Brandon Gregory'Illation' Estate Red 2019

Recently tasted, this inaugural vintage is an outstanding example of the best that Knights Valley has to offer. It comes to us from vintners Brandon Muller and Gregory Roberts with superstar viticulturist Jim Barbour overseeing vineyard management and Julian Fayard making the wine. Their two estate vineyards are basically bookends to Knights Valley- Helena Vista Ranch & Vineyard at the northwest part and Brookshire Ranch Vineyard to the southeast part, closest to Calistoga. This 2019 comes from Brookshire Vineyard, which encompasses 565 acres, of which 40 acres are planted to vine. It is a blend of their 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc. It is a rich, serious wine with structure and energy. There is a complex nose of both sweet and savory aromas including plum preserves, dark fruit and espresso notes that follow through on the palate. The tannins are silky and present, yet approachable. The finish is layered and long. If you are going to drink this now, you should decant the wine for at least an hour. It will be worth the wait. 120 cases were produced.