cru Bordeaux blend
A pungent bouquet of earth, bramble, forest floor, tobacco, and cedar precedes a sweet attack on the palate, which offers notes of blueberry pie, berry crumble, and baking spices such as cinnamon. Dry on the finish, with good acidity and earthy hints of wet slate, resin, and oak. 65% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Merlot.
96
pts
Maison Mittal
2022 Maison Mittal Armaan Estate Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon
The bouquet of this blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Cabernet Franc shows light tones of leather, gravel, and dust that lead to scents of driftwood and vanilla underpinned by cherry. Full on the attack with flavors of dried cherries, cranberries, and currants. Bone-dry on the finish, with gravelly, earthy notes, it screams to be paired with game such as venison or wild duck.
97
pts
96
pts
Maison Mittal
2022 Maison Mittal G2 North Cabernet Franc-Merlot Red Blend
Snappy aromas of red berry and cherry are elevated by hints of cedar, cocoa and espresso on the nose of this bottling. The palate leans toward the heavy side, balanced by fine tannins that aren't intrusive, as red spice and mace flavors slide into the creamy finish.
96
pts
95
pts
Maison Mittal
2022 Maison Mittal Chateau Tour Perey Saint-Emillion Grand Cru Bordeaux blend
91
pts
LXV
2024 LXV Wine Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon
Based on 80% Sauvignon Blanc (Musque Clone) and 20% Semillon, aged four months on lees with regular bâtonnage in 43% new French oak, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon Vogelzang Vineyard offers bright citrus, sappy green herbs, and grassy notes, with riper melon emerging with air. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, balanced, and showing plenty of fruit, it's a solid Bordeaux Blanc-like blend to drink over the coming couple of years. Drink 2025-2028.
94+
pts
LXV
2023 LXV Wine The Secret
Based on 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 12% Petit Verdot, aged 20 months in French oak (37% new), the 2023 The Secret shows pure cassis, sappy green herbs, tobacco, and cedar pencil notes. This inky-hued effort has terrific purity and freshness, as well as intensity in its aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins, integrated acidity, and a seamless, structured style, there's a touch of old school California Cabernet done with purity and precision. Drink 2026-2038.
92+
pts
LXV
2023 LXV Wine The Spell
blend of 58% Syrah and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 17 months in French oak (30% new), the 2023 The Spell reveals darker berries, currants, green tobacco, and cedar, with lots of Cabernet character emerging with air. Deep, inky purple-hued, medium to full-bodied, and structured, with ripe, building tannins, it will benefit from a few years of bottle age and keep through 2035. Drink 2027-2035.
99
pts
LXV
2023 LXV Wine Syrah Reserve Bien Nacido Vineyard
A Gonon Saint Joseph-like nose of ripe black and blue fruits, crushed stone, black pepper, and violets emerges from the 2023 Syrah Reserve Bien Nacido Vineyard. Aged 17 months in large-format Darnajou and Ermitage puncheons, it's medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with a pure, seamless palate profile. There are no hard edges, the acidity is perfectly integrated, and it has an outstanding finish. This is a real “wow” wine as well as the finest I've tasted from this producer, and you could put this up with the top wines out there. Give it a year or two and enjoy over the following decade or more. Drink 2026-2036.
94
pts
LXV
2023 LXV Wine The Tempo
A blend of 45% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot, aged 20 months in French oak (30% new), the 2023 The Tempo delivers terrific, medium to full-bodied aromas of ripe black cherries, chocolate, graphite, and leafy herbs. It has ripe tannins, integrated acidity, terrific balance, and outstanding length. This fruit-loaded, textured beauty shows impressive character. Drink 2025-2037.
92
pts
LXV
2023 LXV Wine The Jewel
Based on 81% Sangiovese and 19% Petit Verdot, aged 17 months in French oak (40% new), the 2023 The Jewel sports a deeply ruby hue for a Sangiovese and offers notes of ripe black cherries, leather, spice, and underbrush nuances. Medium to full-bodied, round, plush, and textured, with supple tannins, beautiful purity, and great integration, it's an incredibly charming expression of the variety. Drink 2025-2035.
