2017 Kongsgaard, The Fimasaurus, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Robert Parker 94

This is a co-fermentation of about 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, coming from a neighbor’s vineyard that’s managed by the Kongsgaards. Readers may be interested to note that there is no 2018 Fimasaurus because the Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot did not ripen at the same time in 2018 and so couldn’t be fermented together. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 The Fimasaurus charges out of the gate with bold, expressive Black Forest cake, kirsch, black raspberries and lavender scents plus nuances of pencil shavings and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bright, energetic and refreshing with a firm backbone of grainy tannins and a good, long, earthy finish. This is a slightly atypical style for this label, which is usually bigger, richer and more powerful, but I love this expression too! [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 01/11/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2038

Vinous 94+

The 2017 The Fimasaurus is arrestingly beautiful, with gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics that literally soar out of the glass. Deep and powerful, but yet also very silky, the 2017 Fimasaurus is simply tremendous. I especially admire the wine’s stunning aromatic and palate presence. Fimasaurus is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, co-fermented. [Antonio Galloni, 14/12/2018]