100
THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The perfect 2012 Madrona Ranch displays notes of roasted coffee, forest floor, incense, Christmas fruitcake, blackcurrants and blackberry fruit in an incredibly fragrant, full-bodied, opulent style. Far more dramatic and open-knit Capella, the 2012 Madrona is super-intense, with incredibly velvety tannins. This is a sublime wine of the highest order, a fabulous example of the vintage, and a tribute to the craftsmanship of David Abreu and Brad Grimes. It should drink well for 30+ years."
100
JEB DUNNUCK: "One of those rare, heavenly wines we’re lucky to be able to taste and drink, the 2012 Madrona Ranch is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon yet has a big chunk of Cabernet Franc (45%) and 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot. It offers an incredible perfume of crème de cassis, spring flowers, liquid violets, spice and tobacco that continues to change and develop with time in the glass. Powerful and full-bodied, yet seamless and elegant, it has sweet, polished tannin, an opulent, weightless texture, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s already impossible to resist yet will keep for three decades or more."
99
THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Blackberry, mint, espresso, black raspberry and cherry liqueur scents kick off the wine. This leads you to a structured, silky, polished, age worthy wine that demands time in the cellar for all the elegant, but powerful, slightly dusty tannins to soften."
97
JAMES SUCKLING: " So much black fruit, black currant leaf, and black slate on the nose. Full body, chewy and wider grain tannins. Plenty of cocoa powder. Dusty. Needs four or five years to come completely together. About 300 cases made. October release. "