91
pts
LXV
2023 LXV Wine Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon
Grassy herbs, crushed citrus, basil, and fresh mint all emerge from the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon Vogelzang Vineyard, a vibrant, medium-bodied, Sauvignon Blanc that has good overall balance, bright acidity, and a clean finish. I love it today and would drink bottles over the coming 2-3 years.
92
pts
LXV
2022 LXV Wine The Spell
I loved the 2022 The Spell, a spicy, red and black fruited, complex, floral red that's based on 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's medium-bodied, has a pure, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length.
91
pts
LXV
2022 LXV Wine Sauvignon Blanc
Tart grapefruit, citrus, mint, and leafy herb notes all emerge from the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp, medium-bodied, grassy Sauvignon Blanc that's impeccably balanced, with a clean, lengthy finish. It's terrific today, but this will age as well.
93+
pts
LXV
2021 Meso by LXV Wines Gateway Cabernet Sauvignon
Currants, ripe blue fruits, graphite, lead pencil, and spicy oak notes all show in the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Meso Gateway Vineyard, a big, rich, concentrated Cabernet offering building tannins and a serious kick of minerality on the finish.
90+
pts
LXV
2021 LXV Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve comes from the ONX Estate Vineyard in the Templeton Gap AVA and spent 20 months in new barrels. As with the other Bordeaux variety releases here, it has some classic herbal, green nuances yet stays ripe and classically styled. Cassis, blackberries, classy oak, chocolate, and leafy green herbs all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with lots of sweet fruit, some firmer tannins, and a good finish. A big, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s going to benefit from a year or three of bottle age and evolve nicely over the following decade.
94
pts
LXV
2021 LXV Wine Sauvignon Blanc
The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc comes all from the Vogelzang Vineyard in the Happy Canyon region of Santa Barbara County. Its light gold hue is followed by a Bordeaux Blanc-like nose of bright citrus, melon, and white flowers, with a kiss of background chalky minerality. Medium-bodied and balanced, with bright acidity and a great finish, it's a brilliant Sauvignon that will have 10-12 years or more of longevity.
94
pts
LXV
2021 LXV Wine The Secret
The 2021 The Secret (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot) has tons of Cabernet-like character in its cassis and green tobacco-driven aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a beautifully concentrated mouthfeel, building yet ripe tannins, and a lengthy, pure, gorgeous profile that opens up nicely with time in the glass. It's one of the standouts in the lineup and is going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink beautifully over the following decade.
93
pts
LXV
2021 LXV Wine Reserve Sangiovese
Spiced red and black fruits, leather, herbes de Provence, and lavender notes all shine in the 2021 Sangiovese LXV Reserve, a beautiful expression of the variety that's medium to full-bodied and has a pure, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length.
92
pts
LXV
2021 LXV Wine Reserve Syrah
Coming from the White Hawk Vineyard in Santa Barbara County and 100% Syrah, the 2021 Syrah Reserve showed nicely and is clearly an outstanding wine. Blackberries, peppery herbs, iodine, sagebrush, and some gamey, bouquet garni-like notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, mouth-filling texture, sweet tannins, and ample length. It will evolve for upwards of a decade, but I like it today as well.
91
pts
LXV
2021 LXV Wine The Tempo
Baking spices, red and black fruits, hints of bell pepper, and assorted tobacco and lead pencil notes all emerge from the 2021 The Tempo, a medium to full-bodied blend of 59% Cabernet Franc and 41% Merlot. It certainly brings some underlying green notes yet it's not vegetal, and it has beautiful ripeness, quality tannins, and a great finish. From a mix of Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County fruit, it should evolve nicely for 10-12 years.
91
pts
LXV
2021 LXV Wine The Spell
The 2021 The Spell is an interesting blend of 57% Syrah and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackberries, iron, loamy earth, white pepper, and some gamey, meaty, classic Cabernet notes define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a nicely balanced, enjoyable mouthfeel, some firmer tannins, and a good finish. It's well-made and, I suspect, will evolve nicely for a decade.
