Fortunate Son 2019 The Diplomat Red Blend Napa Valley by Hundred Acre

Fortunate Son 2019 The Diplomat from Napa Valley is a richly layered, Bordeaux-style red that melds powerful fruit intensity with refined structure. Crafted under the banner of the Hundred Acre family of wines, it delivers generous dark fruit, savory complexity, and a polished, medium-full to full-bodied profile — a compelling expression for both collectors and those seeking premium Napa blends with Bordeaux elegance.

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Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by Fortunate Son Wines in Napa Valley, California, The Diplomat is a proprietary red blend typically anchored by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with additional varieties such as Petite Sirah adding depth. Fruit is sourced from a selection of small, family-owned vineyards across Napa, often including old, dry-farmed, head-pruned blocks that contribute concentration and complexity.

The wine undergoes extended maturation — commonly 24–30+ months in French oak barrique made from ultra-tight grain staves aged before coopering — to integrate fruit and structure with finesse. This extended barrel program enhances texture and polish without overshadowing the vibrant varietal core.

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Critics Reviews

Decanter scores the 2019 Diplomat 97 points, noting exceptional polish, juicy crushed cherry fruit, and sweet-savory baking spices, lifted by crunchy acidity and elegant structure.

James Suckling awards it 95 points, describing it as full and layered with lots of plums and chocolate with dark chocolate and crushed stones.

Jeb Dunnuck gives 94 points, observing that the Merlot-dominated blend offers darker red and black fruits, smoky herbs, and earthy goodness with sweet, building tannins and a great finish.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also scores it 94 points, calling it plush and luscious, laden with black cherries, mocha, and loam notes, rich and velvety with a lingering finish.

These professional scores place the wine firmly in the outstanding to world-class range, with multiple respected critics commending its depth, balance, and finesse.

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Tasting Profile

Nose:
Intensely aromatic with black cherry and cassis, followed by dark plum, mocha, and subtle crushed stone minerality, supported by gentle herbal and spice accents from oak maturation.

Palate:
Medium-full to full-bodied and richly structured, featuring juicy red and black fruit — cherry, plum, and blackberry — layered with dark chocolate, baking spices, and savory herb, framed by fine, building tannins and balanced acidity.

Finish:
Long, polished, and lingering with fruit persistence, toasted oak, and subtle spice, underscoring both ripe richness and structural harmony.

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Quick Overview

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Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve:
Decant for 30–60 minutes and serve at ~60–64 °F in a large Bordeaux glass to maximize aromatic complexity and mouthfeel.

Food Pairings:

• Grilled ribeye or rack of lamb — complements rich fruit and tannin structure

• Beef bourguignon — echoes savory depth and dark fruit undertones

• Aged Gouda or blue cheese — balances opulence with savoriness