2019 Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Scholar's Gate
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Scholar's Gate emerges from Block 7B in the Rutherford property. It is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted from Round Pond. Power and finesse come together effortlessly in a dramatic Cabernet Sauvignon that hits all the right notes. Blackberry jam, chocolate, spice and leather pretty much bury the potent tannins that lie beneath.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Lastly, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Scholar's Gate comes from a site near Caymus. More medium to full-bodied, it's another pure, balanced, elegant wine in the lineup. Giving up notes of new leather, sandalwood, and dried flowers, as well as copious amounts of red and black fruits, this complex, nuanced, layered beauty is ideal for drinking over the coming 15 years. It's one of the more elegant Cabernets in the lineup from Round Pond.
Deep purple-black colored, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Scholar's Gate comes barreling out of the glass with bold scents of baked black cherries, mulberries and stewed plums, plus suggestions of menthol, dark chocolate, fruitcake and Chinese five spice. The full-bodied palate has wonderfully plush texture with bags of black fruit preserves and lots of spicy sparks, backed up by just enough acidity, finishing long and decadent. (Tasted as a barrel sample.)
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Scholar's Gate is dense and powerful in the glass. Dark red cherry fruit, leather, cedar, tobacco and a whole range of savory, earthy notes give the 2019 its distinctive flavor profile. At this stage, the 2019 is still coming together. At the moment, brawny tannins are a bit in conflict with some of the wine's more finessed leanings.