91
pts
LXV
2021 LXV Wine Petit Verdot Reserve
Another solid wine, the 2021 Petit Verdot Reserve is loaded with darker, almost blue fruits intermixed with peppery herbs, violets, and freshly cut flower notes. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, with a good sense of purity and fine tannins, it's rock-solid and, I suspect, will have at least a decade of prime drinking.
89
pts
LXV
2021 LXV Wine Cabernet Franc Reserve
The 2021 Cabernet Franc Reserve offers lots of red and black fruits as well as a meaty, savory, salty style that emerges on the palate. It's medium to full-bodied, has moderate acidity, velvety tannins, and a good finish. It’s well made and thoroughly enjoyable and should have 8-10 years of longevity.
94
pts
LXV
2020 LXV Wine Reserve Syrah
All varietal, the 2020 Syrah Reserve comes from the White Hawk Vineyard in Santa Barbara and was brought up in French oak. Classic meaty black berry fruits, pepper, leather, and iron all emerge on the nose, and it's sweetly fruited, forward, and ready to go. I don't see this making terribly old bones, but it should keep for 5-7 years, if not a touch longer.
92
pts
LXV
2020 LXV Wine Semillon
Coming from the Happy Canyon region in Santa Barbara County and all Semillon, the 2020 Semillon offers a juicy, clean, and complex nose of white grapefruit, lemon blossom, and spice, with just a kiss of background minerality. Beautiful on the palate as well, this medium-bodied, balanced, and crisp white will keep for 3-5 years, if not longer.
91
pts
LXV
2020 LXV Wine Sauvignon Blanc
The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc is crazily complex and exotic, offering lots of nectarine, pear, honeyed tropical fruits, and floral nuances to go with a juicy, medium-bodied, supple, and beautifully textured style on the palate. This is a clean, classy, balanced Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy over the coming couple of years.
91
pts
LXV
2020 LXV Wine The Jewel
The 2020 The Jewel is based on 85% Sangiovese and 15% Petit Verdot, sourced from the White Hawk and ONX Estate vineyards. Its ruby hue is followed by a medium-bodied, spicy, red-fruited wine offering good overall balance, some grippy tannins, and a solid finish. It shows plenty of classic Sangiovese red fruits and spice and should keep for 5-7 years or more.
91
pts
LXV
2020 LXV Wine The Spell
The 2020 The Spell is more Syrah-driven but includes 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Syrah coming from the White Hawk and ONX vineyards and the Cabernet from the Record Family Vineyard in Paso Robles. This deep ruby/plum-hued effort offers up a solid bouquet of blackberry fruit, baking spices, leather, and chocolate. It's rich and medium to full-bodied, with savory tannins and outstanding length, all making for a satisfying, complex red with lots to like.
91
pts
LXV
2020 LXV Wine Reserve Sangiovese
The 2020 Sangiovese Reserve is all varietal from the Santa Ynez Vineyard in the Happy Canyon region of Santa Barbara that spent 19 months in barrel. It offers medium-bodied aromas and flavors of spiced cherries, dried herbs, baking chocolate, and leather. This elegant yet savory Sangiovese has ripe tannins, good balance, and outstanding length.
89
pts
LXV
2020 LXV Wine The Secret
Coming all from Paso Robles, the 2020 The Secret is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 14% Petit Verdot. Cassis, blackberries, spicy herbs, lead pencil, and smoky barbecue notes all define the bouquet, and it's more medium-bodied, with a fresh, focused mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a good finish. There's a solid kick of pyrazines here, but it has classic Cabernet style and is certainly enjoyable.
89
pts
LXV
2020 LXV Wine The Tempo
The 2020 The Tempo is more Merlot-dominated and includes 57% Merlot and 43% Cabernet Franc. Black cherries, chocolate, leafy green herbs, and iron notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, nicely textured mouthfeel and a good finish.
