SIP: Aged Epic New World Cabs & Blends (6 Bottles Total)

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Robert Craig Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
(Napa Valley, California) - [WA 94] [VM 93] [JS 93]

The Pym Rae vineyard is found at the northern end of the Mount Veeder AVA, where fractured blue shale and sandstone soils dominate the landscape. With an average elevation of 1800' the vineyard is actually two separate blocks; the upper elevation site called "Pym Rae-Upper" and the lower elevation site employing an equally creative naming scheme.

In any given vintage the two blocks ripen at very different rates; Pym Rae-Lower always ripens first, usually about two weeks earlier. 2012 was no exception, with Cabernet starting to come off the vine on the lower block on October 10. With 2012's compact harvest, tank space was precious and the two week break between harvest dates of the two blocks turned out to be ideal. By October 31 everything was harvested, allowing us to catch our breath, and give the Pym Rae fruit all the time and attention needed to make an exemplary wine.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Traditionally, Robert Craig has done a brilliant job with their selection from Mount Veeder, and the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) shows that haunting blueberry, raspberry, black raspberry and floral notes that seem characteristic of that AVA. A dense ruby/purple color, beautifully sweet purity, full-bodied opulence with a layered mouthfeel as well as sweet tannin make for another great 2013 that can be drunk young or cellared for 20-25 years." - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Dec 2015)

93 Points - Antonio Galloni's Vinous Media:
"The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mt. Veeder) opens with a blast of dark blue/purplish fruit, spices, menthol and licorice. A host of graphite, slate, game, iron and savory notes appears later, adding considerable nuance throughout. The 2013 packs plenty of intensity, but the style is distinctly fruit-driven for the year." - Antonio Galloni (Oct 2015)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"The spices and fresh herbs come through the cool fruit here. Hints of sweet tobacco. Full body, silky tannins and a juicy finish. A delicious red with lots of character and tone. Attractive now but better in 2020."

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Merus Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
(Napa Valley, California) - [WA 93] [JS 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Merus is handmade in every sense of the word. It is composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coombsville Viticultural Appellation in the Southeastern corner of the Napa Valley. The individual vineyards selected for Merus are owned by a handful of serious growers who possess extraordinary terroirs and a willingness to implement our strict farming and harvesting protocols. Severe pruning, cluster sorting, small-lot fermentations and careful lot selection combine to create a wine that is dense, concentrated and nuanced. The bulk of Merus comes from a single well-chosen Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard site in the Coombsville A.V.A of the Napa Valley. This is one of the coolest sites in the Napa Valley which allows the vines to remain viable and active into November. What it also has going for it under challenging conditions is very well-draining soil (volcanic strewn with river cobble), early morning sunshine due to the gentle eastern aspect, and daily afternoon breezes.

Ratings and Reviews

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Spectator:
"The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is a relatively big, robust, rich Cabernet Sauvignon (15.2% alcohol) with a dense ruby/purple color, creamy, toasty oak. Loads of blueberry and blackberry fruit and an opaque purple color, this full-bodied wine is still young, but really savory, rich and bold. What it lacks in complexity it makes up in size and intensity. Drink it over the next 15 or so years." - (Dec 2015)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"Fresh and vivid aromas of blackberries, blueberries and violets. Full body, very fine yet chewy tannins, and a delicious finish. Needs a year or two to soften, but a rich California cab with form." - (Jan 2016)

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Kapcsandy Family Winery "Endre" Proprietary Red 2009
(Napa Valley, California) - [VM 92]

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Vinous:
"The 2009 Endre offers up hints of sage, rosemary, wild cherries and tobacco, all supported by vibrant yet-well-integrated tannins. Deceptively medium in body, the 2009 boasts considerable structure and intensity to match its highly appealing mid-weight personality. Like many 2009s, today the Endre is a bit tight and in need of another year or so of bottle age. The blend is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petite Verdot." - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2012)