2012 Edge Hill Abel Mt. Veeder

Because this wine spends over two years in barrel (26 months in 100% new French oak), the 2012 Abel 1833 is the current release. It is a blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 11% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet colored, it features restrained, understated notions of underbrush, smoked meats, Bovril, tilled soil and black truffles over a core of red currants, mulberries and chocolate-covered cherries, with touches of sandalwood, cinnamon stick and cloves plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium-bodied, finely played, refreshing and elegant in the mouth, it has a wonderfully precise backbone of chewy tannins and plenty of savory and earthy layers, finishing long and minerally. 175 cases were made.