COHO 2017 Headwaters Red

When Napa Valley vintner Gary Lipp started Coho Wines in 2002, his intention was to craft world-class wines that exemplified the flavors and natural character of Napa Valley and help the habitat of the Coho salmon along the way. Made primarily with premium fruit from the Coombsville sub-region of overlooking San Pablo Bay in southern Napa Valley.

94 POINTS - "Aromatic, with warm espresso, sage and worn leather notes leading off, backed by a core of slightly chewy mulled currant, fig and huckleberry flavors. Keeps an old-school bent through the finish, revealing a flash of cast iron. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2028" - Wine Spectrum

92 POINTS - "Aromas of blackberry and chocolate with spice and currant character. Hints of bark too. Full body, round and juicy tannins. Shows some tension for the vintage." - James Suckling

90 POINTS - "Fully ripe, but never superfluously so with deep, very pure, black cherry in the lead every step of its way, Coho's Headwaters Red Wine is a medium-full-bodied wine that evokes the singular succulence of fine Merlot in a slightly supple package with a neatly integrated streak of sweet oak lending a most appealing note of vanillin richness. Fairly substantial, yet uncannily light on its feet and finished with near-velvety tannins, it is so well-polished that it can be easily enjoyed without waiting further, but we would counsel a bit of patience all the same as it has the balance and fruity reserve to only get better and better over the next half-dozen or so years" - CGCW

Rich, and fruit forward, the blackberry and plum flavors announce themselves upon palate entry, while nuances of lightly roasted coffee beans and baking spices are revealed as the wine is drawn in. The long, balanced finish is a good indication of a delicious wine that will be enjoyable upon release and for an additional decade.