2015 Laura Michael Calistoga Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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Photo ©Michael Kelly

My wife and I met Laura at least twenty years ago at her winery. She acquired the property in 1999. Laura has always been a one-woman show until her husband Michael is now helping out in the vineyard management and Laura continues as the winemaker. Laura has for over two decades focused on small production artisan wines consistently year to year. When you visit Laura Michael Wines, it is not a “showy or upstaged” opulence, it is essentially their lifestyle and home. That said after spending some time with Laura, you immediately come away with the appreciation of her craft and pleasant personality. This quiet boutique winery is just outside downtown Calistoga heading east on Lake County Highway.

Photo ©Michael Kelly

She currently produces Zinfandel’s, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley, two Cabernet Sauvignons one each from Rutherford and Calistoga, a dessert wine made with 50% Zinfandel and 50% Petite Sirah, a Dry Rosé of Zinfandel and finally her flagship wine Bentley Cabernet Sauvignon. I still have a few bottles of her Bentley, and one comes up to drink in 2024. Unknown to Laura until she reads this, I have always kept her 2009 Bentley in a place of honor in the cellar on the display rack. Wines get this status either because the wine is exceptional, or the winemaker/owner is someone special. In her case, both got her this recognition.

The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Photo ©Michael Kelly

Last evening pulled a Laura Michael 2015 Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon. A beautiful dark red on the eyes with a medium heavy viscosity. Aromas of red cherry, sweet pipe tobacco and a hint of mocha. On the palate, additional smooth French oak coat the mouth with a modicum of dark chocolate and peppercorns. Priced fairly for a classical Calistoga Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at $65. This one will be hard to keep long in the cellar!

Sláinte,



Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.lauramichaelwines.com/

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