2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

A wine of gravitas and pure power, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate captures the personality and complexity of this dramatic hillside site. Far from an easygoing 2015, the Estate is packed with intense fruit and equally formidable tannins that are going to require considerable bottle age to fully meld together. This is one of the most reticent and tightly wound 2015 Cabernets I tasted. Time in the glass brings out hints of super-ripe black cherry, crème de cassis, lavender and spice.

The flagship 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon comes all from estate fruit and spent 20 months in 55% new French oak. As classic and old-school as they come, with terrific cassis and blueberry fruits as well as scorched earth, graphite and lead pencil, this full-bodied 2015 has impeccable balance, building tannin, beautiful purity of fruit, and a great finish. There are a scant 400 cases produced but it’s certainly one of the most classic, age-worthy wines in the vintage. I continue to love the wines from Jim Duane (Philippe Melka consults) and there’s a classic, old-school style here, yet the wines never lack for purity, elegance, or fruit. In addition, there’s an incredible track record for the wines not only lasting in the cellar, but also improving.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is simply dazzling. Bright, intensely floral and ripe, the 2015 possesses a level of purity to the fruit that is simply breathtaking. Red and purplish fruit notes make a strong first impression. The tannins are polished and silky, but it is the wine's overall balance that makes the 2015 a showstopper. I can't wait to taste the 2015 from bottle.