Considerable, muscular, supple.
Oliver's Phantom Creek Estates is owned by China-born Richmond-based businessman Richter Bai, who purchased the Phantom Creek and Beker (formerly owned by Harry McWatters who named it the Sundial Vineyard) vineyards in 2016.
From there a winery was erected, complete with guest center and restaurant. In 2021 Mark Beringer of Napa Valley joined the team as Director of Winemaking; he works alongside French consultants Olivier Humbrecht MW and Philippe Melka.
The estate Cabernet Franc, harvested from the Black Sage and Golden Mile vineyards, was aged in French oak (26% new) for 18 months.
Black currents and smoked meat, dark chocolate, grilled sage, toasted brown spice, pencil lead and espresso aromas grip the nose. It has a supple entry with vanilla, bittersweet chocolate, coffee savoury herbs, roasted bell pepper and scorched earth flavours. It's a powerful wine, muscular and considerable.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 24th, 2021