California
California is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, known for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
One of the most famous vineyards in California is the Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi Winery, which produces a range of high-quality red and white wines, including the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, the Fumé Blanc Reserve, and the Chardonnay Reserve. The estate is committed to sustainable farming practices and is known for its focus on traditional winemaking techniques.
In California, there is also a strong focus on producing organic and biodynamic wines, with vineyards such as the Frog's Leap Winery and the Benziger Family Winery using these practices to produce exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Overall, California is a region known for producing exceptional wines, with famous vineyards such as Harlan Estate, Dominus, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Robert Mondavi and many others. With a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, and a commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, wines from California are gaining increasing recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
California
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California | 1 | 100 (JD) | HK$9,850.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)Lastly, the 2016 Syrah IX Estate reminds me of the otherworldly 2010 and is as profound as Syrah gets. Tasting like Guigal’s Côte Rôtie La Mouline (maybe on steroids) with its huge notes of bacon fat, spring flowers, blue fruits, barbecued meats, and incense, it’s full-bodied and massive yet also thrillingly pure, seamless, elegant, and weightless. It’s certainly approachable today yet is going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. |
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California | 2 | 99 (JD) | HK$9,995.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (99)Lastly, and all destemmed aged 18 months in roughly 70% new French oak, the 2017 Syrah IX Estate needs to be tasted to be believed. It’s hard to understand how this incredible wine was produced in a vintage like 2017. Revealing a deep purple color as well as a monster bouquet of blackberries, orange blossom, smoked meat, bacon fat, and spring flower, it's deep, full-bodied, and beautifully pure on the palate, with silky tannins and a singular, exotic character. It’s not easy to find, but unquestionably worth the effort! |
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California | 1 | 100 (JD) | HK$10,580.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)The 2018 Syrah from this estate is another majestic example of the variety and actually reminds me of the 2010. Gorgeous blackberry and blue fruits, notes of bacon fat, bouquet garni, and peppered game, full-bodied richness, and flawless balance all make for a captivating Syrah that can be drunk today or cellared for 15+ years. It’s as good as anything out there. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JS) | HK$8,635.00 | |||||
James Suckling (100)Crushed stone, berry and lead pencil. Flintlock and iodine, too. Full-bodied, very tight and focused with incredible depth and intensity. Sculpted and intense. Incredible. Silky and tight tannins. Great finish. Reminds me of the 1978 La Chapelle. This needs three or four years to come together. |
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California | 1 | 96 (VN) | HK$12,845.00 | |||||
Vinous (96)(15.6% alcohol): Bright, dark red. Lovely complex, subtle perfume of black raspberry, mulberry, currant, nutty oak and sexy brown spices. Wonderfully pliant and fresh in the mouth, showing some very ripe qualities but also outstanding detail and finesse to its flavors of black raspberry and deep wet-stone minerality. Offers compelling sweetness while retaining a firm shape, finishing long and aromatic, with very suave, harmonious tannins. I found this wine a bit liqueur-like upon release but today it's a knockout. |
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California | 1 | 96 (VN) | HK$19,715.00 | |||||
Vinous (96)A deep, dense, powerful wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill exudes pure richness. The flavors are dark and boldly sketched throughout, with gorgeous savory and mineral notes that add shades of nuance to the dark, inky fruit. Even with all of its obvious intensity, the 2013 is remarkably balanced for such a young wine. The 2013 should drink well with just a few more years in bottle. As always, the Tychson Hill is the most open and forthcoming of the Colgin wines. |
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California | 1 | 98 (VN) | HK$20,725.00 | |||||
Vinous (98)Colgin's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill is fabulous. Rich, dense and beautifully textured, the 2016 possesses tremendous nuance and pure class. An exotic mélange of super-ripe dark cherry, plum, spice, rose petal and mocha develop effortlessly, but it is the wine's balance that really stands out most. I imagine the 2016 will give readers a broad window of pure drinking pleasure. This is a super-refined, polished vintage for the Tychson Hill. |
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California | 1 | 99 (JS) | HK$12,165.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99)Impressive purity of fruit and definition with black currant, oyster shell, blueberries and slate. Graphite too. Very complex yet subtle. Full-bodied, very chewy and powerful yet polished and gorgeous. Muscular, well-formed tannins. Electric style. Best ever from here. Drink in 2020. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JS) | HK$12,295.00 | |||||
