2013 O’Shaughnessy Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon – Friends Catching Up Having A Lot of Craic
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Friends having just returned from being gone for three months got together, so decided to open this nice bottle of wine to catch up and share some craci (Irish Gaelic slang for fun). BTW, you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy this exquisite wine!
The Winery
Photo from O’Shaughnessy website
Located on Howell Mountain with acres of vineyards planted. The wine cave is perhaps one of the best in Napa with their infinity loop design. They also have acreage in Mount Veeder, they have produced exceptional wines for decades. Currently producing Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Howell Mtn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon.
Photo from O’Shaughnessy website
The owners Betty O’Shaughnessy and Paul Woolls, have held the highest standard of quality and customer service for years. This was set as the standard hallmark of their entire staff, including Sean Capiaux the winemaker and Alan Pierson, vineyard manager. Initially met all while being a club member for many years.
The Wine
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt Veeder. Aged 24 months in French Oak and one year in bottle before releasing. First on the eyes a deep enticing dark color beckoning the first sip of this dense wine. Grapes grown on Mt Veeder typically yield small clusters that bring forth both a briarwood flavoring and strong minerality. So too on the nose and palate this wine possesses both and is counterbalanced by blue and black berry fruit. Very well-integrated, the tannins are smooth and velvety, yet structure and layers of flavors abound. Initially given up to 30 years to age and I have no doubt, but at 11 years of age, very pleased with the maturity. The last sip continued to provide an enduring appreciation of O’Shaughnessy wines. Originally rated at 95 points. This made my annual list of wines tasted, this being for 2024. O’Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon has made this annual list for 15 years of various vintages!
Today the current 2021 vintage just released is listed at $160/bottle. Will need to make a visit to taste this vintage.
While no food and wine pairing as this was after dinner, our normal for this wine is a BBQ’ed filet mignon with a Blue cheese crumbled over the top.
Sláinte,
Michael