2012 Samantha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Bright dense crimson. Intensely ripe, sweet nose. A little over the top and heavy. No lift. I know this is a very well-regarded producer but this wine seems a bit standard issue Napa Cab. Rather chewy tannins even after five years. This may well appeal to some palates. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Samantha's shows a deeper, inkier expression of Oakville Cabernet. Inky blue and black fruit, smoke, licorice, tobacco and graphite meld together as the 2012 opens up in the glass. Mocha, plums and incense add nuance. Many of the lots are fermented in barrel, which gives the finished wine much of its signature intensity and tannin profile. Ideally, readers should give the 2012 another few years to soften, as the tannins are quite pronounced.