VINTAGE 2019

98 Pts. "Black olives, blackberries and blackcurrants, as well as asphalt, lead pencil, crushed stone and oyster shell. Full-bodied with chewy and juicy tannins that are spread across the palate. Fuller and more flavorful than the 2018. Plush and dry, velvety texture. This needs at least five years to open. Try after 2027."
— James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

97 Pts. "Compared to the 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Highest Beauty is broader and more opulent, with a massive, full-bodied style as well as velvety tannins, lots of spicy, classy background oak, both red and black fruits, and a great mid-palate. I slightly prefer the vibrancy and focus of the 2018, but these are both brilliant wines that show the quality and style of their vintages, as well as their terroir. The 2019 is already accessible, but I have no doubt it will evolve for 20 years."
— Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com

97 Pts. "Boasting tiers of cassis, plum, mulberry and black cherry fruit stacked upon each other, this towering example relies on purity and focus as much as power, thanks to racy yet deeply embedded acidity as well as enticing violet and iron notes that fill in throughout. Rather than just lingering, the fruit ripples with underlying energy through the lengthy finish. Outright gorgeous. Best from 2024 through 2040."
— James Moleworth, Wine Spectator

95 Pts. "Set against the 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Highest Beauty seems richer and more complete, offering up seductive aromas of cassis, cocoa powder and perfumed hints of cedar. In the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a slightly grainy texture. It's open-knit, but in a good way, ripe and welcoming rather than coarse, impeccably balanced in the manner of virtually all of winemaker Andy Erickson's top wines."
— Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

100 Pts. "This has amazing fruit at the end of the palate, creating an endless finish of raspberry, boysenberry and blackcurrant. Spice, too. It's full-bodied with compact fruit. The essence of cabernet sauvignon. Remarkable wine, with energy, depth and purity. Drinkable now, but better after 2026."
— James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

99 Pts. "In the same qualitative ballpark as the Eliza's, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon H.W.C has everything you could want from Napa Cabernet, revealing a dense purple hue, incredible black raspberry and cassis fruit, full-bodied richness, velvety tannins, and remarkable complexity in its spicy, floral, violet, and tobacco-laced aromatics. Despite being a big, rich Cabernet, it has a solid sense of freshness and stays light and graceful, with no sensation of weight or heaviness. Don't miss it."
— Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com

98 Pts. "Named for the initials of the vineyard's original owner, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon H.W.C. features aromas of dark chocolate and cassis, with subtle notes of wood in the background. Hints of dark loam and Asian spice bring added complexity. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and complete, the HWC offers ample generosity from start to finish, a luscious and decadent yet savory expression of Oakville."
— Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

96 Pts."A textbook Oakville big boy, with a prodigious structure that's polished and plush in feel, supporting large waves of warmed cassis, steeped plum and blackberry reduction. Winey and muscular but with detail and cut, as apple wood, sweet bay leaf and anise add a mouthwatering aspect to the finish. Impressive. Best from 2024 through 2038. From California."
— James Molseworth, Wine Spectator

99 Pts. "Just about pure perfection, the 2019 Eliza's Red Wine (55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers up incredible darker berry, mulled cherry, spicy oak, and dried flower-like aromas and flavors. With perfect balance, medium to full body, ripe, polished tannins, and a great, great finish, this beauty just sings of ripe Cabernet Franc while bringing plenty of Cabernet Sauvignon structure and density. A sensational bottle of wine, it should evolve for 20 years as well."
— Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com

98 Pts. "Amazing aromas of lead-pencil shavings to the blackcurrants and dark cherries. Sweet tobacco and licorice, too. Full-bodied with very fine tannins that spread across the palate. Extremely long. Slightly more cabernet franc this year, with 60%, the rest cabernet sauvignon. Hard not to drink now, but will deliver even more in four to five years."
— James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

95 Pts. "Leads off with a beautiful plume of warmed cassis and plum compote, followed by sparkles of anise, violet, apple wood, sweet tobacco and sassafras. The finish is underscored by loam and iron as the fruit plays out. Hefty and broad, but with cut and superior detail. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2036."
— James Moleworth, Wine Spectator

95 Pts. "The 2019 Eliza's Red Wine—also approximately 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon—may be a bit less floral and exotic than the 2018 version, but it still has an attractive airiness to its silky mouthfeel and delicate herbal, teas-like shadings that beautifully complement the cherry and cassis fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, blessed with ample intensity and tremendous elegance, plus a lingering, flavorful finish."
— Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate