2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Château Montelena (Napa Valley)
An old favourite of mine, I can (almost) still taste the 1984 Cabernet, which I drank numerous times and scored between 97-99p every time. But fastforward 29 years and I pour the 2013. The nose is a classic, low keyed, yet intense Cabernet nose with notes of ripening black currants, graphite, warm rocks and new leather. Very, very good. A very fine, restrained warmth.
The taste is young, tight and seedy with notes of cool red and black currants, warm sand, cold coffee and charcoal. Long and restrained. Could easily be mistaken for a Bordeaux. I like this. Not as great as the 1984, but hey, what is?
92p (tasted 2017/02)
2013 Seven Days Cabernet Sauvignon, J. Lohr (Paso Robles)
A young, fruity nose with notes of ripe black currants, fire smoke, diesel oil and dark fudge. Some warm, dusty gravel. Very good.
The taste is upfront, warm and juicy with notes of black currants, beet roots, asphalt and sweet tobacco. A long, warm finish with soft tannins. For drinking now and the coming 5+ years.
87p (tasted 2017/02)
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags´ Leap Winery (Napa Valley)
What´s in a name? The next two wines comes from Stag Leap District in Napa, one from Stags´ Leap Winery and one from Stag´s Leap Wine Cellars. Get it?
This estate is old, they made their first wine in 1893 but declined over the years before a revival in the 70´s. The nose is open and rich with notes of ripe black currants, blackberries, graphite, violets and smoke. A fine depth and sweetness to the fruit. Crushed slate in the background. Very, very good.
The taste is sandy, tight and warm with notes of dried black currants, tobacco, cold coffe and violets. A long, wide finish with fine grained tannins. This is very good now, will drink well for 8+ years.
91p (tasted 2017/03)
2013 S.L.V., Stag´s Leap Wine Cellars (Napa Valley)
The more famous Stag Leap winery, with its S.L.V. which has been produced since 1972. And it was their 1973 that made headlines when it beat the prestigious first growths in the historic "Judgement of Paris" in 1976. The 2013 marks the 40th anniversary vintage and the label is an exact copy of the 1973 label.
The nose is a dream with a gorgeous depth, purity and balance, with notes of finely polished black currants, lead pencil shavings, ripe dark flowers, red beet juice and lots of other scents and aromas. Very complex and fine.
The taste is young, tight and concentrated with notes of ripe red and black currants, fine tobacco, iron, crushed tiles and a hint of dark chocolate. Very, very long and seductive. Very young of course, will get even better in 6-8 years time. Stunning juice! One for the cellar.
96p (tasted 2017/03)
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