89
pts
LXV
2020 LXV Wine Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Black fruits, smoked tobacco, graphite, and barbecue notes all emerge from the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, a medium to full-bodied, rounded, mouth-filling Cabernet with good tannins and solid length on the finish.
89
pts
LXV
2020 LXV Wine ReserveCabernet Franc
The 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve is certainly interesting, with some ripe currant fruits as well as notes of jalapeño pepper, cedary spice, and tobacco. It's nicely textured on the palate, with fine tannins, good balance, and a solid finish. It will be interesting to see where this goes with age, as it has a touch of Bordeaux-like nuances in its aromatics, but it certainly also has a lot of green notes.
94
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Syrah Reserve
A step up in price, the 2019 Syrah Reserve comes all from the White Hawk Vineyard outside of Los Alamos, in Santa Barbara County. It’s a beautifully complex, medium to full-bodied Syrah with lots of white pepper and sandalwood notes as well as herbal berry fruits, ripe tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. It should evolve for 8-10 years if properly stored.
93
pts
LXV
LXV Wine The Spell
The 2019 The Spell is close to an even split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and it’s another medium to full-bodied, ripe, velvety textured red offering lots of darker berry fruits as well pepper, cedarwood, and spice-driven aromas and flavors.
92
pts
LXV
LXV Wine The Secret
The 2019 The Secret (77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc) offers a ripe, medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced and polished style as well as classic Cabernet cassis, sweet cedar, and candied orange. It’s very well put together and an outstanding wine.
92
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Sangiovese Reserve
The 2019 Sangiovese Reserve is another nicely textured, seamless wine. Coming from the Happy Canyon region of Santa Barbara, it has darker cherry and berry fruits as well as roasted herbs, medium to full body, soft tannins, and a great finish.
91
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Arneis Summer Satine
A variety you don't see often in California, the 2019 Arneis Summer Satine comes all from Paso Robles and was brought up in barrel. Slightly reductive mineral and citrus notes all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, terrific mid-palate concentration, bright acidity, and a crisp, dry finish. A solid step up over the 2018, this is a terrific white worth checking out.
91
pts
LXV
LXV Wine The Tempo
The 2019 The Tempo, which is mostly Merlot blended with 30% Cabernet Franc, reveals a ruby hue and a ripe, plush, hedonistic style carrying lots of red and black fruits as well as notes of tobacco, white truffle, and cedary spice. It’s another outstanding wine from winemaker Jeff Strekas.
91
pts
LXV
LXV Wine The Jewel
Lots of bright red cherries, flowers, orange blossoms, and cedarwood notes emerge from the 2019 The Jewel, a medium to full-bodied, pretty, elegant Super Tuscan style blend with loads of charm. All of these 2019s appear to be a step up over their 2018 counterparts. The blend here is 74% Sangiovese and 26% Petit Verdot.
91
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Coming all from Paso Robles, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is 100% varietal from two sites, the ONX Estate vineyard and Jada Vineyard. Aged 20 months in 60% new barrels, it has lots of green herbs and tobacco notes as well as cassis and plum fruits, medium to full body, good concentration, and moderate acidity. It should keep for a decade or more as well.
91
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Petit Verdot Reserve
The 2019 Petit Verdot Reserve is another ripe, concentrated, nicely balanced red offering lots of sappy tobacco, asphalt, and chocolatey black fruits. It’s nicely balanced and clearly an outstanding wine, as well as a great example of the variety. Give it a few years in the cellar.
90
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Nebbiolo Reserve
A variety you don’t see often from California, the 2019 Nebbiolo Reserve is certainly an outstanding wine, with textbook notes of tart cherries, rose petals, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, sweetly fruited, yet clean and balanced, with nicely integrated oak, it’s the real deal and well worth checking out, although I can’t say it competes at the price.
