Wines

One of Rioja's brightest new stars. The 2020 was rated 94 from Robert Parker's Luis Gutierrez. This one (not reviewed) is better....

Vineyards: Six different plots all located in Rioja Alavesa at around 600 metres altitude, dating back to the 1940’s. It has a calcareous clay soil and gives low yields of 3500-4000 kg per hectare.

60% Tempranillo, 30% Graciano and 10% Viura

Winemaking: Fermentation takes place in foudre and concrete egg, using indigenous yeasts. The wine ages for approximately 13 months in foudre.

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99 Points! The red 2023 Kalamity is stunning, in line with the wine produced in 2021. It's a wine first produced in 2014 from a field blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Viura and Garnacha Blanca from very old vines in Elvillar, Laguardia and Camprovín harvested relatively early to avoid excess alcohol and to keep the acidity. The grapes were part destemmed, part crushed and part fermented with full clusters in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. The wine matured in 600-liter oak barrels for 10 months. Like most 2023s, it has contained ripeness and lowish alcohol, 13.5%, and a balanced pH of 3.5. Tartalo has been getting close, but I still believe this is the most complex, nuanced and complete of the reds here, perfumed and elegant. It's still young but already very harmonious, with a medium-bodied palate, super fine tannins and superb balance. This could very well be the finest Kalamity to date. It's approachable even at this young age, but it should also develop and get even better with time in bottle. 3,200 bottles were filled in September 2024. - Luis Gutierrez, robertparker.com

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Grapes from vineyards with an average age of 25 years selected in the towns of Pedrosa de Duero, La Horra and Gumiel del Mercado. Tempranillo vines in clay limestone soils, poor in organic matter and of very low fertility. >5 months ageing in 300-litre French oak barrels. Learn More

The 2006 vintage represents the first full commercial release of Scott Palazzo’s Cabernet Franc, built on his long-standing devotion to the wines of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Sourced from Truchard Vineyard in Carneros, this wine reflects Palazzo’s belief that the region produces Cabernet Franc with greater nuance, balance, and aromatic complexity than other parts of Napa Valley. For years, this wine and its magnum format were available only through Palazzo’s private members list. This release marks the first time these magnums have ever been offered to the public, presenting a rare opportunity to experience a defining wine from the estate in the format best suited for long aging and graceful evolution.

Tasting Note:
Now beautifully mature, the 2006 opens with lifted floral aromas of violet and dried rose petal, followed by notes of crushed raspberry, red cherry, and gentle spice. On the palate, the wine is elegant and poised, showing purity of fruit, vibrant acidity, and finely resolved tannins. Savory undertones and a supple texture add depth, while the finish is long, fresh, and refined. In magnum, the wine’s balance and energy remain striking, highlighting the precision and restraint that define Palazzo’s Cabernet Franc.

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The 2007 vintage builds on the momentum of Palazzo Wine’s earliest Cabernet Franc releases from Carneros and represents Scott Palazzo’s second vintage of this varietal crafted in Napa Valley. Like its siblings, the wine reflects prolonged devotion to the elegance and complexity found in Bordeaux’s Right Bank wines. For years this magnum format was held exclusively for Palazzo’s private members and collectors, making this the first time this mature, library magnum has been offered to the public. This is a rare chance to acquire a beautifully aged Napa Cabernet Franc from an early chapter in Palazzo’s story.

Tasting Note:
In magnum, the 2007 shows a deep garnet color and a refined nose of redcurrant jelly, kirsch and wild blueberry layered with subtle bay leaf, pencil shavings and tobacco spice. The palate is full and structured with savory fruit core framed by grainy tannins and lively acidity, leading to a long finish with an herbal lift and polished texture. This is a Cabernet Franc with both muscle and nuance, showing depth from age while still retaining bright, expressive fruit and fresh acidity.

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The 2008 vintage is recognized as one of the strong early expressions of Scott Palazzo’s Right Bank-inspired Napa Cabernet Franc from Carneros, a wine that repeatedly earned high praise from collectors and critics alike for its elegance and depth. For years these magnums were held exclusively for Palazzo’s private members list, never offered to the broader market. This release marks the first time these mature library magnums are available to the public, a rare occasion for a wine that has shown both finesse and age-worthy structure as it has evolved over time.

