Sloan
Asterisk Rutherford Red Bordeaux Blend
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA
Sloan’s second label. My experience with their Asterisk is limited, so I gave this plenty of TLC.
Even though it’s hard to believe 2013 Napa wines are 9, approaching 10yrs in age, most are still so coiled up. With this being a “second” wine, I expected this to be accessible but I could not have been more wrong. For the first hour, this was a muted, heavy oak curtain of nothingness. After that, it slowly started giving way to its beautiful fruit profile, but it was at its best after 6hrs in the decanter. Very pretty/elegant. Black cherry, violets, dark cocoa and espresso on the nose, with mostly the same on the palate. As with other high end valley floor cabs, the mid palate depth here is sexy and commanding. There is an added savory/graphite note too, but for the most part, this is a powerful and black cherry to-the-core Cabernet that is in need of at least 3-5yrs more of sleep to adequately express itself.
Sloan’s second label. My experience with their Asterisk is limited, so I gave this plenty of TLC.
Even though it’s hard to believe 2013 Napa wines are 9, approaching 10yrs in age, most are still so coiled up. With this being a “second” wine, I expected this to be accessible but I could not have been more wrong. For the first hour, this was a muted, heavy oak curtain of nothingness. After that, it slowly started giving way to its beautiful fruit profile, but it was at its best after 6hrs in the decanter. Very pretty/elegant. Black cherry, violets, dark cocoa and espresso on the nose, with mostly the same on the palate. As with other high end valley floor cabs, the mid palate depth here is sexy and commanding. There is an added savory/graphite note too, but for the most part, this is a powerful and black cherry to-the-core Cabernet that is in need of at least 3-5yrs more of sleep to adequately express itself.
Stunning example. Inviting, opulent nose, followed by a sweet, dense, textured finish. Well presented tannins, with moderate acidity. For a second wine, we are impressed.
Stunning example. Inviting, opulent nose, followed by a sweet, dense, textured finish. Well presented tannins, with moderate acidity. For a second wine, we are impressed.
Nov 28th, 2020
1 glass today is perfect, saving the rest for bbq Friday.
1 glass today is perfect, saving the rest for bbq Friday.
Jul 23rd, 2020