Tasting Notes

Release Date: Fall 2017

The 2013 vintage was interesting: All of the rainfall occurred before January 1st, and we encountered a drought-induced early budbreak which led to an early harvest (even though it is seven months away.)

The style of this wine is massive. There is a depth of flavor, texture, vibrancy, freshness, and richness I have not seen before. The nuanced nose reveals black currant, graphite, and our surrounding mountain flora. On the palate, it has a stunning richness to balance the abundant tannin and acid. We pride ourselves on our “old world” style, and I cannot say if I have made a more compelling vin de garde in the last thirty years.

Expected maturity 2020 -2060.

Production

1,198

Tech Notes

Yield: 1.5 tons per acre

Harvest: September 20th-30th

Numbers @ Harvest: 23.5° Brix, 3.30 pH, 6.0 grams acidity

Cepage: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc & 2% Petit Verdot

Barrel Regimen: French & American; 50% new, 50% 2 years old; aged 23 months in barrel

Bottling: August 2015; no fining or filtration

Alcohol: 13.5%

Reviews

96 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - Interim End of May 2018

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is developing beautifully, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, tobacco, bay laurel, dark chocolate and rich soil. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, multidimensional and concentrated, with wonderful savory depth, fine grained but firm tannins and a long taut and tangy finish. While this is firmly shut down today, tis potential for the future is fully evident: expect it to begin to come into its own around its tenth birthday. —W.K.

95 points Decanter - April 4, 2017

Blind tasted by William Kelley(at California, 30 May 2016)Part of California Cabernet 2013 vintage is quite simply the finest; part 1

A true classic, bursting with red and black fruit, vinesmoke and pencil shavings, and structured by fine tannin and bracing Santa Cruz acidity. Consistently one of the most ageworthy Cabernets in California, gaining in volume and expansiveness with time in the cellar, always vibrant and intense.

Drinking Window 2023 – 2060

95 points Wine Enthusiast Magazine - November 2017

~#24 Top 100 Cellar Selections 2017~ December 2017

Cellar Selection

There’s an unparalleled woody intensity on the nose of this offering, with cigar box, myrrh, incense, and bay leaf decorating the black peppercorn, herb-laced salt, dark chocolate and black plum aromas. The palate’s leathery flavors are woven into fine-grained tannins, revealing flashes of elderberry, violet and gravel. Drink 2019–2033.—M.K.

94+ points Antonio Galloni presents Vinous - August 31, 2017

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is wine of real pedigree and class that is going to need at least a handful of years to enter the prime of its drinking window. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, smoke and plum all resonate on the palate. Inky, deep and plush, the 2013 remains quite primary. I will not be surprised at all if the 2013 develops into an even better wine with time. That said, the 2013 is positively striking today, with compelling inner sweetness, tons of perfume and exceptional balance.

93 points JebDunnuck.com - August 24, 2017

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate checks in as a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc that spent 32 months in 60% new French oak. Its inky purple/violet color is followed by a terrific perfumed of crème de cassis, spring flowers, licorice and hints of vanilla spice. Medium to full-bodied, silky and elegant on the palate, with chalky tannin, nicely integrated acidity and a great finish, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades or more

91 points Wine Spectator - October 2017

Firmly built, with structure, focus and density, this offers a mix of taut dark berry, graphite, loamy earth, crushed rock and dried herb. A wine apart from the pack. Best from 2021 through 2035.—J.L.