2013 The Vineyardist Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is flirting with perfection already. It is 100% estate Cabernet Sauvignon from clones 7, 33 and 337, and the harvest took place in late October. The wine was aged in 100% new French oak, of which three-fourths were Darnajou barrels and 25% Taransaud. Unfortunately, only 240 cases were produced. The wine is an absolutely spectacular Diamond Mountain Cabernet. Dense purple, with notes of charcoal, burning embers, licorice, blackberry and cassis, the wine hits the palate with a cascade of gorgeously pure fruit, a full-bodied opulence, but sweet tannin appears in the finish, giving the wine grip and delineation. This fabulous Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon should age beautifully for 25-30 more years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Every bit as magnificent in bottle as it was from barrel, the 2013 The Vineyardist is one of the wines of the vintage. The flavors are incredibly vivid for such a big, powerful wine. Exquisite aromatics meld into an intense core of fruit as this explosive, mineral-drenched Cabernet takes shape in the glass. Gravel, smoke, liquified rocks and lavender are some of the nuances that add complexity. This virile, imposing Cabernet is likely to require at least a few years to become approachable, but it is pure magic today, even at this very early stage.
The 2013 The Vineyardist is shaping up to be a real beauty. Graphite, smoke, black cherries and blueberry jam race across the palate in a brilliant, focused Cabernet Sauvignon endowed with tons of energy and pure class. Savory mountain Cabernet notes develop with time in the glass, but the 2013 remains quite primary at this stage. Precise mineral notes support the chiseled finish.
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is fabulous. Copious inky dark fruit, chocolate, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice race across the palate. The tannins are just starting to soften. This is a classic Mark Herold wine built on textural resonance and voluptuousness.