92
points
Animale 2009 Mourvèdre (Red Mountain)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
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$26
A first for Animale, and a terrific success, despite the almost 16% alcohol. Bursting with ripe berry flavors, this complex and flat-out delicious wine goes well beyond its highly-extracted black fruit. Wet rock, chalk and mineral extend and enhance the finish, with a chocolaty kiss at the very end.
— P.G.
(4/1/2012)
91
points
Animale 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain)
-
$28
One barrel made, from the original Kiona vines. Deeply concentrated cassis and raspberry fruit, tinged with bramble and brush, saturates the palate. This is Cabernet raw and wild, from old vines, with wonderful details of herbs and forest. A unique wine, with tart and astringent tannins, but excellent length.
— P.G.
(9/1/2011)
88
points
Animale 2008 Petite Sirah (Yakima Valley)
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$26
Very little Petite Sirah is grown in Washington. This is a fascinating expression of the grape, dark and tannic, deeply flavored but not at all sweet or sappy. Underbrush, wild berries, moist earth and pencil lead flavors cascade through the mouth, with green-tinged tannins rolling through the finish. Complex and unique.
— P.G.
(9/1/2011)