Lot 20
2018 "Reserve" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The small berries of the Clone 337 are immediately evident in this virtually opaque, black hole of a Cabernet. Its remarkably aromatic however, brooding at first with dark plum, graphite, blackberry and kirschy cassis notes but then, with just a little air, its quickly lifted by beautifully integrated florals that sing out from the glass. Dark earth and clay, cedar and mocha underpin the higher-toned fruits and round out the aromas. Gorgeous. Seamless on entry, lip-smacking minerality is deftly balanced against a wave of robust, blackberry-slathered tannins in a long, pure, resounding finish. Classically-styled, this wine will age gracefully for another 20+ years in a proper cellar.

Check-in tasting 6.23.21 - Tightly wound out of the bottle with fleeting aromas…with a couple minutes of air, however, blue fruit pokes through with savory notes of cola and sarsaparilla laced with herbs of thyme and coriander, seasoned French oak and vanilla toast. Focused and extracted, rich on the palate with fine and chewy tannins throughout - needs time but gaining focus. This big boy has earned a place in your cellar. More approachable than I had anticipated with so much more to come.