Gardienne des Vignes
élevé Crouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California, USA
Much lighter than I expected from a Napa cab but pleasant for the very fact that they dared to be different.
Much lighter than I expected from a Napa cab but pleasant for the very fact that they dared to be different.
Apr 1st, 2023Mountain fruit really is glorious. Strikingly deep violet with a mild ruby core. Big fruit upfront on the nose with blueberry jam and black cherries for days. This did not drink like a straight Cab to me. It really feels like there’s a bit of Syrah maybe blended in. Definitely not as big and heavy as I expected, there’s a bit of old school nuance going on here. Big, firm tannins, bright acidity, and adequate structure. Even though this could easily stay in the cellar for a few more years to really come alive, the palate still abounds with fresh, lively fruit. Plums and blueberries give way to some wonderful soil and menthol. Medium finish with plenty of spice to cap things off. Slightly disjointed in the end but still quite pleasing.
Mountain fruit really is glorious. Strikingly deep violet with a mild ruby core. Big fruit upfront on the nose with blueberry jam and black cherries for days. This did not drink like a straight Cab to me. It really feels like there’s a bit of Syrah maybe blended in. Definitely not as big and heavy as I expected, there’s a bit of old school nuance going on here. Big, firm tannins, bright acidity, and adequate structure. Even though this could easily stay in the cellar for a few more years to really come alive, the palate still abounds with fresh, lively fruit. Plums and blueberries give way to some wonderful soil and menthol. Medium finish with plenty of spice to cap things off. Slightly disjointed in the end but still quite pleasing.
Aug 25th, 2019