2015 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondelle
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Tasting notes
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondelle Estate Vineyard is a dark, voluptuous beauty. Crème de cassis, pencil shavings, spice and new saddle leather give the 2015 its decidedly exotic aromatics. Time in the glass brings out some of the wine's more floral qualities nicely. My impression is that the 2015 might have been better off with a little less time in oak. Even so, the Hirondelle is a highly attractive wine endowed with terrific focus and precision. It should provide immense pleasure over the next 10-15 years or more.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondelle Vineyard is a selection from some of the best blocks on the ranch, notably those towards the back of the property. Dark and voluptuous, with tons of Stags Leap character, the 2015 is loaded with inky blue/purplish fruit, mocha, dried herbs lavender, licorice and violet overtones. Perhaps even more importantly, the 2015 has preserved quite a bit of freshness and detail for such a big wine. Dense and plush on the palate, with silky tannins and tons of persistence, the 2015 is shaping up to be a beauty.
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is rock solid and offers impressive currant and blackberry fruit characteristics, notes of graphite and lead pencil, medium to full-bodied richness, and terrific purity. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, aged in 66% new French oak, it’s high-quality juice to drink over the coming decade or more.
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondelle Estate (a barrel sample) has wonderfully pure crushed black currants and blackberries notes with suggestions of sandalwood, cigar box, allspice and cloves plus a touch of dusty earth. Full-bodied, rich, plush and compelling in its up-front generosity, it has a firm backbone of ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a spicy note.