A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, Denner’s 2016 Mother of Exiles is totally opaque in the glass with legs as dark as indigo. It’s slightly tight on opening, but swirling in the glass reveals wild blueberries and crème de cassis submerged beneath more ephemeral tones of violets, Chinese Five Spice, char, forest floor, and illuvium. Broad shouldered and juicy at the core, it’s deftly balanced with supple, with well-integrated tannins lending structure and finesse. An unhurried finish terminates in bay laurel, green peppercorn, and subtle smokey minerality. Sample
96 Points