Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is a blend of 96.1% Merlot and 3.9% Cabernet Franc. It delivers open-knit, compelling scents of Black Forest cake, preserved plums, blueberry compote and molten licorice with touches of garrigue, bay leaves, black olives and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is charged with energetic black and blue fruits, supported by plush tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and earthy.
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The 2018 Merlot Rive Droite is another powerhouse in the lineup that has both richness and elegance in spades. Gorgeous black cherries, currants, tobacco leaf, chocolate, chalky minerality, and cedar pencil notes give way to a full-bodied, seamless red with polished tannins, remarkable purity, and a great, great finish. A killer Merlot-dominated blend that flirts with perfection, enjoy bottles any time over the coming 15-20 years. The blend is 96.1% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Hello, Gorgeous!
BOW (8.75)
Vinous (97)
The 2018 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is soft, sensual and wonderfully alluring right out of the gate. Blood orange and generally bright acids perk up the red-toned fruit. The 2018 offers striking aromatic presence and lift to play off a core of succulent fruit. The Merlot emerges mostly from parcels close to the entrance of the estate that are shaded and relatively cool. It is the most reserved of the three flagship wines.
