Four Excellent Wines Tasted in June of 2023 – With Brief Comments
Ran out of time in June to write up these wines in detail but all are worth investigating as they were delicious. A wide range of price points from $45 to $145/bottle and worth seeking out.
2012 Shadybrook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Decided to splurge this week and pulled out a 2012 Shadybrook Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon which was simply smooth and elegant. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is a silky and layered wine. On the eyes it is dark and enticing. A cacophony of flavors from sweet pipe tobacco to plum to blackberries delight the senses. A pleasing finish with mocha and velvety tannins provides an opulent finish. The current release is their 2019 and lists for $145 on their website: https://www.shadybrookestate.com/
2018 Hindsight 20/20 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon 20/20 from Napa Valley earned 95 points in the San Francisco International Wine Competition. It is 100% Napa Valley fruit, and 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes came from Southern Napa Valley, Rutherford, and Spring Mountain AVA’s. The processes of the grapes were in small lots and cold soaked prior to fermentation for five days for maximum extraction of color and flavor components.
This produced a beautifully dark red/crimson coloring on the eyes. On the nose, black and blue fruits wafted into the nose with elements of subdued violets. On the palate the predominate flavor of blueberry, with secondary flavors of soft vanilla, pipe tobacco and a hint of black licorice. The tannins were softly rounded and smooth but structured enough to make this a solid Cabernet Sauvignon finish. Now here is the key, it is listed for $45/bottle on their website for their current release, 2020 vintage. I can attest that it is a phenomenal wine for the price point! I have tasted and sipped many wine with these characteristics from $50 to $75 and this matches up nicely. If you want to get some foresight, Hindsight Cabernet Sauvignon 20/20 is your wine. http://www.hindsightwines.com/
2013 Tate Cabernet Sauvignon, Jack’s Vineyard Howell Mountain
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Jack’s Vineyard from Howell Mountain, is at 1700 foot elevation. It is an isolated single one acre vineyard. It was aged in oak barrels (75% new) for 22 months. The small berries and pump overs for 12 days, created a deep purple and layered wine. David’s description is “intense cassis and coffee emerge on the palate as well as blueberries and rich chocolate.” He also believes aging will benefit for at least 12-15 years. Having tasted it twice (once late last year and last week), this is worthy of the 94 pts Parker bestowed. Current vintage is 2019 and is listed at $125/bottle. http://www.tatewine.com
Kelly Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the nose, one is delighted with a symphony of scents. Those include blackberries, lavender and a sweet tobacco. On the palate, some “sharp tannins” initially greet you but are quickly put to rest with blueberry and dark chocolate swirling in the mouth. The finish is long lasting and provides a silky smooth crescendo. The wine received a Double Gold Medal – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2018. Current vintage is 2018 and is $99/bottle
Enjoy and sláinte,
Michael