Tasting Note:
This wine shows a deep, rich hue and carries aromas of crushed violets, cassis, ripe red cherries, and black raspberry, with subtle hints of cedar, spice box, and bay leaf making the bouquet intriguing and layered. On the palate the fruit is concentrated yet refined, with juicy red and dark berry flavors balanced by bright acidity, polished tannins, and gentle earth-driven complexity. The texture is plush and lively, and the finish lingers with spice, soft chocolate nuances, and a harmony of floral and savory notes. Community tastings have consistently scored this vintage in the low 90s, underscoring its quality and appeal in bottle as it approaches peak drinking maturity.

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The 2009 vintage marks a moment of refinement and confidence in Scott Palazzo’s Cabernet Franc program, building on several successful releases rooted in his Right Bank inspired vision. Sourced from Carneros, the wine reflects a growing mastery of balance, structure, and aromatic expression, emphasizing elegance over excess. As with the earlier vintages, the magnum format was produced in very limited quantities and held back exclusively for Palazzo’s private members. This release represents the first time these mature library magnums have been offered to the public, making it a rare opportunity to acquire a fully developed Napa Cabernet Franc in its most expressive and age-worthy form.

Tasting Note:
The 2009 opens with a layered and inviting bouquet of violets, dried herbs, and ripe red fruits, accented by subtle notes of cedar and spice. On the palate, the wine is composed and seamless, showing red cherry, raspberry, and savory undertones carried by lively acidity and finely integrated tannins. The texture is supple yet structured, with a sense of freshness that belies its age. The finish is long and graceful, revealing depth, polish, and quiet power that are further amplified by the magnum format.

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The 2010 vintage emerged from a cooler, more measured growing season in Napa Valley and is often regarded as one of the more classically styled years of the decade. For Scott Palazzo, this vintage reinforced his Right Bank inspired approach to Cabernet Franc, emphasizing restraint, aromatic complexity, and structure over power. Sourced from Carneros and produced in very limited quantities, the magnum format was held back exclusively for Palazzo’s private members for over a decade. This release marks the first time these library magnums have been offered to the public, presenting a rare opportunity to experience a mature, cool-vintage Cabernet Franc in the format best suited for graceful aging.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with a refined and savory aromatic profile, showing dried violet, red currant, and subtle herbal notes layered with hints of cedar and gentle spice. On the palate, the 2010 is composed and focused, offering bright red cherry and cranberry fruit framed by lively acidity and firm, well-integrated tannins. Earthy undertones and a touch of graphite add depth as the wine unfolds. The finish is clean, structured, and persistent, with a sense of freshness and balance that has been beautifully preserved in magnum, highlighting both the vintage’s classic character and its long-term aging potential.

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The 2011 vintage was shaped by one of the coolest and most challenging growing seasons of the decade in Napa Valley, producing wines defined by freshness, structure, and restraint. For Scott Palazzo, the year aligned naturally with his Right Bank inspired vision for Cabernet Franc, favoring balance and aromatic detail over ripeness. Sourced from Carneros and bottled in extremely limited quantities, the magnum format was held exclusively for Palazzo’s private members for more than a decade. This release marks the first time these library magnums have been offered to the public, offering collectors a rare opportunity to experience a cool-vintage Napa Cabernet Franc in its most age-worthy format.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with lifted, savory aromatics of dried herbs, violet, and red currant, accented by subtle notes of cedar and forest floor. On the palate, the 2011 is focused and linear, showing tart cherry, cranberry, and gentle spice carried by bright acidity and finely grained tannins. There is an underlying mineral tension that adds precision and length. The finish is clean, persistent, and quietly complex, with the magnum format preserving the wine’s energy, nuance, and sense of place.

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The 2012 vintage marked a return to a warmer, more generous growing season in Napa Valley, producing wines with greater depth and approachability while still retaining balance. For Scott Palazzo, this vintage offered an opportunity to express Cabernet Franc with a touch more richness while staying true to his Right Bank inspired focus on structure and elegance. Sourced from Carneros and bottled in very limited quantities, these magnums were held exclusively for Palazzo’s private members until now. This release represents the first time these mature library magnums have been made available to the public, offering collectors a rare chance to experience a fully developed Napa Cabernet Franc in its most expressive format.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with an inviting bouquet of violets, ripe raspberry, and red cherry, layered with hints of sweet spice and subtle earth. On the palate, the 2012 is generous and polished, showing supple red and dark berry fruit supported by vibrant acidity and finely resolved tannins. Savory undertones and gentle oak influence add dimension without overshadowing the fruit. The finish is long, smooth, and harmonious, with the magnum format preserving freshness and balance while allowing the wine’s richness to unfold gracefully.

