Tuesday 28 March 2017

2013 California Cabernet - Part Four

A few more bottles from this great vintage. I got to find me more!

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Flora Springs  (Napa Valley)
This 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot blend has a inviting, open, fruity nose with notes of black currant jam, sweet violets, grilled meat and scorched earth. A fine warmth. Open for business.
The taste is big, warm and steady with notes of ripe black currants, raspberry liquorice, dusty earth and mocha. There are some rugged tannins beneath the sweet fruit. Guess it will need 6-8 years for the fruit and the tannins to balance out.
88p   (tasted 2017/03)


2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection, Raymond  (Napa Valley)
881 barrels were produced of this beauty and I want them all! The nose is deep, complex and utterly gorgeous with notes of perfectly ripe black currants, freshly brewed coffee, iron and a hint of green peppers. Very deep and complex. A wonderful perfumed aroma.
The taste is young, focused and seedy with notes of ripe black currants, leather, beet root juice and undergrowth. The finish goes on for a minute and ends with polished, sandy tannins. Just lovely. A great bargain at 40 Euro!
96p   (tasted 2017/03)


2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Girard  (Napa Valley)
The Girard sports a big, outgoing nose with notes of sweet black currants, blueberries, sugared coffee and violets. Rich, deep and fine.
The taste is big and broad shouldered with notes of blackberries, charcoal, violets and new leather. A long, warm finish with high strung tannins. Very, very good but needs 4+ years in the cellar to come together. Went perfectly with some grilled burgers.
91p   (tasted 2017/03)

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Frog´s Leap  (Napa Valley)
This is an impressive effort. The nose is deep, tight and cool with notes of ripening black currants, sandelwood, tobacco, iron and warm gravel. A very fine dusty scent. Bx-like, like in the good old days. Very, very fine.
The taste is refined, tight and expressive with notes of ripe red and black currants, lead pencil shavings, leather and earth. The finish is long, sandy and distinct. Lovely silky tannins. Give this 5+ years and enjoy it over 15+ years. 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
93p   (tasted 2017/03)



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