90
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Cabernet Franc Reserve
The 2019 Cabernet Franc Reserve is all varietal and comes from the Plummer Vineyard in Paso Robles. This medium to full-bodied red has bright, juicy black and blue fruits as well as lifted notes of violets and orange blossom. It’s nicely textured and has outstanding purity of fruit.
89
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Heart Note Rose
This estate makes a terrific rosé. Their 2019 Heart Note Rose reveals a light pink hue to go with crisp, clean notes of tart peach and strawberry fruits. It's lively and medium-bodied, with good acidity and a clean, dry finish.
91-93
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Not yet bottled, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (100% varietal) comes all from the ONX Estate Vineyard and is still aging in 50% new oak. Lots of blackcurrants, cedary herbs, chocolate, and sappy herb notes emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a rounded, textured style, ripe tannins, and a good finish.
89-91
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Nebbiolo Reserve
The translucent ruby 2018 Nebbiolo Reserve comes from the Glenrose Vineyard, which is in the Adelaida sub-AVA of Paso Robles. Offering pretty cherry fruits as well as subtle spice and dried herb notes, it's medium-bodied, has a supple, elegant texture, solid tannins, and a good finish. It should be a solid, very good expression of Nebbiolo and drink nicely for 7-8 years or so.
89-91
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Cabernet Franc Reserve
Lastly, the 2018 Cabernet Franc Reserve (100% Cabernet Franc from the Haar Family Vineyard) has an exotic nose of spring flowers, incense, damp earth, and chocolaty red and black fruits. More medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shows a slightly sappy edge, yet has ripe tannins and good length. It has outstanding potential, but I suspect 2-4 years of bottle age will be warranted.
88
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Arneis Summer Satine
Tart citrus and stone fruit notes all emerge from the 2018 Arneis Summer Satine, which is medium-bodied and offers a solid sense of minerality in a fresh, crisp, easy-drinking style.
90+
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Cabernet Franc Reserve
The 2017 Cabernet Franc Reserve needs plenty of air to show at its best and offers lots of herbal Cabernet Franc characteristics in its nose of forest floor, dark chocolate, cedar, and black fruits. Medium-bodied, nicely balanced, and with ripe tannins, with a Loire-like edge, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and should keep for 7-8 years or more.
94
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Secret Craving
The 2017 Secret Craving checks in as a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot that was aged in a mixture of French oak barriques and French oak puncheons for 20 months prior to bottling. Its deep purple hue gives way to a beautiful, elegant, almost Margaux-like red revealing lots of perfumed red fruits, sappy herbs, sandalwood, and leafy underbrush aromas and flavors. It's medium to full-bodied and has a terrific sense of elegance as well as a great finish.
91
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Crimson Jewel
Notes of spice, kirsch, and bouquet garni notes emerge from the 2017 Crimson Jewel, which is mostly Sangiovese yet includes 20% Petit Verdot. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, and with light tannins, it’s another outstanding wine from winemaker Jeff Strekas.
90
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Lover's Spell
An even split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, the 2017 Lover's Spell reveals a medium ruby color as well as pretty, perfumed notes of black cherries, leafy herbs, and dried herbs. This medium-bodied, balanced red is about as drinkable as they come, and I suspect it will evolve nicely for 7-8 years.
89
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
More black fruits, smoke, graphite, and toasted spice notes emerge from the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a single vineyard in the Templeton Gap district of Paso Robles. Playing in the medium-bodied, supple, elegant end of the spectrum, it’s a nicely balanced, solid effort. A value, however, it is not.
87
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Heart Note Rose of Sangiovese
The 2017 Heart Note Rosé of Sangiovese offers a solid, spice-filled bouquet that has a touch of herbal notes in its sweet cherry fruits. It's a classic rosé made from Sangiovese and will show nicely on the dinner table.
91
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Petit Verdot Reserve
Another impressive wine from winemaker Jeff Strekas is the 2016 Reserve Petit Verdot. Brought up in once-used barrels, it boasts a rather chunky nose of blueberries, smoke tobacco, and earth, with plenty of background oak. It hits the palate with a deep, layered, full-bodied style that carries beautiful fruit and texture, yet it needs 6-12 months or more to soak up some oak and gain some finesse. Nevertheless, it’s one seriously good steakhouse red.
