2013 Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Barely peering out of its primary stage, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a definitive example of the quality and complexity attained at this property. It has a knockout nose with intense, explosive aromas of pencil shavings, graphite, autumn leaves, black fruit compote and wet moss. The palate is velvety, ripe and multidimensional with impressive width and length. Its youthfulness is evidenced in the persistent and commanding tannin structure, which is still quite drying and granular. This is a classic vintage for Mount Eden that should drink confidently for several decades.
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate checks in as a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc that spent 32 months in 60% new French oak. Its inky purple/violet color is followed by a terrific perfumed of crème de cassis, spring flowers, licorice and hints of vanilla spice. Medium to full-bodied, silky and elegant on the palate, with chalky tannin, nicely integrated acidity and a great finish, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades or more. Winemaker Jeffrey Patterson makes a classic, old-school, age-worthy style of wine from his vineyard located on the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. These wines see longer time in barrel than most, hence these are mostly 2014s and 2013s. This is unquestionably one of the benchmark estates for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California.
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is wine of real pedigree and class that is going to need at least a handful of years to enter the prime of its drinking window. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, smoke and plum all resonate on the palate. Inky, deep and plush, the 2013 remains quite primary. I will not be surprised at all if the 2013 develops into an even better wine with time. That said, the 2013 is positively striking today, with compelling inner sweetness, tons of perfume and exceptional balance.