2016 Cabernet Sauvignon | 94 PointsOctober 2018The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color and gives up super exuberant, ripe, expressive black and blue fruit with tons of Indian spices, earth and garrigue. The palate is full-bodied, rich and spicy with great vibrancy and grainy tannins, finishing long.
2016 Cuvée 37.2 | 94 PointsOctober 2018A blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Proprietary Red Cuvee 37.2 is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of crushed blackberries, red currants and black cherries with wafts of cedar chest, yeast extract and black olives plus sage hints. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated with grainy tannins and quite earthy in mouth, finishing long.
2016 Pinot Noir | 92 PointsOctober 2018Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast gives up vibrant red cherries, black raspberries and warm cranberries scents with rhubarb, earth, cinnamon stick and red roses. Medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of plush tannins and oodles of freshness, it finishes long and perfumed.
2014 Le Gauchiste | 94 PointsOctober 2018Tasted from magnum, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Gauchiste is deep garnet-purple colored with a nose of crème de cassis, chocolate box, earth, dried herbs, violets and coffee. The medium to full-bodied palate is elegant, fresh and energetic with firm, grainy tannins, finishing long.
2014 Le Droitier | 94 PointsOctober 2018The 2014 Merlot Coup De Foudre Le Droitier is medium garnet-purple colored with a gorgeous open-knit and flamboyant nose of warm plums, baked cherries, mulberries and baking spices with touches of cardamom, smoked meats and roses. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated and vibrant with tons of juicy fruit and firm, grainy tannins, finishing long and perfumed.
2017 Sauvignon Blanc | 91 PointsNovember 2018Succulent mango and peach flavors are expresive and supple, with vibrant acidity and accents of peach blossom. Shows terrific focus on vthe finish, where candied ginger notes grab hold. Drink now. 250 cases made. — M.W.
2015 Le Droitier | 94 PointsJuly 2018Coup de Foudre's 2015 Le Droitier is gorgeous. Rich, dense and super-expressive, the 2015 hits all the right notes while also retaining the mid-weight structure that is such a signature of these wines. A rush of dark cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and espresso build as this silky, polished blend shows off its racy personality. What a beautiful wine this is.— Antonio Galloni
2016 Pinot Noir | 92 PointsMay 23, 2018Aromas of dried berries and hints of chocolate with some fresh herbs such as basil. Medium body, juicy fruit and flavorful finish. Turns fresh and bright. Drink Now.
2016 Les Bouquinistes | 93 PointsMay 23, 2018A juicy and delicious red with dark berries and hints of spices and dried mushrooms. Full body and round, soft tannins. Cool field blend of petit verdot, syrah, merlot, zinfandel and malbec. So drinkable now.
2017 Sauvignon Blanc | 92 PointsMay 23, 2018Very aromatic and bright with sliced apples, pineapples and dried lemon rind. Medium body, a nice phenolic texture and a flavorful finish. Just a hint of bitter citrus at the end. Dense structure. Drink now.
2015 Cuvée 37.2 | 93-94 PointsJanuary 2018The 2015 Merlot Cuvée 37.2 is gorgeous. Ripe, supple and inviting, with plenty of Merlot pushed forward, the 2015 Cuvée 37.2 is a winner. Succulent red cherry, plum, and rose petal are juicy in the glass, but it is the wine's freshness and overall vivacity – both hard to achieve in 2015 – make the wine totally irresistible. In 2015, the Cuvée 37.2 is absolutely delicious. Drink it over the next handful of years.— Antonio Galloni
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon | 93 PointsJanuary 2018Coup de Foudre's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is plump, juicy and voluptuous. Grilled herb and floral notes add aromatic lift to the plush, textured fruit. This is another 2015 that has retained gorgeous freshness and vibrancy. Red cherry, pomegranate, wild flowers and sweet spices infuse this super-expressive Cabernet Sauvignon. Dollops of Merlot and Cabernet Franc round out the blend.— Antonio Galloni
2016 Cuvée 37.2 | 94 PointsJanuary 2018The 2016 Merlot Cuvée 37.2 may turn out to be even better than 2015. Dark and sumptuous in the glass, the 2016 exudes richness in all of its dimensions. The tannin needs to soften a bit more, but otherwise, the 2016 is shaping up to be fabulous.— Antonio Galloni
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon | 94 PointsJanuary 2018The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon needs time to come together, but its concentration, density and character all suggest it has plenty of potential. In 2016, the Cabernet Sauvignon is dark, tannic and brooding in its personality. I can't wait to taste it from bottle.— Antonio Galloni
2015 Pinot Noir | 93 PointsJanuary 3, 2018A little closed now but this shows delicious blackcurrant essence, strawberries, herbs and resin. Structured with fresh acidity, chewy tannins and a long finish. Needs time. Drink in 2020.