91
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Secret Craving
The deep ruby/plum-hued 2016 Secret Craving checks in as a blend of 59% Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot that was brought up in 20% new French oak. It’s a medium to full-bodied, textured, elegant red that has an herbal edge in its cassis, spring flowers, cedar, and smoky aromas and flavors. It should benefit from a year or three of bottle age and keep for upwards of a decade.
90
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Viognier Summer Satine
The 2016 Viognier Summer Satine from winemaker Jeff Strekas was aged on lees for 5 months in neutral barrels. It sports a lighter gold color to go with classic notes of tangerine, buttered citrus and peach. It's clean, impressively balanced, has lively acidity and a clean finish. Readers looking for a solid Viognier from Paso Robles should check it out.
90
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Sangiovese Reserve
I loved the balance and purity of the 2016 Sangiovese Reserve (all Sangiovese brought up in 40% new oak), and it has lovely notes of bright cherry and berry fruits, flowers, and spice. With medium body, a supple, elegant texture, and good acidity, it’s a beautiful example of this variety from Paso Robles.
90
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
A step up, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve comes from the Heartstone Vineyard (which is most widely known for its Saxum bottling) and saw the same 35% new 500-liter barrels. It has a great nose of black cherries, blackberries, garrigue, cedar, and spice. This medium to full-bodied, silky, balanced beauty has light tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding balance. It should keep for 10-12 years, probably longer.
89
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Cabernet Franc Reserve
The 2016 Cabernet Franc Reserve is another solid effort that’s sourced all from the Plummer Vineyard in Paso Robles and was brought up in 35% new 500-liter barrels. Spring flowers, sweet red and black fruits, cedar, and underbrush notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, attractive red that should keep nicely for 7-8 years.
93
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Crimson Jewel
An interesting blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Petite Verdot, the 2015 Crimson Jewel is a seamless, silky beauty that offers lots of sweet red fruits (strawberries, cherries), dried flowers and incense. Polished, incredibly elegant and silky on the palate, it's a terrific wine that's already hard to resist. Nevertheless, my money is on it aging gracefully gives its balance and purity.
92
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Cabernet Franc Reserve
The 2015 Cabernet Franc Reserve comes all from Bootjack Ranch Vineyard and is 100% Varietal brought up in 70% new French oak. Similarly colored to the Merlot, it delivers a classic bouquet of dark fruits, dried flowers, underbrush and herbs. Supple, polished and pleasure bent on the palate, with lots of character and a great texture, drink this terrific Cabernet Franc over the coming 6-7 years.
92
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Lover's Spell
Slightly darker in color, the 2015 Lover's Spell is a blend of 57% Syrah and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 15% new French oak for 18 months. It offers a black raspberry, new leather, baking spice and lead pencil scented profile to go with medium to full-bodied richness, polished tannin, and a balanced, thoroughly drinkable style that's also going to evolve nicely.
89
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Merlot Reserve
Made from 100% Merlot from Paso Roble (Cira Vineyard, located in the northern part of Paso Robles), the 2015 Merlot Reserve was aged in roughly half new French oak. This tiny production cuvée reveals a medium ruby/opaque color to go with lots of plum, earth, leafy green herbs and tobacco leaf. It's a plump, sexy, slightly herbal Merlot to drink over the coming 7-8 years.
88
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Secret Craving
The 2015 Secret Craving is an even split of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot that was brought up in 25% new oak. It offers a big herbal kick as well as dark fruits, truffle, and spice in a medium-bodied, enjoyable, balanced package.
93
pts
LXV
LXV Wine Secret Craving
Lastly, the 2014 Secret Craving is made from close to equal amounts of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and was brought up entirely in 15% new French oak for 20 months. It has a deep purple/ruby color as well as notes of black raspberries, blueberries, incense and white pepper. It's another ripe, beautifully textured, hedonistic effort that has rock solid balance and the charming, forward style of the vintage.
