Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The better of the two vintages tonight. Almost dramatically different. So much smoother and approachable than the 2016. The 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the marriage of their estate properties on Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder. Great balance of fruit and tanins. It is ready to go after about 30 minutes in the glass or decanter.

Earth, wet stone, perfume and floral. Red fruit, ripe cranberry, baking spices, cinnamon, nutmeg and a bit of mint. m acid, body and m/m+ creeping tannins. Red fruit, earth, milk chocolate. Balanced.

Oak and cigar box nose. Cherries, clove, smoooooth

Quite nice, savory notes of stewed plums and black cherry. Iodine and licorice.

Juicy cab for Thanksgiving prime rib pairing but frankly not worth the price. Rather have a Caymus or Plump Jack.

Despite saying Napa valley on the label it’s mostly mountain fruit! It’s extremely dark in color, beautiful nose. Slightly rough on the palate but still very good. Hints of vanilla and peppermint.

My husband isn’t a wine drinker, but he really enjoyed this! Typically he prefers Bourbon, like Blanton’s. Nice having a bottle we can share, especially when it’s this spectacular. Worth every penny.

Big fruit, coffee, and smoky tannins. A lot going on here. It doesn’t all come together perfectly, but it’s a baby and you get the feeling it will in time.

Tail end of the sweet spot but still lights out...

Never had Napa Valley before. Strong 💪