Flora Springs

Holy Smoke Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

9.4107 ratings
9.06 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Top Notes For
Shay A
9.3

Flora Springs will always hold a special place in my heart. It was an older bottle of Trilogy that was my “ah-ha” moment with wine. Their single vineyards are nice wines, but the Rennie Reserve and Rutherford Hillside are undoubtedly my favorite from the portfolio. Hard to believe 2013 wines are approaching 8yrs, so I wanted to check in...

This poured dark in the glass but had a touch of fading around the rim. Immediately hit with very dark and roasted aromatics...mocha, baking spices like nutmeg and a hint of vanilla, mixed berry pie, and roasted fig. I was both surprised, and pleased, at how smooth and integrated this was on the palate. Stops just short of decadent, with berry infused dark chocolate, ripe black cherries and blackberries, sweet herbs, lavender, and a clean finish. I’d say this is definitely in peak drinking window and not getting any better. Enjoy over the next 5yrs or so.

Flora Springs will always hold a special place in my heart. It was an older bottle of Trilogy that was my “ah-ha” moment with wine. Their single vineyards are nice wines, but the Rennie Reserve and Rutherford Hillside are undoubtedly my favorite from the portfolio. Hard to believe 2013 wines are approaching 8yrs, so I wanted to check in...

This poured dark in the glass but had a touch of fading around the rim. Immediately hit with very dark and roasted aromatics...mocha, baking spices like nutmeg and a hint of vanilla, mixed berry pie, and roasted fig. I was both surprised, and pleased, at how smooth and integrated this was on the palate. Stops just short of decadent, with berry infused dark chocolate, ripe black cherries and blackberries, sweet herbs, lavender, and a clean finish. I’d say this is definitely in peak drinking window and not getting any better. Enjoy over the next 5yrs or so.

Apr 7th, 2021
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

Deep and dark ruby red. Delicious nose with twigs and tons of red cherries. Even a touch of black fruits and a slight savory component. Delicious tannins (7/10) and medium plus bodied almost full. Lush and lots of dark cocoa. Tight and dried dark berries. Even a touch of earthiness in the finish. Long and lingering. Drink till 2029+.

Deep and dark ruby red. Delicious nose with twigs and tons of red cherries. Even a touch of black fruits and a slight savory component. Delicious tannins (7/10) and medium plus bodied almost full. Lush and lots of dark cocoa. Tight and dried dark berries. Even a touch of earthiness in the finish. Long and lingering. Drink till 2029+.

1 person found it helpfulFeb 5th, 2017
Russell Gallas

Holy Smoke. Oh yeah. Sold out. Full, full flavor Cab. Nice, nice finish as all Flora Springs.

Holy Smoke. Oh yeah. Sold out. Full, full flavor Cab. Nice, nice finish as all Flora Springs.

1 person found it helpfulJun 28th, 2013
gino CapitalG

Round Pond Wine & Olive oil educator/sales

8.5

Soft as a chinchilla.

Soft as a chinchilla.

Jul 26th, 2013
Brian Kelly

Poured an ounce or two while the rest of the bottled is decanting. This is drinking really well right now based on the sample glass. A deep garnet color, but not showing any significant bottle age. Cedar, dark fruit, leather and a little eucalyptus on the nose. Blackberries all day, and some bell pepper on the palate. Tannins are rounded and not overpowering. We've had other 2011 single vineyards from Flora Springs before, but this is our favorite. Will update after diving into the decanter.

Poured an ounce or two while the rest of the bottled is decanting. This is drinking really well right now based on the sample glass. A deep garnet color, but not showing any significant bottle age. Cedar, dark fruit, leather and a little eucalyptus on the nose. Blackberries all day, and some bell pepper on the palate. Tannins are rounded and not overpowering. We've had other 2011 single vineyards from Flora Springs before, but this is our favorite. Will update after diving into the decanter.

Jan 4th, 2020
Dutchbastard

Great wine

Great wine

Dec 4th, 2019
Peggy Hadley

This is always good.

This is always good.

Nov 14th, 2019
Megan McMurdo

Enjoying this Single Vineyard Cab from Flora Springs family farmed vineyard. Holy Smoke the licorice is red and finished!

Enjoying this Single Vineyard Cab from Flora Springs family farmed vineyard. Holy Smoke the licorice is red and finished!

Sep 2nd, 2018
Benjamin Keator

Nice wine. Prefer Wild Boar

Nice wine. Prefer Wild Boar

May 20th, 2018
Benjamin Keator

Drinking well. These single vineyard Flora Springs always seem to drink well young. I prefer the Wild Boar, but this is still delicious

Drinking well. These single vineyard Flora Springs always seem to drink well young. I prefer the Wild Boar, but this is still delicious

Dec 24th, 2017