2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

91 PTS, Wine Enthusiast, October 2018
"Thick grippy tannins surround a core of mountain sage and dried herb in this 100% varietal wine. Tart underlying acidity brightens a triumvirate of cherry, cassis and red currant, with the promise of rocky minerality lingering on the finish." - V.B.

The grapes for this wine come from Longhorn Ridge Vineyard’s Hoffman Block in the eastern part of the valley very close to the Atlas Peak AVA. Neighboring vineyard grapes are used in Caymus Special Select and we are very near to Pahlmeyer’s Waters Ranch. The vineyard is only 8 acres and is on a rolling slope, riddled with granite deposits and produces very small grapes the size of an English pea. Because the yields are so small (less than 2 tons per acre), we only produce a limited amount of wine each year. We use 50% New Bordeaux French oak barrels are used for maturation. While aging for 26 months, the wine is racked every 6 months and returned to the same barrels for further aging. After bottling we bottle condition for a minimum of 6 months, though it is usually closer to a year. This single vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep dark inky purple color which proceeds the rich cassis aromas that are replete with baking spices and dark chocolate cacao. The palate is super concentrated and deep, with sappy rich with ripe black cherry, cassis and sweet, deep and juicy boysenberry with spicy tannins of cinnamon and all spice. The wine finishes complete with balanced acid over tannins and deep fruit notes and flavors. This wine is very approachable now in its youth, but will age gracefully through 2040 and beyond. This is a very serious, single vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a “Cult Cabernet” sold at a fraction of its competitors, very limited as it is affordable and sells out fast.

Tasting Notes:
Best with Tomahawk steaks off the grill or better yet grilled in the tandoori. Serve with rosemary and garlic fingerling potatoes and braised fennel and kale greens. Save a half glass for dessert and do the dark chocolate molten lava cake.