Bevan Cellars Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard Proprietary Red Wine 2019

Color: Deep garnet-purple.
Nose: Beautifully lifted red fruit notes Earthy undertones of mossy tree bark and truffles Aromatic hints of violets and spring flowers Subtle spicy whiff of clove oil
Palate:
Flavor Profile: The wine exhibits a rich profile characterized by dark chocolate, followed by intense hues of blue fruits and cassis. This complexity is complemented by undertones of violets, tobacco, and spring flowers. The palate is further heightened by the spicy kick and notes of mocha and dried herbs towards the finish.
Body of the Wine: Medium to full-bodied, showcasing a delightful depth and mouth-coating lusciousness.
Tannin Structure: Robust and pronounced tannins, courtesy of the Cabernet Franc, are gracefully integrated and build up, presenting a silky texture. The Merlot’s contribution offers a softer mouthfeel, giving the wine its hedonistic character.
Sweetness Levels: Predominantly on the drier side, balanced with the natural fruitiness of the wine.
Acidity Levels: Fresh and lively, providing the necessary vibrancy and structure, ensuring the wine's longevity and age-worthiness.
Food Pairings: Given its depth and richness, the wine would pair wonderfully with hearty dishes like roasted lamb or beef, grilled vegetables, and even dark chocolate-based desserts. The wine's earthy undertones would also make it an excellent companion to truffle-based dishes or mushroom risotto.

A barrel sample with a deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It has beautifully lifted red fruit notes with loads of earthy notes of mossy tree bark and truffles plus a touch of clove oil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is fresh and lively with bold flavors and a satiny texture, finishing with a spicy kick.

Checking in as a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the 2019 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard is one of the top wines in 2019 (at least at this stage). Offering an incredible nose of black raspberries, cassis, wildflowers, violets, and wood smoke, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, ultra-fine, seamless texture, great tannins, and a great, great finish. The purity is just about off the charts.

The 2019 Red Wine Sugarloaf Mountain, a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc, is another standout in this range. Franc aromatics soar out of the glass, adding tremendous aromatic presence to the full-throttle fruit. The 2019 is one of the most polished wines I have ever tasted from Russell Bevan. Rose petal, mocha and dried herbs linger on the huge, persistent finish.