Terlato isn’t really a winery. It’s a family-run wine import/distribution company that also owns wineries in California and Italy. We’ve reviewed their wines in the past and have seen an impressive increase in quality from this brand in the last six years.
The Devils’ Peak is part of a tryptic of wines based on classic Bordeaux blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Angels’ Peak is predominantly Merlot, Bishops’ Peak is Cabernet Sauvignon, and this bottle is the more obscure of the three: at 72%, Cabernet Franc is the dominant grape in the blend.
While this is listed as coming from Napa, that not exactly the case. This is sourced from Julia’s Vineyard in Pope Valley. Why is a Pope called a Napa? Welcome to the confusing world of American Viticultural Areas (AVA). We’ll write about this issue more in future articles.
On to the wine: while this bottle looks to replicate Cheval Blanc, that’s not what is happening here. Cassis, bay leaf, and leather on the nose. On the palate, tannins are dominant but smooth and chewy. Classic Cab Franc notes of cigar box and burnt pencil. The fruit moves toward jammy dark fruit and cassis. Not as complex as expected, but absolutely delicious.