'The Lovers'

Score

94+

"Full medium red. A bit lower-toned and less expressive on the nose than the Flying Pig, offering notes of currant, spiced plum, dark raspberry, mocha and smoke. Plusher and sweeter too but not a heavyweight. The wine's utterly silky smoothness gives it immediate appeal. Although it gives a rather high-pH impression, it has plenty of supporting fruit. Wonderfully harmonious from entry to smooth, long, subtly tannic, lightly peppery finish. I love the balance of sweetness and salinity. Will this wine go into a shell? My sample showed a bit more juiciness and mineral pungency with aeration but maintained its thickness and sweetness, with the Syrah element quite apparent."

Score

95

"A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah, the 2015 The Lovers is one of the most successful renditions of this cuvée that I can remember tasting. Notes of currant fruit, cocoa nib, plums, tobacco and subtle cedar mingle in a complex bouquet. It's a medium to full-bodied, sapid wine with a deep core of fruit complemented by plenty of savory nuance and framed by powdery, fine-grained tannins. Attractively fresh and delineated (which isn't always the most obvious characteristic of Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon), this is a very persuasive offering from Christophe Baron. Drink 2020-2033."