Tasting note

An absolutely fabulous value is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa. This comes from multiple sources and there are 46,000+ cases of it. A stunning Cabernet Sauvignon and a classic example of Napa viticulture, this blend of 75.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, was aged just over two years in oak. Loads of sweet blackcurrant fruit, cocoa, a touch of toast, earth, and baking spice are all present in this wine that has terrific fruit on the attack and mid-palate, a full-bodied mouthfeel, no hard edges and a luscious, opulent, gorgeously pure style. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. Although I wouldn't be surprised to see it last longer. For old-time reader/subscribers, this might be the modern-day equivalent of the great 1974 Souverain Vintage Selection that I recommended back in the late 1970s and is still going strong today. Drink: 2016-2031. Score - 92+. (Robert Parker Jr., robertparker.com, Dec. 2015)

The appearance is opaque dark red with ruby hues. Shows aromas of black cherry and blackberry syrup, bruleed sugar and aromatic cedar. The integration of oak adds hints of walnut oil, cinnamon and clove. Powerful, yet elegantly balanced, the flavours of blueberry and black currant, mint, cedar and full berry-cherry notes lead into a fleshy mid palate over a bed of resolved tannins. A long finish dusted with cacao.