2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Ratcheting up the level of concentration, with similar texture, aromatics and length, but even greater richness is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, a 300-case blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec and 7% Petit Verdot that combines powerful authority with undeniable elegance This is a beautiful wine--elegant, but muscular, and built like a strong ballerina. The wine was drinkable the day I tasted it, but will certainly be even better in 4-5 years and keep for 25-30 years.

Sinegal's 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is inky, deep and powerful. Here the greater influence of French oak, and in particular, the use of barrel fermentations, gives the wine a notable kick of richness along with the noticeable flavor and textural profile of new oak. Dark red cherry, tobacco, cedar and mint meld into the unctuous, creamy finish. I have a slight preference for the Estate in 2013, as the Reserve has too much of an oak imprint. Among other things, the greater exposure to oxygen suggests the Reserve will age at a faster clip than the Reserve.

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is richer, sweeter and quite a bit more unctuous than the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Much of that comes from the greater reliance on barrel fermented lots in this bottling. Dark blue/purplish fruit, spices, leather and licorice add nuance to the super-ripe, opulent finish. There is a lot to like here, even if the 2013 is a bit more pushed in style than most of Tony Biagi's wines.