James Suckling (100)This is sensational with blackberries, blueberries and mineral. Extremely floral, too. Full-bodied but so seamless and refined with polished tannins that just melts into the wine. Goes on for minutes. A subtle and glorious wine that will be a new classic for Napa Valley. An emotional red that touches your soul. Energy. 46% cabernet sauvignon, 31% cabernet franc, 17% petit verdot, and 6% merlot. Very approachable now but better in 2022. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JS) | HK$12,295.00 | |||||
James Suckling (100)This is sensational with blackberries, blueberries and mineral. Extremely floral, too. Full-bodied but so seamless and refined with polished tannins that just melts into the wine. Goes on for minutes. A subtle and glorious wine that will be a new classic for Napa Valley. An emotional red that touches your soul. Energy. 46% cabernet sauvignon, 31% cabernet franc, 17% petit verdot, and 6% merlot. Very approachable now but better in 2022. |
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California | 1 | 100 (VN) | HK$15,000.00 | |||||
Vinous (100)The 2016 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard may very well be the single greatest vintage made here thus far. It is quite simply a stunning wine and a towering achievement from the Mondavi family. Powerful, ample and sweeping in stature, the 2016 boasts breathtaking intensity in all of its dimensions. I see the pure, vibrant fruit of the 2013, but with more finessed tannins that add to the wine's feeling of real sensuality. Bright, precise and finely sculpted with remarkable persistence and perfectly integrated tannins, the 2016 is positively stellar - not to mention one of the wines of the vintage. |
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California | 1 | 100 (VN) | HK$11,595.00 | |||||
Vinous (100)The 2016 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard may very well be the single greatest vintage made here thus far. It is quite simply a stunning wine and a towering achievement from the Mondavi family. Powerful, ample and sweeping in stature, the 2016 boasts breathtaking intensity in all of its dimensions. I see the pure, vibrant fruit of the 2013, but with more finessed tannins that add to the wine's feeling of real sensuality. Bright, precise and finely sculpted with remarkable persistence and perfectly integrated tannins, the 2016 is positively stellar - not to mention one of the wines of the vintage. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (WA) | HK$11,000.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97+)A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 9% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple 2017 Proprietary Red soars out of the glass with notions of baked blueberries, plum preserves and blackcurrant cordial, backed up by nuances of chocolate mint, wild sage, violets and pencil shavings, plus an earthy hint of Chinese five spice. The rich, seductive, full-bodied palate is jam-packed with spicy black fruit preserves, framed by wonderfully plush tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and opulent. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JS) | HK$9,650.00 | |||||
James Suckling (100)This has incredible nuances and delicacy with power. It’s full-bodied with lots of gentle tannins that spread across the palate. The character is full of blackberry, blackcurrant and lead pencil. Some conifer and pine needles. Sage at the end, too. Savory. So long-lasting and layered. Such purity. It’s so complex and changes all the time in the glass. Goes on for minutes. 54% cabernet sauvignon, 31% cabernet franc, 9% petit verdot and 6% merlot. Organically grown grapes. So drinkable now, but will age beautifully. |
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California | 1 | 99 (JS) | HK$14,810.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99)Blackberries, dark wet soil and blackcurrants. Graphite, too. So aromatic. Pure fruit. Full-bodied with superbly polished, fine tannins that draw you down through the center of palate. Extremely layered and the texture is so curated, giving wonderful persistence. Real plushness and fine, velvety texture. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 37% cabernet franc, 7% petit verdot and 6% merlot. Better after 2026. |
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California | 1 | 99 (JS) | HK$11,080.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99)Blackberries, dark wet soil and blackcurrants. Graphite, too. So aromatic. Pure fruit. Full-bodied with superbly polished, fine tannins that draw you down through the center of palate. Extremely layered and the texture is so curated, giving wonderful persistence. Real plushness and fine, velvety texture. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 37% cabernet franc, 7% petit verdot and 6% merlot. Better after 2026. |
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California | 1 | - | HK$10,650.00 | |||||
