Duckhorn Vineyards, Rutherford (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

This is an impressive effort from Duckhorn. It was a good vintage overall in the Napa Valley, and Rutherford is one of the sweetest of Napa’s sweet spots. The nose shows hints of violets, spice and cassis. On the palate the wine is richly layered, showing complex notes of blackberry and black and red currant, with a touch of vanilla lurking in the background. The balance is exquisite. This is a wine for now, to be certain, but it will benefit from additional age and could be easily cellared for 20 years or more.