Palazzo California Left Bank Red Wine 2018

Beautiful aromatics of black cherry and blackberry fruit, along with hints of chocolate, coffee and cassis notes. Rich and full-bodied, fresh black cherry and blackberry fruit with a touch of dark chocolate and cocoa. Excellent structure and acidity with integrated sweet tannins, along with a generous, plush mouthfeel. Wonderfully balanced. The finish is long and distinctive, with hints of dark chocolate and cherries.

Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc

Wine Advocate: 93
I adored Scott Palazzo's 2018 Left Bank Red Cuvée, a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% each Cabernet Franc and Merlot, all aged 20 months in 60% new French oak. Slightly leafy, with attractive tobacco shadings and copious amounts of cassis fruit, it's full-bodied and velvety in texture yet also fresh and mouthwatering on the long finish.

James Suckling: 91
A fruity nose of cooked cherries, blackcurrants, ripe plums, vanilla and sweet spices. Full-bodied with silky tannins and a thick, luscious texture. Ripe and plush.

Jeb Dunnuck: 90
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Left Bank Master Blend gives up a textured, medium to full-bodied, fleshy, almost old school-like vibe as well as outstanding notes of darker currants, chocolate, leafy herbs, and earth. A terrific value that readers will love, it should drink nicely for upwards of a decade.