2016 Malbec | 93+ PointsDecember 2017Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Malbec (barrel sample) has a nose of blackberries, plum preserves and spice cake with hints of potpourri, chocolate box and cardamom, Big, rich, voluptuous and full-bodied in the mouth, with concentrated berry preserves and spicy layers plus velvety tannins to support. It finishes long and perfumed.
2015 Le Gauchiste | 93 PointsDecember 21, 2017Aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and bramble berry. Perfumed. Full body, tight and chewy with beautiful fruit and depth. Needs two or three years to open. Try in 2019.
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon | 93 PointsDecember 21, 2017A supple and juicy cabernet sauvignon with currant, berry and chocolate character. Full body, round tannins and a flavorful finish. Delicious now but better in 2020.
2016 Sauvignon Blanc | 92 PointsNovember 29, 2017A steely Napa sauvignon blanc with grapefruit, lemon rind, pomelo and herbs. Linear and precise with razor-sharp acidity but good weight and a minerally finish.
2016 Sauvignon Blanc | 91 PointsDecember 2017Strikes the right balance between rich and smooth toasted herb, coconut water, citrus and marmalade notes, with vibrant mouthwatering acidity. Spice and dried honeysuckle accents linger on finish. — M.W.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon | 92 PointsJuly 2017Extracted and supple, offering ripe currant, loamy earth, savory herb and cedary oak flavors that fall comfortably into place. Ends with a long, graceful finish. Best from 2018 through 2030, 900 cases made. — J.L.
2014 Lightning Bolt | 92-94 PointsThe 2014 Lightning Bolt is powerful, but also has a delicate side to it, something that is quite common in this vintage. Dark stone fruit, menthol and licorice are all nicely delineated in the glass. Beams of tannin give the wine its youthful grip and overall feel.— Antonio Galloni
2014 Le Gauchiste | 93 PointsThe 2014 Gauchiste offers lovely tension and energy in a slightly more finessed style than the 2013 tasted alongside it. Savory herb, smoke, leather and red cherry inform this powerful, incisive wine. Just bottled, the 2014 clearly needs time to come together, but it packs plenty of intensity in a deceptively medium-bodied style. Scents of lavender, menthol, savory herbs, smoke and tobacco give the 2014 its distinctive aromatic profile.— Antonio Galloni
2014 Le Droitier | 94 PointsThe 2014 Droitier is a Merlot-based barrel selection and essentially a counterpoint to the Gauchiste in the Coup de Foudre range. Black cherry, plum and mocha are front and center in this bold, racy wine. Even with all of its intensity, the Droitier remains mid-weight and gracious, especially for a Calistoga wine. This is an especially sensual red from Coup de Foudre.— Antonio Galloni
2014 Cuvée 37.2 | 95 PointsDecember 12, 2016A very fine red with currants, berries and walnuts that follow through to a full body that's tight and focused, not to mention beautifully polished. 65% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Better in 2018.
2013 Lightning Bolt | 95 PointsDecember 12, 2016A very pretty wine with blueberries, blackberries, licorice and spices. Full to medium body, super tight tannins and a focused finish. Needs two or three years to come together.
