Desparada "Soothsayer" Central Coast Red Blend 2020

Vin Chicago: 94 Points

(11/2022) Drinking Vailia’s wines over the years, it has always amazed us how she can seamlessly combine such a diverse group of grape varietals. Sangiovese blended with Tempranillo? Cabernet Sauvignon with Barbera? Countries have gone to war over such things! But here’s the thing, it works. Scratch that. It doesn’t JUST work, it is a revelatory epiphany of winemaking. Her 2020 Soothsayer is simply a marvel. Clocking in at 15.4% ABV, it is both incredibly restrained and wildly powerful. Who would expect such a big wine to have so much grace? The more air, the better. What starts out raw and hedonistic, becomes more and more elegant as it breathes. So much is going on here, it’s hard to organize our thoughts. Black and red berry, black plum, cassis, purple florals, blueberry, nutmeg, fresh cracked pepper and blackberry compote. Superfine tannins and a luscious, silky, velvety finish.

Wine Advocate : 94 Points

(12/30/2022) Bottled three weeks before my visit, the 2020 Soothsayer is a blend of 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Sangiovese, 18% Barbera, 16% Tempranillo and 6% Petite Sirah matured for 22 months in neutral and once-filled French oak barrels. Deep ruby-purple, it has aromas of black cherries, cassis, cured meats, graphite and dried herbs. Full-bodied and gently chewy, it has a dense core of savory fruit and a long, flavorful finish. 484 cases were made. Drink 2023 - 2028.

Vinous - Eric Guido : 93 Points

(5/2023) The 2020 Soothsayer opens slowly in the glass, grumbling up with a brooding mix of black currants and dusty sage. Lifting hints of lavender and mint keep the glass in play. This washes across the palate with pure elegance, fruit-driven yet focused, with saline minerals and sour citrus touches that add further contrast. The 2020 finishes lightly structured and buzzing with energy, leaving tart wild berries and blood orange to linger. Give this beauty some time to blossom fully. The Soothsayer is a blend of 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Sangiovese, 18% Barbera, 16% Tempranillo and 6% Petite Sirah. Drinking window: 2025 – 2032.