93
points
Havens 2001 Bourriquot Red (Carneros)
-
$35
This is a Bordeaux blend, but it’s feminine and delicate, almost evanescent. There’s no Cabernet Sauvignon to weigh down the Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and the tannins are light and airy. Yet it’s complex and nuanced, with cherry, pomegranate, crème de cassis and coffee flavors leading to a dry, smooth finish.
— S.H.
(11/1/2005)
90
points
Havens 2000 Syrah (Napa Valley)
-
$24
Opens with powerful aromas of white pepper, accented with blackberry and new oak. Clearly a young and vibrant wine, with blackberry and spice flavors and some pretty strong tannins. If you drink it now, do so with lamb, rib roasts and similar fare. Otherwise, let it settle down for a few years.
— S.H.
(12/1/2003)
90
points
Havens 2004 Albariño (Carneros)
-
$24
This wine, made from one of the great Spanish and Portuguese white grapes, is rare in California. In cool Carneros, it has produced a very dry, flinty, acidic wine, almost sour in grapefruit sensations, with an intriguing minerality and a long, clean, prickly finish. It contains only 12% alcohol.
— S.H.
(11/1/2005)
88
points
Havens 2000 Reserve Merlot (Carneros)
-
$32
This fine Merlot has many interesting features. The flavors are very complex, mingling fruits, berries, spices, herbs and oak. It’s a tannic, dry wine, but balanced and harmonious. It lacks the stuffing for aging, and will be best over the next few years.
— S.H.
(10/1/2004)
88
points
Havens 2000 Merlot (Napa Valley)
-
$24
A seductive wine made in the Napa Big Red style, which means ultrasoft, velvety tannins, extracted fruit and a lavish overlay of oak. Achieves complexity through the mélange of berries, herbs and spices that wash over the palate in waves. A bit flaccid, though, and there’s a thinness in the center that finishes hot.
— S.H.
(12/31/2003)