Messrs. Melka and Rolland combine their prodigious skills to create a masterful expression of Napa Valley Cabernet. This is a collaboration that brings several extremely fine terroirs together for what is, essentially, a micro-production (~100cs) of four barrels but could easily include as many as a dozen individual lots, and just as many different oak types as well. They use their years of skill of understanding how different contributing wines interact and work together to produce something exceptional from an aroma and flavor profile. The fundamental idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In this way, the limited offering of this estate bottling is unique each vintage, while simultaneously spotlighting the finest characteristics of Napa.
98 POINTS - Jeb Dunnuck
"The flagship is the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Alejandro Bulgheroni, a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot that spent 21 months in 77% new French oak barrels. More crème de cassis, toasted bread, graphite, chocolate, incense, and tobacco notes emerge from this stunner, which offers full-bodied richness and power paired with a weightless, elegant texture, rocking tannins, and a finish that won't quit. The tannin quality here is brilliant, as is the balance, and it's certainly one of the gems in the vintage. Give bottles 3-4 years (it can be drunk today with plenty of pleasure) and enjoy over the following 25 years or more." - 1/31/2020
97 POINTS - Wine Advocate
"The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate was picked September 25 to October 2 and was fermented in oak, concrete, stainless, and puncheon. It contains 3% Petit Verdot and was aged in 77% new French oak. Very deep garnet-purple in color, it sings effortlessly of warm black and red currants, blackberry coulis, and charcuterie with nuances of black olives, chocolate box, menthol, and fragrant earth with touches of cigar box and truffles. Full-bodied, the palate has wonderful richness and depth, with firm, super ripe, grainy tannins and fantastic poise, finishing very long and very classy. 67 cases were made." - 10/31/19