International Wine Review

Cabernet Franc 2012

93 This absolutely awesome Cabernet Franc begins with bright aromatics of red bell pepper, red cherry and rose petals. There are ripe flavors of red cherry, rose petals, red bell pepper and pomegranate. This has wonderful purity of fruit and a lovely mouthfeel as this Cabernet Franc shows great elegance and poise. The structure is lovely as this will age well for a decade or more. (Best 2017-2027) - June, 2017 (OB)

Cabernet Franc 2013

93 One of the most compelling Cabernet Franc wines that I have tasted from this vintage, the 2013 Echo Ridge opens with feminine aromas reminiscent of red cherry, red bell pepper, and red raspberry. The aromatics at play are truly pretty. The Cabernet Franc wine has flavors are dense and polished with red fruits and baking spices shining through. This will have a long life in the cellar and is best enjoyed in the next decade. (Best 2017-2027) - June, 2017 (OB)

Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

92 This dense colored Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromatics of spicebox, red cherry, prune, tea leaf, and vanilla. This leads to flavors of black cherry, black tea, crushed mint and hints of mocha. This is feminine, structured and lovely with a plush mouthfeel and an herbal streak. (Best 2017-2027) - June, 2017 (OB)

Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

92 This Cabernet Sauvignon begins with aromatics of cassis, coffee grounds, black tea and loganberry jam. This leads to dense flavors of coffee grounds, black tea, blackberry cobbler and black cherry cough syrup. This is chewy and shows wonderful poise, as the wine is more fruit driven than the also outstanding 12 Echo Ridge Cabernet bottling. (Best 2017-2027) - June, 2017 (OB)

Merlot 2012

92 The 2012 Echo Ridge Merlot is another outstanding wine from this estate. This excellent Merlot wine opens with a bouquet of red cherry, dill, green peppercorn and green bell pepper. This has a lovely mouthfeel and yields lovely flavors of red cherry, red bell pepper, mint, and white pepper, leading to a long finish. (Best 2017-2026) - June, 2017 (OB)

Merlot 2013

93 The 2013 Echo Ridge Merlot is simply delicious as it begins with bright aromatics of mocha, red bell pepper, black cherry, black tea and baking spices. This leads to ripe flavors of black tea, black cherry, black plums and red currant. This has a wonderful mouthfeel and texture which captures head winemaker Billo Naravanes signature style. (Best 2017-2027) - June, 2017 (OB)

Muscat Blanc 'Arrete' 2016

94 Fortified, this absolutely awesome dessert wine made by superstar winemaker Billo Naravane begins with aromas of white rose, gardenia, lychee and pink grapefruit. This leads to flavors of apricot, lychee, pineapple and bananas foster. The exotic nature of this wine is apparent. (Best 2017-2028) - June, 2017 (OB)

Red Wine 'Three Blondes and A Boy' 2012

92 This is a blend of 66% Cabernet with the rest Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This awesome red wine begins with aromatics of rose petals, red cherry, red raspberry and dried herbs. This leads to flavors of red cherry, red raspberry and teaberry with sagebrush. The length and complexity is lovely here. (Best 2017-2027) - June, 2017 (OB)

Red Wine 'Three Blondes and A Boy' 2013

93 This wine is a blend of 40% Cabernet 34% Cabernet Franc and 26% Merlot. The red wine opens with rich aromatics of black cherry, bleach olive, rose petals and red bell pepper with sagebrush accents. This leads to intense flavors of black tea, coffee grounds, milk chocolate and green bell pepper. This has a lovely mouthfeel and a plush texture finishing with some moderate tannins. I can see this settling a bit better after one year in the bottle. (Best 2018-2028) - June, 2017 (OB)

Syrah 2012

91 The 2012 Echo Ridge Syrah begins with aromatics of smoked brisket, black cherry and black olive with rose petals. This leads to flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, black tea and hints of baking spices. This has wonderful balance and persistence as well as purity. (Best 2017-2026) - June, 2017 (OB)

Syrah 2013

92 This wonderful Syrah from Echo Ridge begins with bright aromatics of white pepper, black cherry and black tea leading to flavors of black tea, white pepper, coffee grounds and black cherry. The texture and mouthfeel are both outstanding. This has wonderful acidity considering the heat of the vintage. (Best 2017-2026) - June, 2017 (OB)