2021 "The Archimage" Reserve Bdx Blend Etched and Hand Painted 9L
The 2021 Archimage “Reserve” Bordeaux-Blend is 54% Cabernet Franc and 46% Merlot, sourced primarily from our Estate Binaural Block at Blue Mountain Vineyard in Walla Walla and our Estate Block on Red Mountain. Aged for 20 months in 41% new French oak, this wine is loaded with flavors of dark fruits like blueberries and blackberries, and has a gorgeous herbal undertones of green peppercorns and hay. Caramel and cinnamon spice come through on the back end, supported by well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity. Our Archimage is always a cellar candidate and should have a 20-year life span, but don’t be afraid to open and decant this while young, as you’ll be richly rewarded by this gorgeous Bordeaux-blend. Don’t forget to pair with great food, great music, and great friends. Cheers!
WINE ADVOCATE 94-96 Points
Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2021 The Archimage is aging in just over 40% new oak. Juicy, fresh and ripe with healthy, polished dark red and black fruit aromas, the wine is softly herbal with delightfully dusty florals. Medium to full-bodied, it will be a great blockbuster when released and will have no trouble filling its shoes. Get in line for this ripe, juicy and pure expression of The Archimage.
- Anthony Mueller (May, 2023)
Owen Bargreen:
2018 Sleight of Hand ‘The Illusionist’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘The Illusionist’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a seriously good wine that has some massive aging potential. They have elected to blend a somewhat large portion of Petit Verdot (12%) into this Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend. Right away the green bell pepper tones scream PV, with dark chocolate shavings, anise and creme de cassis aromatics all singing in unison. The palate is dense, plush and beautifully textured. This shows a very old-world feel, with its level of restraint despite the large curtain of dark fruit, chocolate and tobacco flavors that are immediately gratifying. Great to savor even now in its youth, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2021-2036- 94
Jeb Dunnuck:
Loads of blue fruits, plums, tobacco, and leafy herbs emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon "The Illusionist" Reserve. It is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petiti Verdot, and the remainder Cabernet Franc. Medium to full-bodied, soft, supple, and textured, its balance and purity are both spot on. 93-95
