2018 Acaibo, Trinité Estate, Sonoma County
Such is their commitment to the Trinité Estate, Bordeaux winemaking icons Claire & Gonzague Lurton (collectively of Châteaux Durfort-Vivens, Ferrière, and Haut-Bages Libéral) moved their whole family to California. And the 2018 Acaibo is certainly their best release yet. Black cherry, dried sage, and clove aromas jump from the glass, while the bramble-fruited palate is enveloped by firm, but velvety tannins. On the finish, there’s a fine thread of acidity that is more reminiscent of Bordeaux than California. A 2019 fire destroyed half of the estate’s vineyards, just as Acaibo was starting to hit its stride, so the outstanding 2018 wine is particularly worth seeking out.