Considered one of the best vintages of the 21st century in Napa so far, 2013 brought typical power and richness, but with an underlying balance of structure due in part to being on the very beginning of what would become a years long drought, but in 2013 the vines were very much thriving. At ten years of age this wine seems to be much younger, except for the slight softening of tannins and hints of savory earth and wild herbs that linger underneath the core of black-red fruit. Poured at 60-65 degrees in a big, Bordeaux stem, it shimmers a deep, violet and indigo hue with only the slightest hint of brick red at the rim. Classic flavors of cassis, black plum, violet, lavender, vanilla bean, and baking spices all emerge around a silky, medium-full bodied frame. Though it is a hedonistic pleasure to drink right now, this wine is easily capable of at least two more decades of improvement.
