Crown Point
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara Cabernet Sauvignon
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California, USA
Earlier this week, a rep for Crown Point wines hosted a tasting to show off a few of their newer releases. New to me, they are out of Santa Barbara and have the duo of Adam Henkel (former assistant winemaker at Harlan for 8yrs) and Philippe Melka (who came on starting with the ‘15 vintage) making the wines.
The difference between this wine and the previous two is that this is their Cabernet (92%) with just a dash of merlot, petit Verdot, malbec and cab franc. Similar to the ‘15 Estate Selection in how this is big and dense but still harmonious. Rich and dark fruits with graphite, cassis, and mocha. Big tannins with a dark and compact core...blackberries, underripe blueberries, violets, and dusty cedar.
Earlier this week, a rep for Crown Point wines hosted a tasting to show off a few of their newer releases. New to me, they are out of Santa Barbara and have the duo of Adam Henkel (former assistant winemaker at Harlan for 8yrs) and Philippe Melka (who came on starting with the ‘15 vintage) making the wines.
The difference between this wine and the previous two is that this is their Cabernet (92%) with just a dash of merlot, petit Verdot, malbec and cab franc. Similar to the ‘15 Estate Selection in how this is big and dense but still harmonious. Rich and dark fruits with graphite, cassis, and mocha. Big tannins with a dark and compact core...blackberries, underripe blueberries, violets, and dusty cedar.
Wow, to my recollection, this is my first Happy Canyon Cabernet.. definitely my first higher end one - and it did not disappoint. Beautiful nose with some dried rose petals, briary black fruit, and licorice. Palate is pretty rich and powerful. Alcohol is pronounced but it's not necessarily distracting. Great flavor and I think it'll only get better with 3-5 years of age.
Wow, to my recollection, this is my first Happy Canyon Cabernet.. definitely my first higher end one - and it did not disappoint. Beautiful nose with some dried rose petals, briary black fruit, and licorice. Palate is pretty rich and powerful. Alcohol is pronounced but it's not necessarily distracting. Great flavor and I think it'll only get better with 3-5 years of age.
2 people found it helpfulSep 19th, 2017
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-throttle wine. Powerful and ample in the glass, the 2016 is loaded with blackberry jam, chocolate, new leather, spice and new French oak. This is a decidedly ripe, flamboyant style, especially within the context of Happy Canyon. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2020)
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-throttle wine. Powerful and ample in the glass, the 2016 is loaded with blackberry jam, chocolate, new leather, spice and new French oak. This is a decidedly ripe, flamboyant style, especially within the context of Happy Canyon. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2020)
Bold, in your face, lingering on the back of the throat. Not for everything or everyone but a good accompaniment to the filet.
Bold, in your face, lingering on the back of the throat. Not for everything or everyone but a good accompaniment to the filet.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 15th, 2019
For those that enjoy some chocolate on the finish after a generally well balanced Cabernet will enjoy this wine. The 2014 is still too young; wait some years before opening.
For those that enjoy some chocolate on the finish after a generally well balanced Cabernet will enjoy this wine. The 2014 is still too young; wait some years before opening.
1 person found it helpfulDec 29th, 2018
The best Santa Barbara cab. Had it at San Ysidro Ranch.
The best Santa Barbara cab. Had it at San Ysidro Ranch.
Dec 29th, 2021