Dragon’s Tooth 2018
$65 / Bottle (750ml)
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Scores
- Sunset Int’l 96
- JS 94
- Vinous 92
- Decanter 90
- W&S 90
Our Nana, Catherine Trefethen, was Welsh. Her twin loves of wine and family were the original inspiration for our estate in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District. Celebrating our heritage, “Y Ddraig Goch”, the symbol of Wales, adorns this bottle of Dragon’s Tooth, a provocative blend born from the rockiest part of our vineyard.
The Vintage
Ample rainfall in the spring recharged the soil profile and provided a strong start to the growing season. The weather during the summer featured consistent warmth and sunshine without any major heat spells. Cooler than average temperatures in August and September slowed the ripening process, providing long hang time and leading to complex flavor development. October was mostly dry and warmer than usual allowing us to pick each block at optimal ripeness. The harvest was complete before November and the start of an epic rainy season.
The Wine
This wine opens with expressive aromas of cherry and blackberry accented with notes of fig, tobacco leaf, and sarsaparilla. Full-bodied and balanced, the integrated flavors of ripe dark fruit lead to a lush and abundant finish.
BLEND:
49% Malbec
27% Petit Verdot
24% Cabernet Sauvignon
Food Affinities
Winery Chef Chris Kennedy enjoys Dragon‘s Tooth with earthy and rich cuisine. He suggests pairing it with our Creamy Mushroom Pasta. The complementary flavors, textures, and intensity of both the dish and the wine are stunning.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Accolades
96 POINTS
DOUBLE GOLD
Sunset International Wine Competition
June 2021
94 POINTS
James Suckling
A rich, round red with plum, berry, chocolate and walnut character. Lots of cherry flavors. It’s full-bodied with round tannins and a delicious finish. 49% Malbec, 27% Petit Verdot and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink or hold.” – January 2021
92 POINTS
Vinous
“The 2018 Red Blend Dragon’s Tooth is a delicious Malbec-based blend. Pliant, juicy and super-expressive, the 2018 has so much to offer. Ripe red cherry, mocha and spice all open up in a mid-weight, succulent wine loaded with character. Drink it over the next handful of years.” – Antonio Galloni, January 2021
91 POINTS
GOLD
Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition
“Classic wine with a freshness on the nose of dark red fruit and spice, followed by drying tannins and a long finish.” – Allison Levine, July 2021
91 POINTS
International Wine & Spirits Competition
May 2021
91 POINTS
GOLD
Sommeliers Choice Awards
May 2021
91 POINTS
GOLD
Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition
August 2020
90 POINTS
Decanter World Wine Awards
July 2021
90 POINTS
Wine & Spirits
November 2021
GOLD
San Antonio Rodeo Wine Competition
October 2020
GOLD
America Wine Awards
August 2020