Producer | Desparada |
Country | California |
Region | Central Coast |
Subregion | - select - |
Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
Vintage | 2020 |
Sku | 400000001210 |
Size | 750ml |
(11/2022) Drinking Vailia's wines over the years, it has always amazed us how she can seamlessly combine such a diverse group of grape varietals. Sangiovese blended with Tempranillo? Cabernet Sauvignon with Barbera? Countries have gone to war over such things! But here's the thing, it works. Scratch that. It doesn't JUST work, it is a revelatory epiphany of winemaking. Her 2020 Soothsayer is simply a marvel. Clocking in at 15.4% ABV, it is both incredibly restrained and wildly powerful. Who would expect such a big wine to have so much grace? The more air, the better. What starts out raw and hedonistic, becomes more and more elegant as it breathes. So much is going on here, it's hard to organize our thoughts. Black and red berry, black plum, cassis, purple florals, blueberry, nutmeg, fresh cracked pepper and blackberry compote. Superfine tannins and a luscious, silky, velvety finish.
(12/30/2022) "Bottled three weeks before my visit, the 2020 Soothsayer is a blend of 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Sangiovese, 18% Barbera, 16% Tempranillo and 6% Petite Sirah matured for 22 months in neutral and once-filled French oak barrels. Deep ruby-purple, it has aromas of black cherries, cassis, cured meats, graphite and dried herbs. Full-bodied and gently chewy, it has a dense core of savory fruit and a long, flavorful finish. 484 cases were made. Drink 2023 - 2028."