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The 2003 Proprietary Red stands as one of the earliest expressions of Scott Palazzo’s winemaking vision and reflects his long-standing admiration for the great blended wines of Bordeaux. Crafted during the formative years of the estate, this wine set the foundation for Palazzo’s later Master Blend philosophy, emphasizing balance, structure, and age-worthiness over sheer size. Produced in extremely limited quantities, the magnum format was held exclusively for Palazzo’s private members for more than two decades. This release marks the first time these mature library magnums have ever been made available to the public, offering a rare opportunity to experience an early Napa Valley proprietary blend with remarkable bottle age in the format best suited for longevity.

Tasting Note:
With over twenty years of evolution, the wine opens with complex aromatics of dried cherry, fig, and plum layered with cedar, leather, and warm spice. On the palate, it is smooth and fully integrated, showing savory red and dark fruit supported by softened tannins and balanced acidity. Secondary notes of tobacco, cocoa, and earth add depth and nuance, while the finish is long, resolved, and graceful. In magnum, the wine retains notable freshness and cohesion, highlighting both the strength of the vintage and the enduring elegance of Palazzo’s early blending philosophy.

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The 2004 Proprietary Red represents a natural evolution of Scott Palazzo’s early winemaking vision, building on the foundation laid by the inaugural 2003 vintage. Crafted during the formative years of the estate, this wine reflects Palazzo’s deep admiration for Bordeaux-inspired blends that prioritize balance, structure, and longevity. Produced in very limited quantities, the magnum format was set aside exclusively for Palazzo’s private members and carefully cellared for two decades. This release marks the first time these mature library magnums have been made available to the public, offering collectors a rare opportunity to experience an early Palazzo blend at full maturity in its most age-worthy format.

Tasting Note:
Now beautifully resolved, the 2004 opens with layered aromas of dried red cherry, plum, and fig, accented by notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and warm baking spice. On the palate, the wine is supple and integrated, with softened tannins supporting savory red and dark fruit flavors. Subtle notes of leather, cocoa, and earthy complexity emerge as the wine unfolds, adding depth without heaviness. The finish is long, smooth, and harmonious, with the magnum format preserving freshness and cohesion, underscoring the wine’s graceful evolution over time.

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The 2005 Proprietary Red reflects a pivotal moment in the early evolution of Palazzo Wine, showing growing confidence and refinement in Scott Palazzo’s blending philosophy. Built on his admiration for Bordeaux-inspired red blends, this wine emphasizes balance, structure, and age-worthiness while beginning to show greater precision and polish than earlier vintages. Produced in very limited quantities, the magnum format was reserved exclusively for Palazzo’s private members and carefully cellared from release. This marks the first time these mature library magnums have been made available to the public, offering collectors a rare opportunity to experience a foundational Palazzo wine with two decades of graceful evolution.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with expressive aromatics of dried cherry, blackberry, and plum layered with notes of cedar, tobacco, and gentle spice. On the palate, it is smooth and fully integrated, delivering savory red and dark fruit supported by softened tannins and balanced acidity. Hints of cocoa, leather, and earthy complexity add depth as the wine unfolds. The finish is long, polished, and harmonious, with the magnum format preserving freshness and cohesion while highlighting the wine’s maturity and elegance.

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The 2006 Proprietary Red marks a turning point in Scott Palazzo’s early Napa Valley journey, as his blending philosophy continued to sharpen and take on greater definition. Building on his Bordeaux-inspired approach, this vintage shows increased clarity of structure and balance, with a stronger sense of cohesion across the blend. Produced in extremely limited quantities, the magnum format was held exclusively for Palazzo’s private members and carefully cellared from release. This offering represents the first time these library magnums have been made available to the public, providing collectors a rare opportunity to experience a maturing Palazzo blend in its most age-worthy and expressive format.

Tasting Note:
With nearly two decades of bottle age, the wine opens with layered aromas of dried red cherry, plum, and blackcurrant, accented by cedar, tobacco leaf, and warm spice. On the palate, it is supple and composed, showing savory red and dark fruit supported by softened yet structured tannins and balanced acidity. Notes of cocoa, leather, and subtle earth emerge as the wine unfolds, adding depth and dimension. The finish is long, smooth, and refined, with the magnum format preserving freshness and harmony while highlighting the wine’s elegant evolution.