2015 Sauvignon Blanc | 95 PointsDecember 12, 2016This is dense and oily with lots of dried fruit and sliced grapefruit and ripe peaches. A full bodied white that shows the full Burgundy work with bagttonage and intense decadence. 100% sauvignon. Exciting and rich style. Only four barrels made. Drink now.
2014 Lightning Bolt | 94-95 PointsDecember 12, 2016What a delicious red already with blackberries, chocolate and spices. Medium body, a fine texure and a gorgeous finish.
2013 Le Gauchiste | 94 PointsDecember 12, 2016This is a tight wine with blueberry and mineral character. Firm and silky tannins. A medium body and beautiful polish. Extremely long and polished. Drink or hold.
2014 Les Bouquinistes | 92 PointsDecember 12, 2016A rich and fruity wine with blueberries, light fruit and hints of chocolate. Medium body, light tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink now. All here and delicious. 20% syrah, 20% carmenere, 20% petit verdot, 15% petit syrah, 8% malbec and 17% zinfandel.
2014 Pinot Noir | 92 PointsDecember 12, 2016A very pretty red with plums and hints of toasted oak and chocolate. Medium body, medium, velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Drink now.
2015 Sauvignon Blanc | 91 PointsNovember 2016Lemon meringue, dried mango and pineapple flavors are rich and creamy, with a touch of vanilla bean and toast lingering on the finish alongside a juicy note. Drink now. — M.W.
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon | 92 PointsAugust 2016Aromatically pure and inviting, with floral-scented plum and wild berry notes. The entry is pleasantly supple and mildly gripping, while the flavors offer the kind of complelling depth and persistence one seeks in fine Cabernet. Drink now through 2026. 625 cases made — J.L.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon | 92+ PointsJanuary 2016I tasted three barrel samples of 2014s. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, an identical blend to the 2013 shows soft tannins in a front end-loaded, sexy style of wine with loads of fruit and a medium to full body. It should drink beautifully for the first 10-15 years of life.
2014 Sauvignon Blanc | 90-92 PointsJanuary 2016The 2014 Sauvignon Blanc from Coup de Foudre is expensive, but it is absolutely delicious. A beautiful Sauvignon with plenty of honeysuckle, caramelized citrus and melons, it is relatively full for a Sauvignon (14.2%), and has gorgeous fruit, texture and length. Drink it over the next year.
2014 37.2 Cuvée | 90 PointsJanuary 2016The 2014 Proprietary Red Cuvée 37.2, a slightly different blend at 65% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. This is round, juicy, ripe and should turn out to be impressive. It should drink well for 8-10 years.
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon | 93 PointsJanuary 2016Impressive, dense ruby/purple, loads of creme de cassis, licorice and cedar wood. This wine shows well. Its full-bodied and ripe. It can be drunk now or cellared for another 10-15 years.
2013 Cuvée 37.2 | 94-95 PointsJanuary 2016Pure seductiveness—dense purple in color, plenty of chocolate, espresso, black cherry and blackcurrant and Asian plum in a full-boided, lush, heady, totally irresistible style. This may be the most successful Proprietary Red Cuvée 37.2 I've ever tasted from Coup de Foudre and it's a big time winner. Drink over the next 7-10 years.
2013 Le Gauchiste | 94 PointsOctober 2015A rich, unctuous wine, the 2013 La Gauchiste offers up a compelling concoction of blueberry jam, spices, mint, licorice, lavender and crème de cassis. The 2013 is unabashedly opulent and forward. It should drink well with minimal cellaring.— Antonio Galloni
2013 Lightning Bolt | 93 PointsOctober 2015The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Lightning Bolt is deep, powerful and intense to the core. Dark stone fruit, mint, spices, lavender and white flowers are all nicely delineated throughout. The 2013 does a nice job of balancing opulence and structure.— Antonio Galloni
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon | 92 PointsOctober 2015The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon shows all the radiance it had as a barrel sample. Open-knit, supple and generous, the 2012 offers up plenty of sweet cherry, pomegranate, mint and cinnamon nuances, all with the soft contours that make this vintage so appealing to drink today.— Antonio Galloni
2012 Lightning Bolt | 93 PointsOctober 2015The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lightning Bolt is round, supple and silky, with good depth and plenty of near term appeal. Crushed flowers, kirsch, tobacco, sweet red berries, plums and cinnamon are front and center in a juicy, voluptuous wine endowed with plenty of near and medium term appeal.— Antonio Galloni
2012 37.2 Cuvée | Top Score 93 PointsOctober 2015Complex and beautifully focused, with floral blackberry and spicy dark chocolate aromas, featuring rich yet densely structured flavors of currant, licorice and black olive. The tannins are big but fleshy. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2017 to 2023. 350 cases made — T.F.