92
pts
LXV
The Secret Red (Paso Robles)
Fresh aromas of boysenberry paste and dewy purple flowers show on the nose of this blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. The palate is also very bright, with juicy berry, lavender and cola flavors.
91
pts
LXV
Glenrose Vineyard Reserve Nebbiolo (Adelaida District)
Turned earth and asphalt aromas play against the black-plum, red-flower and cola notes on the nose of this bottling. The palate is rich and expressive, with plum and tart berry fruits offset by the nutmeg spice, as rustic tannins frame the finish.
91
pts
LXV
Santa Ynez Vineyard Reserve Sangiovese (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)
Dark strawberry, crumpled carnation and rustic earth aromas show on the nose of this bottling from a newer vineyard. Acidity hits the palate sharply at first, as tense tannins frame the brisk cherry, licorice and dried ginger flavors.
91
pts
LXV
The Tempo Red (Central Coast)
Crushed currants, light pepper and strawberry aromas show on the tightly woven nose of this blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. The peppery spice carries through the sip, where tart red-fruit and more lush strawberry flavors arise.
91
pts
LXV
White Hawk Vineyard Reserve Syrah (Santa Barbara County)
Suave purple-fruit and flower aromas meet with hints of dried herb on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate is tense in texture, with black-pepper dust and dark-fruit flavors riding a prominent acidity.
89
pts
LXV
The Spell Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah (Central Coast)
This is a lush blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Syrah, starting with blackberry, licorice and brown-sugar aromas on the nose. The palate is extremely rich and ripe, with roasted fig, honey and maple-syrup flavors.
88
pts
LXV
Summer Satine Viognier (Paso Robles)
Relatively light and delicate on the nose, this bottling shows chalk, ripe pear and the unmistakable aroma of banana-flavored Now & Laters candy. The palate is tightly wound yet tropical, with papaya, mango and ripe peach flavors, each more expressive as the wine warms.
92
pts
LXV
Lover's Spell Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)
The nose on this bottling is extremely ripe and rich with black cherry syrup, milk chocolate and butterscotch aromas, proving very inviting, if slightly dessert-like. Those elements extend to the sip, where blackberry pie, candied blueberries, caramel and vanilla prove very tasty and perfect for those seeking a whopper wine.
91
pts
LXV
Bootjack Ranch Reserve Cabernet Franc (Paso Robles)
Cherry syrup and a roasted meat element are revealed the nose of this bottling from a winery with a popular tasting room in downtown Paso Robles. Vanilla and baked good flavors show right away on the palate, where chalky tannins and rich cherry fruits arise mid-sip to ride a bountiful acidity and touch of pepper spice into the finish.
91
pts
LXV
X Reserve Cira Vineyard Merlot (Paso Robles)
Concentrated aromas of black cherry, earthy rust, cedar and warm vanilla make for a very pleasing and standard nose on this bottling. There is a lot of baking spice on the palate as well as plums, black cherries, sandalwood and a hint of cocoa, making for a complex sip.
87
pts
LXV
Crimson Jewel Hearthstone Vineyard Red (Paso Robles)
This blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Petit Verdot shows punchy aromas of strawberry, hibiscus and light licorice on the nose. The palate combines the red fruit with a pinch of mace and touch of savory herbs, with rising acidity toward the finish.
87
pts
LXV
Summer Satine Viognier (Paso Robles)
Golden honey and banana flambée aromas make for an inviting if quite rich introduction to this wine from Kamasutra-themed LXV. Baked apple and poached peach flavors meet with vanilla dust and salted caramel on the palate, which is rich and creamy with a balance of tension.
85
pts
LXV
Heart Note Rosé (Paso Robles)
A bit weak on the nose, this shows more cement and mineral notes than fruit, though peach and red apple do arise with patience. The light red-fruit character shows on the palate, as does orange rind, orange blossom and a decently chalky grip.
