Fresh, succulent, compelling.
A compelling and serious Cab Franc, the 2020 was small batch fermented on skins, the wine was then barrel aged in French oak, 40% new. Pretty high-toned red currant aromas are woven with star anise, violets, vanilla, kirsch and freshly turned earth.It has a supple entry and vibrant red berry flavours layered with cocoa and spice. Potent yet stylish and compelling with a dark chocolate and espresso notes on the finish.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 30th, 2022

Fresh, succulent, compelling.
A compelling and serious Cab Franc, the 2017 vintage presented small but concentrated berries. After small batches were fermented on skins for 21 days, the wine was barrel aged in French oak, 40% new.
It delivers aromas of black currents and plum compote, toasted spices and roasted bell peppers, bacon fat, dark cocoa and leather. Fresh berries lead the attack are followed followed by complex savoury flavours. Fleshy with sweet tannins, it's a balanced and succulent wine.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 15th, 2020

Thoroughbred, complex, age-worthy.
Matured 18 months in 1/3 new French oak barrels, this estate grown Cabernet is as much a thoroughbred as the previous vintage. Black currents, dusty dark cocoa, tealeaf, sage and savoury spice aromas lead to a complex and lengthy palate. Youthful still, but everything is in check and the tannins deserve some time to soften and integrate.
I recommend holding this wine for at least another year. Buy three, put them in the cellar and open one in a year and see save the others for the future.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 14th, 2019

Classic, generous, expressive.
Matured in partially new French oak barrels, this 100% estate grown Cabernet offers classic Bordelais character (from great vintages) with brighter acidity than you generally see from California. Very fragrant with pristine wild currant aromas, vanilla, baking spices and licorice atop leather, pencil shavings and a whiff of mint. Juicy and expressive fruit dominates the palate with a supple weight. It has great posture, generous acidity and a fantastic and lengthy finish trailing, cocoa, coffee and toasted spices.
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 9th, 2015

Thoroughbred, firm, ageworthy.
Matured in partially new French oak barrels, this 100% estate grown Cabernet offers classic Bordelais character (from great vintages) with brighter acidity than you generally see from California.
Despite 2014 being a textbook vintage for Painted Rock, this vintage is one to hold onto - don't crack the capsule quite yet.
It's tightly wound, offering glimpses of a thoroughbred underneath. Dusty plums, bittersweet cocoa, mint, tobacco, tealeaf, scorched spices and leather are firmly woven with earth and wild black berry aromas. The palate continues that journey, but is still shy about showing what it will become. Firm but ripe and balanced, with a spine of iron -- this is one for the cellar.
Hold 2018 to 2028.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 28th, 2017