Parallel

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.1133 ratings
9.026 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Shay A
9.3

Attended a Parallel Wines private tasting last night. Very nice and classic in style. Didn’t realize how small their production is...less than 600 total cases. This is their 20th year and Melka has been with them from the beginning.

This was in the zone. Classic ‘13 Napa cab. It’s flavor packed and loaded with structure. Sweet and ripe dark fruits up front with lots of juicy blackberries and blueberries wrapped in dark chocolate and baking spices on the nose. Nutmeg, cassis, baked mixed berry pie on the palate. It’s very compact with a dusty finish. A blend of different vineyards, with a lot of fruit coming from the backside of Howell Mtn.

Attended a Parallel Wines private tasting last night. Very nice and classic in style. Didn’t realize how small their production is...less than 600 total cases. This is their 20th year and Melka has been with them from the beginning.

This was in the zone. Classic ‘13 Napa cab. It’s flavor packed and loaded with structure. Sweet and ripe dark fruits up front with lots of juicy blackberries and blueberries wrapped in dark chocolate and baking spices on the nose. Nutmeg, cassis, baked mixed berry pie on the palate. It’s very compact with a dusty finish. A blend of different vineyards, with a lot of fruit coming from the backside of Howell Mtn.

Dec 12th, 2019
Shay A
9.2

Attended a Parallel Wines private tasting last night. Very nice and classic in style. Didn’t realize how small their production is...less than 600 total cases. This is their 20th year and Melka has been with them from the beginning.

En mag. Slightly stewed and aged at first pour, but it came alive after some coaxing to reveal cherry menthol, currant, dark cocoa powder, and blackberries on the nose. Balanced and integrated on the palate with cedar, smoke and some black peppercorn spice at the finish. This is a total drink now. I don’t think this has a lot of peak life left, so pop and enjoy.

Attended a Parallel Wines private tasting last night. Very nice and classic in style. Didn’t realize how small their production is...less than 600 total cases. This is their 20th year and Melka has been with them from the beginning.

En mag. Slightly stewed and aged at first pour, but it came alive after some coaxing to reveal cherry menthol, currant, dark cocoa powder, and blackberries on the nose. Balanced and integrated on the palate with cedar, smoke and some black peppercorn spice at the finish. This is a total drink now. I don’t think this has a lot of peak life left, so pop and enjoy.

Dec 12th, 2019
Tobin Trevarthen

Classic Napa Cab. Aged nicely. Still packing a punch 13 years in. Black cherry dominated.

Classic Napa Cab. Aged nicely. Still packing a punch 13 years in. Black cherry dominated.

Sep 1st, 2018
Joshua Fisher

The 14 is softer than previous vintages. We love that Philip Melka’s makes this at Brasswood Cellars.

The 14 is softer than previous vintages. We love that Philip Melka’s makes this at Brasswood Cellars.

Feb 28th, 2018
Jana Manfredi

Thanks, Buck! Don’t drink and ski. 2006, spot on!

Thanks, Buck! Don’t drink and ski. 2006, spot on!

Jan 8th, 2018
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

8.9

Rounder, richer, riper fruits on the nose. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, cedar, baking spices, anise and violet & lilacs. Palate has huge tannins and full bodied. Serious alcohol burn, over oaked, tons of baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla. Crushed rocks, nice florals of lavender & lilacs, rich black earth, spice packed, tough leather, graphite, good acidity and hot alcohol finish burning the s**t out of the back of my throat. Did not enjoy their implementation of a 100% new oak nor the hot alcohol burn on the finish. I will never understand it. Where is the elegance?

Rounder, richer, riper fruits on the nose. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, cedar, baking spices, anise and violet & lilacs. Palate has huge tannins and full bodied. Serious alcohol burn, over oaked, tons of baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla. Crushed rocks, nice florals of lavender & lilacs, rich black earth, spice packed, tough leather, graphite, good acidity and hot alcohol finish burning the s**t out of the back of my throat. Did not enjoy their implementation of a 100% new oak nor the hot alcohol burn on the finish. I will never understand it. Where is the elegance?

Aug 27th, 2017
Jordan Gianelli

Showed really well , particularly soft with filet mignon.

Showed really well , particularly soft with filet mignon.

2 people found it helpfulSep 30th, 2015
Steven Foster

Wine buyer Belmont Wine Exchange

8.6

Let it be known that 2011 is a winner in my book. So many producers worked very hard to get this quality standard up. A very nice Cabernet with a restrained style while still having that monster feeling to it.

Let it be known that 2011 is a winner in my book. So many producers worked very hard to get this quality standard up. A very nice Cabernet with a restrained style while still having that monster feeling to it.

2 people found it helpfulFeb 20th, 2015
Katherine Guzman

Nice balance, perfect pair to Hanukkah feasting

Nice balance, perfect pair to Hanukkah feasting

1 person found it helpfulDec 22nd, 2014
Kevin Ortzman

A lot going on here.... dried fruits, mild spice, wet forest, sauna cedar with good structure.

A lot going on here.... dried fruits, mild spice, wet forest, sauna cedar with good structure.

Dec 16th, 2016