Continuing to drink brilliantly, the 2012 Sorella is up with the creme de la creme of the vintage. Its deep ruby color is followed by a full-bodied, rich and layered 2012 that boasts fabulous notes of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, graphite, mineral and toasted bread. Like all of Chris's 2012s, it's still a baby, yet its impeccable balance and purity allow it to dish out tons of pleasure, even today. Nevertheless, it needs 3-5 years of cellaring and will have 25-30 years of overall longevity. - Jeb Dunnuck

The Sorella 2012 blend is two-thirds cabernet sauvignon, the vines close to 40 years old; the balance is merlot and cabernet franc. The flavors are dense and dark, vibrant cassis and black plum dusted with a fine powdered mineral glaze, the cabernet as much a feeling as a flavor. Everything is guided by a firm textural line, lean, refined, as elegant as a tailored suit, the finish firm and nimble at once. It’s cabernet at its most effortless. (996 cases)

Crisp in texture, with good density to the black cherry, red plum, roasted meat and spice flavors, coming together deftly on the refined, elegant finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2017 through 2024. 996 cases made. –HS