Reviews

2015 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Recently, during a meeting of young Napa Valley winemakers at larkmead, the discussion turned to the price of cabernet grapes and how it was becoming increasingly difficult to offer a va varietally labeled cabernet from Napa Valley at a price that might encourage new wine drinkers to buy it. The least expensive cabernet anyone in the room had on offer was $60. So I was interested to taste this $45 wine and find a fresh, generous, full-on cabernet sauvignon. It grows at Raymond’s organically farmed vineyards in Rutherford and includes some purchased fruit from Calistoga and Coombsville. Yes, it’s a little heady and a touch sweet, but there’s plenty of cracked-black-pepper and cardamom spice to dust the fruit in the end. And if the tough tannins yield to a softer, chocolatey note, they still hold their shape, open and ready for grilled pork. 

Scents of blackberry and raspberry jam highlight the aroma, yet this is snappier and livelier on the palate, turning pleasantly supple and silky, gliding along on the finish. 

Lightly aromatic and subtle on the palate, even as the tannins acquire strength and the wine gains prominence. Zesty wild raspberry flavors show a loamy licorice side. 

An appealing wine that succeeds in an understated style, with nuanced flavors of light anise, plum, blackberry and tea.