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Fine wine connoisseurs would appreciate the exquisite Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, a premier Napa Valley masterpiece. Respected winemakers, Todd Newman and Tom Garrett, combined their passion and knowledge to create Dakota Shy. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a captivating representation of their dedication. This wine is a harmonious blend of fruit from some of Napa Valley's most celebrated vineyards. Benefitting from the exceptional Californian climate, it exhibits an exciting interplay between sweet blackcurrant and savoury earthy tones, enveloped in a velvety-smooth texture. The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 has undergone 22 months of ageing in some of the finest French Oak barrels, resulting in a wine of authentic grace and ageability. Enjoy the lingering finish featuring delicate spice notes, testament to the meticulous winemaking process. This wine sets the bar for premium Napa Cabernet, making it a sophisticated choice for collectors and oenophiles. |
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California | 3 | - | HK$9,865.00 | |||||
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Channeling the spirit of classic Napa Valley, the Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is nothing short of a remarkable fine wine. Conceived by two industry standouts, Tom Garrett and Todd Newman, this exquisite creation pays homage to the region's long-standing tradition of crafting superior Cabernet Sauvignon. Bearing the rich paved terroir of Napa, this wine is a delightful amalgamation of dark fruits, cocoa, and spices, providing an invigorating sensation on the palate. The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is distinctively full-bodied, with the meticulous balance of forest-floor earthiness and vibrant black cherries leading to a long and gracious finish that wine connoisseurs will truly appreciate. Masterfully aged in French oak, it exhibits character, complexity and longevity. A testament to the exceptional artistry and dedication of its founders, Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is indeed an emblem of the finest winemaking tradition. |
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California | 1 | - | HK$10,650.00 | |||||
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The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 is a faultless masterpiece hailing from the acclaimed Napa Valley vineyards of California. This bountifully complex wine is exquisitely crafted by Dakota Shy, a producer celebrated for their commitment to creating artisanal expressions of the region's distinctive terroir. Richly layered, the Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 boasts an opulent bouquet of ripe blackberry, delicate violets, and subtle hints of vanilla bean, underpinned by an insistent minerality. Beyond the alluring nose, this beguiling wine unfolds with titillating fruits and smoothly integrated tannins cloaked in a velvety texture – a testament to its 21 months maturation in French oak barrels. Its limited-production status further underscores its exclusivity, with a mere 285 cases made. True connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to savour this magnificent expression of Dakota Shy's immaculate Cabernet Sauvignon lineage. The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 is an irresistible testament to the exceptional vitality of Napa Valley. |
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California | 5 | - | HK$5,645.00 | |||||
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Immerse yourself in the utter elegance of the Dakota Shy Social Currency Cabernet Sauvignon 2014—a captivating symphony of deep, rich flavours. This exquisite specimen hails from Napa Valley, an authentic representation of traditional Californian winemaking. An opulent ensemble that showcases cassis, black raspberries, and refined hints of french oak, the wine is a testament to Dakota Shy, celebrated for its commitment to producing exceptional limited production red wines. This esteemed creation was nurtured with utmost precision, bearing a complexity that unfolds with time and exudes an enthralling richness. Expertly made by winemaker Todd Newman and vineyard manager Tom Garrett, this Cabernet Sauvignon displays a tasteful balance of ripe fruits, minerality, and supple tannins that persist through the long, engaging finish. Truly, the Dakota Shy Social Currency Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 offers a wine-drinking experience worthy of invested time and palpable appreciation. Please savour responsibly. |
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California | 1 | 96+ (WI) | HK$11,680.00 | |||||
The Wine Independent (96+)A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple colored. Vibrant black cherry preserves, black raspberries, and creme de cassis scents jump from the glass, followed by hints of lilacs, licorice, and dark chocolate with a touch of clove oil. The medium to full-bodied palate has gorgeous, velvety tannins and seamless freshness supporting the generous black fruit layers, finishing long and perfumed. |
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California | 1 | 100 (VN) | HK$13,015.00 | |||||
