13 Wine Reviews Found

  • Winery: Checkerboard
97 Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2016

The abundance of the 2016 vintage has given us Impetuous, and we couldn’t be more delighted. Aromas and initial palate flavors feature bright cherry, raspberry and fresh blackberries entwined with baking spice. These warm fruit notes are layered with velvety rich chocolate and vanilla bean in a wine that’s full bodied and structured with approachable... Read Full Review
97 Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2017

In just the second vintage, this Impetuous Cabernet blend shows why we admire the talents of genius winemaker Martha McCllelan and Checkerboard’ mountain vineyards. Aromas and initial palate flavors feature fresh blackberries and mint chocolate entwined with baking spice. Black fruit notes are layered with velvety rich dark chocolate and vanilla bean in a Cabernet... Read Full Review
97 Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2019

This intensely delicious Cabernet is a contender for bargain of the vintage thanks to deeply satisfying notes of red fruit, dark chocolate and hints of cashew plus coconut on the finish. The lingering pleasure is a bit reminiscent of Tobblerone. This beauty will impress all Napa fans now (decant prior to 2024) through 2029. Read Full Review
97+ Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Sauvignon Kings Row 2013

This new show-stopper launches forth with alluring notes of caramel, monumental black fruit, deftly balanced tannins and hints of white chocolate across an ultra-silky texture. This immensely age-worthy winner features alluring hints of Mexican chocolate and walnut brownies on the voluptuous finish. Decanting recommended prior to 2020 and savor every sip of this dreamy red... Read Full Review
97+ Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2022

An irresistibly hedonistic Cabernet that over-delivers with pure, crowd-pleasing energy. Bursting with juicy blackberry and cherry fruit, it’s wrapped in a plush layer of vanilla cream and exotic coconut, giving the wine a decadent allure, yet without any sense of heat. Beneath the opulence there’s layered graphite, violets, and cedar, while chalky, well-balanced tannins provide... Read Full Review
97 Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Sauvignon Kings Row 2015

The new King’s Row is another thriller, reminiscent of the finest 2015 reds as it demonstrates the luscious nature of this vintage. Aromas and initial palate flavors feature bright cherry, raspberry and fresh blackberries entwined with baking spice. These warm fruit notes are layered with velvety rich chocolate and vanilla bean in a wine that’s... Read Full Review
98 Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Sauvignon Kings Row 2016

The new King’s Row is SUPERB; another vivid new Cabernet thriller, that thrills with intensely satisfying notes of silky, rich chocolate and vanilla bean. This Kings Row is in a wine that is full bodied and with tannins that are deftly integrated and approachable now but also bode well for enjoyment through 2027. The new... Read Full Review
98 Points

Checkerboard Sauvignon Blanc 2024

A beautifully poised new Sauvignon Blanc that drinks with the cool precision of top Bordeaux Blanc, yet boasts a sunlit California generosity of fruit. The bouquet is invigorating with tangerine zest, a hint of kiwi, and white peach, touched by a delicate, lightly reductive flourish that adds intrigue. On the palate, it’s crisp, elegant, and... Read Full Review
99+ Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Sauvignon Aurora 2016

Wow! The cashmere-like texture reminds us of the best Harlan and Hundred Acre releases that we’ve sampled. Intensely satisfying hints of inky dark fruit (currants, plums, blackberry) combine with opulent notes of dark chocolate and pipe tobacco. The mind-bending finish features luxuriously creamy new oak and espresso guaranteed to dazzle now (decanting recommended) through 2030.... Read Full Review
99 Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Sauvignon Kings Row 2022

A glorious, tightly wound Cabernet that with layers of structure and depth. Firm, brawny tannins frame a core of cassis and dark red fruits, layered with graphite, cigar box, and baker’s chocolate. There’s a polished richness here with an almost a creamy, cacao-laced mid-palate that balances its formidable grip. Hints of cinnamon and spice emerge... Read Full Review