The Airlines With the Best Wine ListsSeptember 21, 2015“Emirates’ wine list is very focused, well-balanced, and really goes after quality in the bottle versus the marketing factor,” says Alex Berlingeri, the beverage director at New York’s Sant Ambroeus, Casa Lever, Felice, and Regency Bar & Grill. “The 2011 Coup de Foudre Cabernet Sauvignon is a great wine that’s perfect with red meat dishes...Top pick: 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 37.2 CuvéeMarch 2015If you like high-end Napa wines, you’re going to be thrilled by the Coup de Foudre—oak-aged, velvety Cabernet at its best. Bordeaux wishes it could do something like this (or not) — MR, Wine Buyer
2012 37.2 Cuvée | 93 PointsLuscious, rich plum, intense black raspberry and notes of mocha, espresso and spice; racy and lifted with soft, sweet oak and a long finish. 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.
2013 Sauvignon Blanc | 92 PointsDecember 2014White flowers, pear, melon and peach all meld together in the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, a wine that brings together expressive, varietal aromatics with lovely texture in its fruit. The 2012 is soft and understated on the palate, but there is plenty going on in the glass.— Antonio Galloni
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon | 93 PointsDecember 2014The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is long on class and nuance. Here it is the wine's texture and overall depth that stand out above all else. At the same time, there is more than enough underlying structure to back up the dark, voluptuous fruit. I imagine the 2012 will drink nicely pretty much upon release, as it has plenty of vintage 2012 radiance.— Antonio Galloni
2012 Pinot Noir | 90+ PointsDecember 2014The 2012 Pinot Noir captures the energy of the Sonoma Coast along with the friendly, open personality of the year. Bright red cherries, mint, plums and spices all come to life in an expressive, approachable Pinot to drink now and over the next few years.— Antonio Galloni
2012 Lightning Bolt | 93 PointsDecember 2014The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lightning Bolt is Coup de Foudre's top selection. An explosive, powerful wine, the 2012 races out of the glass with supple fruit and plenty of resonance, but in the laid back style that is typical here. Dark red cherry, cedar, leather, smoke and tobacco add nuance over time. The 2012 should continue to drink well for another 10-15 years.— Antonio Galloni
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon | 93 PointsA great vintage for Coup de Foudre. The wine has structure as well as masses of dark berry fruit with savoury herbs. Well made, complex wine with potential to age for 10-plus years. Ready to drink : 2016+
2012 37.2 Cuvée | 94 PointsThe 2012 Proprietary Red Blend Cuvée 37.2 (85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) is a gorgeous example of a Merlot-dominated wine. Abundant aromas of chocolate, mocha, espresso roast and black fruits jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored wine. It cuts a broad, full-bodied swath across the palate with no hard edges. The tannin is melted, and the wine is sexy, full-throttle, and beautifully pure and long. Drink now-2030.
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon | 92 PointsThe deep purple-hued 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is made in a more linear style with lots of straightforward crème de cassis. It does not reveal the nuances and complexity of its sibling, the Cuvée 37.2, but if you love Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine delivers it in spades. Rich, ripe, medium to full-bodied and pure, it should drink well for 12-15+ years. — Robert Parker
2013 Sauvignon Blanc2014 Host Guide Report-Best WinesHarvested from a mountain vineyard near Calistoga, Calif., in the Napa Valley, this 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc from winemaker Kent Jarman delivers lively panache and elegance in a single stroke. One’s nose tingles with hints of menthol and river-stone minerality, while vibrant citrus fruit—tangelo peel and grapefruit—engulf the palate. Sample this alongside a plate of raw Rome Point oysters with mignonette.
