The Wine
晚開花且成熟時間漫長的Cabernet Sauvignon跟Napa Valley 充足的日照條件與太平洋洋流帶來的溫差所形成溫暖的氣候條件可以說是最佳組合，也因此Napa 成為許多頂尖美國膜拜酒的同義詞。Napa谷地處內陸，降雨量低，日照炎熱且照射時間充足，成為葡萄得以完全成熟的關鍵，並使得太平洋沿岸的熱輻射效果形成濃霧，向北穿過河谷拉升，包覆葡萄園，幫助Cabernet Sauvignon葡萄在醣類，單寧與酚類物質成熟的同時，也保有充足的酸度。
David Pan 更走訪Napa Valley各處，從地質學探訪Napa Valley超過30種以上複雜的土壤組成與地形走勢，並觀察當地的微型氣候，挑選品質最佳的葡萄園。
The Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Tasting Notes
採收自較為濃縮的二次小粒果串，並使用100%的法國小型新橡木桶進行培養。深色的寶石紅色澤，配著黑色水果、烤土司、菸草的香氣。有著些許的黑胡椒、雪松、黑櫻桃的高級口感，緊實的丹寧，果酸飽滿，尾韻悠長。
Rating
- 2017 酒款評分：Wine Enthusiast 93
- 2016 酒款評分：Wine Enthusiast 94
- 2015 酒款評分：Wine Enthusiast 93
- 2014 酒款評分：Wine Enthusiast 91
- 2013 酒款評分：Wine Enthusiast 92 / James Suckling 92
- 2012 酒款評分：Wine Enthusiast 93 (Cellar Selection)
- 2011 酒款評分：Wine Enthusiast 88
- 2010 酒款評分：Wine Enthusiast 91 / James Suckling 93 / Vinous 90
- 2009 酒款評分：Wine Enthusiast 93
For the Trade
Thank you for your interest in Les Belles Collines. If you do not find what you are looking for below, please contact us at info@lesbellescollines.com.
2017
Wine Enthusiast 93
Sumptuous layers of mocha, blackberry and black cherry wrap around tight-grained tannins and oak. The freshness on the back of the palate helps keep the wine crisp and focused against the powerful ripeness.
2016
Wine Enthusiast 94
Blended with 12% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, this lovely wine was aged 20 months in 75% new French oak. Cedar, pencil lead, clove and dark chocolate accent a powerful core of cassis, with a frame of focused acidity and polished tannins.
2015
Wine Enthusiast 93
Plush, lush and brightly encased in rich red fruit, this bold, full-bodied wine includes 10% Merlot and trace amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Integrated oak and powerful tannic weight lend balance to the strucutred frame.
2014
Wine Enthusiast 91
Woody pencil shavings and dried herb combine on the nose and palate in this Cabernet that’s blended with 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. Succulent red currant and cassis come to life on the midpalate, with a tannic backbone that emphasizes final touches of black pepper and clove.
2013
Wine Enthusiast 92
Softened by 10% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, this is a medium-bodied, elegant wine, with highlights of coffee, cedar and cherry-vanilla. Classic elements of cedar and dried herb complement firm, solid tannin.
2012
Wine Enthusiast 93 (Cellar Selection)
Given slightly less new oak (60%) than the producer’s Les Sommets bottling, this is an equally rewarding wine, blended with 12% Merlot. Red fruit dominates atop a soft grip of leather, pencil lead and cedar. The considerable density of the tannins and overall firm texture suggest this will benefit from further aging; drink 2018–2022.
2011
Wine Enthusiast 88
This substantially juicy Cabernet is classic in notes of black currant, cranberry and herb. It’s sturdy on the palate without becoming overbearing or overweight, finishing balanced and with ample finesse.
2010
Wine Enthusiast 91
Ripe cherry, blackberry and new oak flavors mark this gorgeous Cabernet. The tannins are strong but refined. Blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it’s a luxurious, elegant wine for drinking now and over the next eight years.
2009
Wine Enthusiast 93
Made in the modern style of soit, sweet opulence, this its insanely rich, with notes of cherry marmalade, red currant, milk chocolate and sweet cedar flavors that continue onto the long, smooth finish. It’s a blend of the traditional red Bordeaux varieties. and while it was aged in 1oo% new French oak, it’s not too oaky. Drink over the next six years for its youthful beauty.
