GUARDIAN CELLARS RECENT SCORES

 

2014 Guardian Chalk Line Columbia Valley

93 points

Supple and well-structured, with black cherry and coffee bean aromas and expressive red plum, sassafras and spice flavors that glide toward refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Drink now through 2024. 750 cases made. Tim Fish for Wine Spectator

2016 Guardian Chalk Line Columbia Valley

92 points

Densely structured, yet retains a sleek sense of grace, offering smoky blackberry, stony mineral and spice flavors that persist toward broad-shouldered yet refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2025. 1,340 cases made. Tim Fish for Wine Spectator

2015 Guardian The Alibi Red Mountain

92 points

Rich, polished and well-built, with expressive black cherry and smoked spice flavors that pick up speed toward the refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2025. 400 cases made. Tim Fish for Wine Spectator

 

2012 Guardian Cellars The Wanted Stillwater Creek Vineyard Columbia Valley Red Wine

eRobertParker.com #219 Jun 2015 Jeb Dunnuck

92 points $37

I loved the 2012 The Wanted Stillwater Creek Vineyard. This blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Cabernet Franc and the balance Merlot offers a voluptuous, full-bodied, sweetly fruited profile to go with complex notes of black and red currants, toasted spices, saddle leather and bouquet garni. While a big wine, it’s neither blowsy nor over the top and has lots of character. Drink it over the coming decade. Gun Metal Conner Lee Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011. — Jeb Dunnuck for Wine Advocate

 

2012 Guardian Cellars Confidential Source Merlot Columbia Valley

91 points | $30 | 325 cases made | Red

Broad and generous, not weighty but open-textured and nicely filled-out, with currant, blackberry and spice flavors that keep humming harmoniously on the finish. Drink now through 2020. Harvey Steiman for Wine Spectator

 

2012 Guardian Cellars Chalk Line Columbia Valley

91 points | $25 | 1,500 cases made | Red

Fresh and vibrant, with dense, ripe cherry and currant flavors, blanketed by crinkly tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2020.—Harvey Steiman for Wine Spectator

 

2011 Guardian Cellars Gun Metal Conner Lee Vineyard Columbia Valley Red Wine

91 points | $39 | 600 cases made | Red

(55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot): Bright medium ruby. Rather wild scents of raspberry, mocha, meat and gingerbread, accented by exotic spice and cedar high tones. At once juicy and sweet, showing a finer-grained texture than the Confidential Source Merlot. Lovely inner-mouth floral lift. This very showy blend finishes pliant and long, with harmonious tannins. — Stephen Tanzer for Vinous

The Angel Sauvignon Blanc 2013

94 points

From the astonishing Klipsun Vineyard, this wine is rich in Red Mountain fruit, polished by winemaker Jerry Riener. Barrel-fermented in new French oak, this matches ripe, tropical fruit flavors to barrel-generated streaks of toast and caramel.  —Paul Gregutt for Wine Enthusiast


The Rookie Red Mountain 2010
92 points  

Firm and focused, with juicy currant, black pepper and licorice flavors on a lithe frame.  Tannins grace the refined finish. Shows depth and distinction.  Cabernet Sauvignon.  Best from 2015 through 2020.  200 cases made. — Harvey Steiman for Wine Spectator


Gun Metal Conner Lee Vineyard Columbia Valley 2009
93 points


Elegant and beautifully focused, glowing with black currant and blackberry flavors that show hints of black olive and licorice, persisting seamlessly with deft balance into the long, expressive finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. —Harvey Steiman for Wine Spectator