At its best, the Napa Valley produces sublime beauty in the bottle, and in 2012, the growing season lent itself to long ripening on the vine, and many great wines like this one resulted. I love the nose here — it’s layered with complexity, offering black fruit initially, then revealing spicy raspberry, cassis, pepper, dried herbs and spice. Mildly chalky tannins help to translate the aromas into flavors, which are well integrated and linger long. There’s a touch of oak boldness in the finish that covers things slightly at present, but it should resolve with a few more years in the bottle. This artist series bottle would make a beautiful gift for a great friend — it’s one of the classiest packages I’ve seen.
Clos Pegase, Calistoga (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
By Rich Cook