Jamieson Ranch Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

 This is an utterly convincing Cabernet, both initially and persistently, with equal measures of purity and punch.  The dark color and obvious physical richness of the wine is impressive in the glass even before the sensory experience begins, and everything thereafter confirms one’s initial impression.  Sweet and savory at once, it is very expressive in aroma and flavor, with ripe blackberry and dark cherry fruit enveloped in accents of toast, spices, and cocoa powder.  The fruit is sweet but definitely not obvious, and the balance of fruit to tannin and wood is very nearly perfect.  Platinum Award winner at the 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition.