$100/bottle under the original label
Today's offer is a 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from a LEGENDARY producer in St. Helena. They typically bottle their $100+ "regular" Cabernet under a Napa Valley appellation. The main component is typically comprised of St. Helena estate fruit and then augmented with other AVA's; in this case, the base of 69% St. Helena Cabernet is souped-up with 20% Rutherford and 11% Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in somewhere around 35-40% new French oak.
Opening with a dynamic nose of crushed, powdery violet florals, fresh blackberry, raspberry, and cassis; there's plenty of nuance and layers here. On entry the wine resonates with juicy, succulent fruit, barrel-kissed bourbon oak, vanilla, and tobacco framed by medium+ acidity and nicely integrated mineral-y tannins. The finish is long with a juicy raspberry vanilla flourish interwoven with minerally tannins and and floral umami. Fully ripe and lovely at 14.9% alc.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
69% St. Helena, 20% Rutherford, 11% Diamond Mountain
14.9% alc.