Vinous (100)The 2018 MDV is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the best of the Maya blocks. Inky, rich and explosive, the MDV possesses breathtaking elegance and beauty. Crème de cassis, graphite, lavender, mint and espresso all build in a sumptuous, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that dazzles from start to finish. Sadly, there are just five barrels of this magical Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The Dalla Valles only bottle the MDV in the very best years. Since its first release in 2013, it has become a clear reference point for Eastern Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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California | 1 | 100 (WA) | HK$15,945.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (100)As stunning as this basic Cabernet Sauvignon is, the 2002 Maya, a proprietary blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc, is pure perfection. It boasts an inky purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of incense, black fruits, charcoal and forest floor. Full-bodied, with monumental intensity, a multidimensional texture/mouthfeel, and a stunning finish, this beauty reveals the brilliant quality of the Dalla Valle Cabernet Franc plantings meshed with their powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040+. |
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California | 1 | 98+ (VN) | HK$5,905.00 | |||||
Vinous (98+)The 2012 Maya is surprisingly deep and powerful in this vintage, with none of the early appeal of the estate's other 2012s. Today, the Maya is dark and brooding, with tons of intensity to match its massive, virile personality. Readers will have to be patient, but the 2012 is a special wine that much is clear. |
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California | 1 | 100 (JD) | HK$6,125.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)Another perfect wine from this brilliant estate, the 2013 Maya Proprietary Red Wine is a majestic, concentrated, flawless beauty that brings complexity, elegance, and power like few wines. Still youthful ruby/purple, it offers a smorgasbord-like array of red and blue fruits, flowers, chocolate, spice box, and tobacco. These all build beautifully with time in the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness that carries polished, silky tannins, a wonderfully layered, multi-dimensional texture, and incredible purity as well as balance, with everything in the right place. It's certainly in its drink window, yet youthful and unevolved. It has another 30 years or more of prime drinking ahead of it. |
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California | 5 | 100 (JD) | HK$14,850.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)The 2016 Maya offers another level of depth and density and is a truly special, magical wine. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cabernet Franc, it boasts off the chart notes of blackcurrants, Asian spices, lead pencil, chocolate, and incense. These all give way to a massively concentrated, rich, and powerful wine that nevertheless stays oh, so seamless, silky and pure, with a finish that goes on for minutes. Utterly profound in every way, this sensational wine hits every high point you could ever set for a glass of wine. it's one of the top 2-3 wines in this report. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (JD) | HK$10,650.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)The tiny production 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Maya is another thrilling wine. The normal blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in two-thirds new French oak, it offers a full-bodied, concentrated, yet sensationally elegant style as well as fab notes of crème de cassis, chocolate, graphite, and scorched earth. It’s a primordial example of this cuvée that has ripe tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great, great finish. Do your best to give bottles 4-6 years of bottle age. |
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California | 2 | 100 (JD) | HK$11,700.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)A smaller production cuvée from a single parcel of the estate vineyard, the 2018 Maya Proprietary Red Wine is the normal 60/40 split of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Incredibly perfumed with complex notes of blue fruits, flowers, loamy earth, graphite, and tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, polished, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. While this is a rich, concentrated wine, it’s the complexity, elegance, and finesse that define this cuvée, which is going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and cruise for 2-3 decades. |
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California | 1 | 100 (WI) | HK$13,500.00 | |||||
The Wine Independent (100)A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Maya comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant scents of wild blueberries, Morello cherries, boysenberry preserves, and chocolate box, followed by hints of star anise, cardamom, and dusty red soil. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, the tannins are firm yet velvety, while a remarkable burst of freshness lifts the decadent fruit. It finishes with an epically long mineral firework display. Dalla Valle’s Maya comes from a dedicated section of the estate vineyard, located in the valley’s eastern foothills, below Pritchard Hill, and above the Oakville benchlands, overlooking Screaming Eagle and Rudd vineyard. |
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California | 1 | 91 (VN) | HK$6,960.00 | |||||
Vinous (91)The 2017 Collina Dalla Valle is plump, juicy and absolutely delicious. Vibrant sweet red fruit and floral notes give the 2017 notable energy as well as verve. In 2017, the Collina is not quite as sensual or curvy as it can be, while the tannins show the nervous edge that so typical of the year. Time in bottle will help at least to some degree. Once again, Dalla Valle overdelivers with the Collina. |
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