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The 2007 Proprietary Red comes from a standout Napa Valley vintage and reflects a moment when Scott Palazzo’s blending philosophy reached a new level of confidence and clarity. This wine builds on the foundation of earlier releases while showing greater depth and precision. Produced in very limited quantities, the magnum format was held exclusively for Palazzo’s private members and never released to the public until now, making this a rare opportunity to experience a fully mature Napa proprietary blend in its most age-worthy format.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with layered aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, accented by cedar, tobacco, and warm spice. On the palate, it is rich yet composed, with concentrated dark fruit framed by softened tannins and balanced acidity. Subtle notes of cocoa and savory earth add complexity. The finish is long and polished, showing depth and harmony enhanced by extended aging in magnum.

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The 2008 Proprietary Red reflects a slightly cooler, more measured growing season, resulting in a wine that emphasizes balance and aromatic detail. As Scott Palazzo continued refining his Bordeaux-inspired approach, this vintage shows increasing elegance and structure. These magnums were produced in extremely limited quantities and reserved solely for private members, making this first public release a rare chance to acquire a beautifully evolved library wine.

Tasting Note:
Aromas of dried red cherry, currant, and violet are layered with hints of cedar and gentle spice. The palate is supple and refined, offering savory red fruit, polished tannins, and lively acidity. Earthy undertones and subtle oak influence add depth. The finish is smooth and persistent, with freshness and precision preserved by the magnum format.

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The 2009 vintage brought warmth and generosity to Napa Valley, and this Proprietary Red reflects a more expressive, fruit-forward profile while remaining grounded in structure and balance. By this point, Scott Palazzo’s blending vision was firmly established, producing wines that combine richness with restraint. The magnum format was held back exclusively for members and has never before been offered to the public, underscoring the rarity of this release.

Tasting Note:
The nose opens with ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum, complemented by notes of baking spice, cedar, and cocoa. On the palate, the wine is smooth and generous, showing layered dark fruit supported by softened tannins and balanced acidity. Savory undertones add dimension, and the finish is long, warm, and cohesive, with the magnum format lending added poise and longevity.

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The 2011 Proprietary Red was shaped by a notably cool Napa Valley growing season, producing wines defined by freshness, structure, and restraint. This vintage aligns closely with Scott Palazzo’s long-standing admiration for classical Bordeaux blends, emphasizing balance and age-worthiness over power. Bottled in very limited quantities, the magnum format was held exclusively for private members until this first public release.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with savory aromatics of dried herbs, red currant, and subtle floral notes, layered with cedar and earthy nuance. On the palate, it is focused and linear, offering tart cherry, cranberry, and gentle spice framed by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. The finish is clean and persistent, with a refined, elegant profile that has been beautifully preserved in magnum.

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From the winery: Riviera is a beautiful ruby red Pinot Noir, with a slight transpar- ency that showcases the delicate hue of the wine. It boasts an enticing aroma of red fruit, including cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, with subtle undertones of earthiness and spice. Hints of vanilla and oak impart a delicate complexity to the wine. On the palate, Riviera is vibrant and well-balanced, with bright acidity and medium tannins that add structure to the wine. The flavors of cherry and raspberry continue from the nose to the palate, accompanied by notes of black tea and hints of clove and cinnamon.

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96 Points! Velvety tannins, perfumed floral nose, opening to cedar, mint leaf, red cherry puree, all expanding outwards through the palate, with finely boned tannins adding a touch of control. Plenty of tertiary notes of truffles, campfire smoke and saffron-laced spices, but the fruit is still very much in tact. As it opens further you get intense aromatics of violet and exotic spices. You could sit with this for hours, just enjoying how finessed Cabernet Sauvignon can become with age - and how the clay that underpins the gravels on so much of Palmer's vineyard has helped keep freshness. Exceptional, and it has been delivering at this level for at least a decade. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, September 2021  

95 Points! The 1990 Palmer has long been one of my favorite vintages; at 31 years of age, it is still utterly sublime. It opens wonderfully in the glass with blackberry, forest floor, crushed iris petals and just a touch of dried blood. You would actually think that this comes from a cooler growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins. This has evolved since I last tasted it, mellowed and lost some of its plumpness, becoming more linear and almost reserved towards the finish. There's a touch of green bell pepper on the aftertaste. Wonderful. - Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2022

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