While recently visiting wineries throughout Napa and Sonoma, we had the pleasure of visiting the esteemed Ehlers Estate in St. Helena. We were warmly welcomed and treated to an exclusive tasting of their exceptional and distinguished wines. Their unique terroir combined with the Estate’s commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture, resulted in a truly remarkable tasting experience. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of our wine shipment in November.
2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
Tasting notes: Black currant, red fruit, pomegranate, pepper, baking spice, smoke, tobacco, earthy, and beefy
Characteristics: Dark fruit on the nose, clean, rich, bold, smooth, silky finish
My Rating: 4.8 / 98 points
2021 Cabernet Franc
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
Tasting notes: Dark and red fruit, pomegranate and bing cherry
My Rating: 4.3 / 93 points
2021 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting notes: Floral, lavender, strawberry, raspberry, dark cherry and mocha
Characteristics: Legacy wine from the best barrels. A bright red fruit kiss followed by a smooth, rich mouth feel and a rich, velvety finish
My Rating: 4.7 / 97 points
2018 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting notes: Black currant, Earl grey tea, licorice, mocha, violet, dark fruit, cloves, and tobacco
Characteristics: Full-bodied, masculine yet elegant, silky, rich, and layered with a creamy finish
My Rating: 4.9 / 99 points
2021 J. Leducq Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting notes: Leather, red and black fruit, earthy, blackberry, plum, vanilla, oak, chocolate, pepper and mint
Characteristics: Smooth, layered, rich and dimensional
My Rating: 4.7 / 97 points
2018 Portrait
Grapes: (Bordeaux Blend) 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot
Tasting notes: Black and red fruit, leather, smoke, oak, vanilla, licorice, and pepper
Characteristics: Beautiful bright nose, with a super smooth, beautifully silky and lingering finish. Delicious!
My Rating: 4.9 / 99 points
2019 Merlot
Grapes: 100% Merlot
Tasting notes: Combination of red and dark fruit, vanilla, oak, chocolate, brown sugar, earth and smoke
Characteristics: Acidic, mouth puckering bright fruit explosion
My Rating: 4.3 / 93 points
2023 Estate Blanc (“Fleurie”)
Varietal: 87% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Semillon
Tasting Notes: Light, crisp, tropical notes with stone fruit.
Characteristics: Fresh, aromatic white blend.
Pairing: Grilled shrimp, goat cheese salad, or lemony pasta.
My Rating: 95 points
2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Rich, balanced, tannic. Cherry and black fruit.
Characteristics: Mid-bodied, warming finish.
Pairing: Grilled ribeye, mushroom risotto, or truffle burgers.
My Rating: 93+
2021 Cabernet Franc
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Tasting Notes: Fresh notes of red rose, crushed tomato, hints of oak and blackberry. Palate includes ripe blackberry, pressed flowers, and a touch of paprika.
Characteristics: Silky tannins and balanced acidity. Layered and complex.
Pairing: Roast pork, grilled vegetables, or mushroom risotto.
My Rating: 92 points
Note: Verified from Ken’s Wine Guide
2022 Cabernet Franc
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Tasting Notes: Not specified in original notes.
Characteristics: Smooth and integrated.
Pairing: Roasted eggplant, pork loin, or lentil stew.
My Rating: 91 points
2004 “1886” Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Rich, smooth, velvety, earthy, layered. Slight fruit notes, touch of spice on the back, saddle leather, vanilla.
Characteristics: Velvety, silky mouthfeel. Ready to drink now.
Pairing: Braised short ribs, truffle mashed potatoes, or grilled lamb chops.
My Rating: 96 points
2021 Jenn’s Chardonnay
Varietal: Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Honey, citrus curd, lemon oil, orange, honeydew melon, slight reduction, green apple.
Characteristics: Fresh, slightly reductive with vibrant citrus and stone fruit character.
Pairing: Roast chicken, grilled white fish, or goat cheese tart.
My Rating: 96 points