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon | 93 PointsAugust 2014Intense and richly flavored, with a deep, persistent mix of black berry, mocha, black licorice, espresso and cedar flavors. Tightly focused and graceful, this ends with a long, lingering finish that keeps reverberating with lively flavors. Drink now through 2024. 550 cases made.— J.L.
2011 37.2 Cuvée | 90 PointsJuly 28, 2014Sleek and soft, with red currant and coffee bean aromas and layered flavors of cherry, spice and semisweet chocolate. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2019. 350 cases made.— Tim Fish
2013 Sauvignon Blanc | 90 PointsJuly 7, 2014Features snappy acidity to the succulent nectarine, lemon and melon flavors, with lime and grapefruit zest accents. The white floral notes gain momentum on the finish. Drink now. 200 cases made. — M.W.
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon | 90+ PointsBright medium ruby. Much fresher on the nose than the 2011 32.7 red blend, offering aromas of black cherry, leather, flowers, cedary oak and pepper. At once sweet and savory, boasting very good tangy intensity to the flavors of bitter cherry, chocolatey oak and black pepper. Finishes with serious, broad tannins and a building oakiness that makes me want to drink this wine on the early side.— Stephen Tanzer
Reese Witherspoon at CDF tasting room
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon | 92 PointsLush, dense and concentrated with deep plum and cassis; deep and ripe with a firm structure of juicy acidity; long, complex and balanced.
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon LB | 93 PointsMarch 31, 2014Packed with Rich, dense flavors, this offers strong cedar-scented oak notes, with strong, rich blackberry and dark berry fruit that's raw, intense and tannic-balanced. The woodsy flavors dominate the finish. Best from 2015 to 2026.
Best Wines of 2013December 22, 2013The 2009 Coup de Foudre's several fairly prominent features are tied together seamlessly; you know there is so much on your tongue, but it's whispering through. — Bill St. John
Cabernet Sauvignon | 98 PointsCoup De Foudre really is a stunning Cabernet, soft and complex, rich in blackberry and chocolate fruit, and irresistibly delicious. Somehow they have made a wine that’s powerful and opulent and impossibly rich, yet maintains and almost weightless elegance. — Steve Heimoff
2010 37.2 Cuvée | 94 PointsBalances power and finesse, offering aromas of currant and violet that open to rich yet densely packed flavors of blackberry, olive and loam. The tight finish of tannins suggest a long life. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2015 through 2021. From California. — T.F.
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon | 94 PointsDark, dense and ripe with lovely sweet plum, blackberry and cassis; rich and concentrated but neatly balanced by a core of firm acidity; supple and showing notes of toasty oak, chocolate and coffee, long intense and harmonious. — Anthony Dias Blue
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon | 94 PointsThe obsession with all things French continues with the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc). Revealing a similar dark ruby/purple color, it possesses lots of camphor, cassis, black cherry and licorice aromas as well as a full-bodied, impressively endowed, concentrated style with abundant texture. These are both serious wines to drink over the next 10-15 years. — Robert Parker
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon | 92 PointsBlended with 'select amounts of Syrah,' this skillfully crafted Cabernet delivers deep flavors and impressive richness and concentration but still comes off as suave and very well integrated, thanks to excellent balance between the fruit and the structural elements lent by oak and tannin. — Michael Franz
2004 Cabernet SauvignonCoup De Foudre’s remarkable range of textures and flavors work their effect gradually, like courses of an elegant and ample meal. First, luscious, rich, dark berry and chocolate caress the nose, then coat the palate in a silky soft blanket of chocolate and smoke, before the final course—a rich and unique finish of coffee and cream. — Brett Anderson
