Sequoia Grove, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Rutherford

Family-owned winery Sequoia Grove was founded in 1979 in a 110-year old barn beneath a grove of Sequoia trees in Rutherford. Michael Trujillo joined the winery as assistant winemaker in 1981, becoming director of winemaking in 2002. His philosophy is based on balance in the vineyard, planting different blocks with different clones, and farming without pesticides. Stephen Brook: Juicy, vibrant blackberry nose. Broad, fleshy and succulent, this has power and density too. Still a touch raw and oaky, it nonetheless has tension and drive. A lot of sucrosity on the finish, but it’s not jammy. Alex Hunt MW: Slightly closed on the first nose, with enticing aromas of blackberry and olive emerging. Powerful but focused on the palate, with just enough tannic support for the generous fruit. Fleshy enough to be accessible now, but should age well too. Stefan Neumann MS: The ripeness of dark fruits is clearly emerging from the nose. The oak influence is subtle but noticeable, as well as the ripe fruit component, proving that less is sometimes more.