Forman Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
(Napa Valley, California) - [VM 96] [WA 92-94]

Winemaker’s Notes
Very early on, the 2015 vintage displayed an unusually vibrant elegance. This was somewhat unexpected considering the rather water deplete conditions of the winter and spring preceding the vintage as well as an above average heat summation during ripening. One might conclude from the combination that indeed a fairly powerful wine would emerge. And this does hold true - there’s a lot of power to the 2015 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon. The vibrant fruit complexity which seemed to arrive out of nowhere was a very pleasant surprise. Nature is difficult to understand and certainly can’t be controlled. This, I suppose, is part of the charm. You’re never really sure about what you are going to get. I’m glad to report however, as already stated, this is a good one and really is not to be missed.

Technical Notes

76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
Aging: 22 months in 75% new and 25% two-year-old Bordeaux barrels
Bottled August 23-24, 2017
Alcohol 14.85%
Total Acid 0.59 g/100ml
PH 3.81
Glucose/Fructose <0.01/100ml (dry)>
Malolactic Positive

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is dense, pliant and wonderfully expressive. Ric Forman's wines are always on the restrained side, but the 2015 packs a good bit of punch. Sweet red cherry, raspberry, sage, mint, and rose petal overtones all add to the wine's precision and nuance. In 2015, Forman took in fruit from Thorevilos, which he co-manages with David Abreu, but ultimately decided to add that juice to the Cabernet Sauvignon rather than bottle it separately. Dollops of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec round out the blend. This is one of the classiest wines of the vintage. (Drink between 2022-2040)." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2018) 

92-94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, which came from yields half of what is normally routine, is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon followed by mostly Cabernet Franc and smaller quantities of Petit Verdot and Merlot. This wine, which is still in barrel, displays gorgeous blueberry and black raspberry notes with some licorice, truffle and forest floor. The wine has a dense ruby/purple color, medium to full body, a Bordeaux-like structure, but wonderful energy, purity and richness. It should drink well for 15-20 years at minimum." - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Oct 2016)