2013 California Cabernet - Part One

Two weeks ago, on our way to Florida, I picked up the lastest issue of Decanter (February 2017). Inside it was a panel tasting of 2013 California Cabernets - 191 wines tasted.
Christian Moueix was qouted, describing 2013 as "the vintage of a lifetime".
I got interested...

Since I was about to spend over a week in Florida, I opted for tasting some 2013´s, so when raiding the wine shops I only looked for that vintage (I always gotta have some sort of project...).

These are the first I came up with, more to follow.

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Charles Krug  (Napa Valley)
The first 2013 shows of a big, warm, open nose with notes of ripe black currants sprinkled with black pepper, tobacco, plums and iron. Rich and rewarding. Very, very good in a upfront way.
The taste is deep, warm and spicy with notes of plums, black currants, graphite and asphalt. A long, warm finish with sandy tannins. Should develop nicely over the coming 2-4 years.
90p   (tasted 2017/02)

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Markham Vineyards  (Napa Valley)
A stunner from the first pour until the last drop. The nose soars up from the glass with lovely aromas of spicy black currants, lead pencil shavings, sun warm rocks and a perfumed note with a floral overtone. Refined and beautifuly crafted.
The taste is young, cool and concentrated with notes of perfectly ripe black currants, warm tiles, graphite and dries flowers. The finish is long, intense and balanced with lots of fine tannins behind the sweet fruit. This I would love to have plenty of.
95p   (tasted 2017/02)

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Vineyards, Encore  (Lodi)
This was recommended by the owner of a wine shop - "the one I sell the most of and is of great value". I should have known better... Ok, the value part I get, it cost 10 dollars, and for that you get an upfront, warm (almost hot) wine with lots of plums and bonfire on the nose and a sluggish taste with notes of burnt rubber, meat and cooked black fruit. Not as bad as it sounds, with some grilled meat it worked alright.
83p   (tasted 2017/02)

2013 Atlas Peak Block 80 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve, Vineyard Block Estate  (Napa Valley)
This wine with its long name sports a deep, resilient nose with lots of sweet black currants and additional notes of charcoal, dark chocolate and violets. Very fine. Some fried herbs after a while. Really deep. Just lovely.
The taste is pure and intense with ripe blueberries and black currants alongside notes of graphite, asphalt, new leather and hot earth. Very long and finely polished. Lots of potential here. Give it 3-5 years.
94p   (tasted 2017/02)