The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Proprietary Red sails out of the glass with open-knit, compelling scents of Black Forest cake, blackberry pie and black currant jelly with suggestions of Indian spices, garrigue, rose oil and sandalwood. The full-bodied palate is richly fruited and jam-packed with opulent black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by a wicked backbone of freshness and plush, well-managed tannins, finishing with impressive length and perfume. RP
A blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2018 Proprietary Red displays and deep, vibrant garnet-purple color. Baked plums, blackberry pie, crème de cassis and toasty oak notes leap from the glass, followed by hints of tilled soil, Indian spices, mocha and crushed rocks. Big, full-bodied, opulent and velvety, it has a solid structure and a very long, seductively spicy finish. RP
$4980
Sloan Proprietary Red 2016
RP
97-100
This is a barrel sample blended of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, to be bottled the first week of February 2019. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Proprietary Red opens with fragrant notions of candied violets, chocolate box and baking spices with a core of blackcurrant cordial, preserved plums and blackberry compote with touches of garrigue and menthol. Full-bodied, rich and packed with black fruits sparked by tons of cinnamon and cloves accents, it has a firm, velvety-textured frame and great freshness, finishing with epic persistence. RP
$5200
Sloan Proprietary Red 2014
RP
98
JS
97
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Proprietary Red needs a little coaxing to reveal slowly unfurling notions of warm black cherries, mulberries, redcurrants and blackberry compote with touches of licorice, tapenade, chargrill and scorched earth. Full-bodied, firm, grainy and packed with layers of black fruits and savory flavors, it has a firm, grainy backbone of very ripe tannins and tons of vivacity, finishing very long. RP