90
pts
LXV
Secret Craving Red (Paso Robles)
This is a rich unctuous blend of 38% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Franc and 31% Merlot, with aromas of baked plums in a buttery crust and hints of scarlet roses. The flavors are presented elegantly with a soft mouthfeel that shows violets, blueberry, oregano and pepper, with a long-lasting acidic backbone.
90
pts
LXV
Secret Craving Red (Paso Robles)
Plump and inviting black cherry fruit melds with char, soy and purple flower aromas on the nose of this atypical blend of 38% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Franc and 31% Merlot. The wine is cohesive on the palate, with persistent tannins and smoke, coffee, red fruit and dried herb flavors.
87
pts
LXV
Rising Tempo Red (Paso Robles)
Cola, dark cherry and candied strawberry show on the nose of this blend of 33% Grenache, 34% Syrah and 33% Tempranillo. The palate offers root beer and cherry cola flavors, with ample amounts of anise, nutmeg and vanilla, its tannins needing time to soften.
87
pts
LXV
X Reserve Kiler Canyon Vineyard Syrah (Paso Robles Willow Creek District)
Dried purple flower and candied Concord grape aromas lead the nose of this approachable bottling. The palate offers blackberry fruit and a touch of graphite-like minerality. It's pleasant but not overly complex.
86
pts
LXV
Heart Note Rosé (Paso Robles)
Squeezed plums and a touch of star anise spice up the nose of this wine, made by a Kama Sutra-inspired winery that has a tasting room in downtown Paso Robles. It's fairly thick once sipped, with lots of red fruits and enough brown spice to keep it intriguing.
86
pts
LXV
Summer Satine Viognier (Paso Robles)
Named after the fourth art of Kama Sutra, this wine shows Juicy Fruit gum aromas as well as banana candies and a squeeze of lemon. There is a lime-pith tension to the powerful bubblegum ripeness alongside papaya, banana and yellow melon.
89
pts
LXV
Club Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)
Though reserved on the nose at first, this bottling begins to show dense blueberry, coffee and soy with patience. There are boisterous flavors of squeezed elderberry and blackberry fruit once sipped, along with beef char, black coffee, dark chocolate and purple flowers on the finish. This still needs a little time to open, but shows lots of potential.
89
pts
LXV
Crimson Jewel Red (Paso Robles)
An uncommon Super Tuscan of 78% Sangiovese and 22% Petite Sirah, this works well, showing hard grape candy, cola, cassis and black slate on the nose. The palate is lighter than expected and consumed by tart cherry and concentrated cranberry, showing a dash of mint as well.
85
pts
LXV
Dark Romance Chenin Blanc (Paso Robles)
Promising aromas of tangerine, light honey and plumeria flowers make a good introduction to this rare look at Chenin Blanc in Paso Robles. The flavors fall a bit flat, though, proving very round with a just a hint of chopped herbs.
90
pts
LXV
Summer Satine Viognier (Paso Robles)
This winery is aimed at the sexy side of wine, and succeeds in this bottling, with restrained aromas of nectarine, gunmetal, flint and strawberry guava. Tart yellow-green flavors of apple, pear and citrus give an edge to the persistent tropicality, which wipes up with a light vanilla finish. Perfect for fish dishes.
89
pts
LXV
Secret Craving Red (Paso Robles)
This is a very dark wine from the Kama Sutra-inspired winery, with aromas of creosote and blueberry. The flavors are quite thick with blackberry juice, balanced with pangs of acidity yet finishing on the soft side.
87
pts
LXV
Rising Tempo Red (Paso Robles)
Made from Grenache, Syrah and Tempranillo, this wine scores high on the ripeness scale with jammy raspberry and cherry flavors accented with vanilla and sweet bacon. Ready to drink now with umami-based fare like sausage, bacon or ham.
84
pts
LXV
Crimson Jewel Red (Paso Robles)
Heat from high alcohol gives the ripe raspberry, currant and mocha flavors on this wine a chile pepper heat, as well as a glycerine richness. The blend is Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.