Mayacamas - Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2013

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is slightly more opulent than other vintages of Mayacamas with tile, slate, dark fruits and flowers such as roses. Full body, firm and luscious tannins. Lots of sage and lavender undertones. Best ever from here? First wine from new owners. Reserved extravagance. Barrel sample. Released in fall 2017."

DECANTER: "Notes of crushed wild berries, sandalwood and coniferous forest floor reflect the wine's Mount Vedeer core, introducing a dense, rich and nicely concentrated wine which should show nicely after it is bottled later this year. The 2013 Mayacamas saw new wood—and more of it—earlier in its elevage than has hitherto been the case at this address, and that contributes a bit of mid-palate flesh and volume which ocludes some of the wine's customary transparency; but the Mayacamas team reverted to the former barrel regime with the 2014 vintage, so this just reflects a bit of experimentation and refinement in the cellar rather than a wholesale revolution. In fact, everything seems to be in place for a glorious renaissance at this historic estate in the near future!"

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Powerful, tannic, backward, structured and fresh, the wine is filled with crisp, crunchy red fruit, smoke, thyme and licorice. The wine is concentrated, layered and with a bright character to the finish. This demands at least a decade and perhaps double that in the cellar before it's ready for prime time consumption."

WINE SPECTATOR: "A textbook mountain fruit Cabernet, with menthol and sage notes leading the way for gently steeped plum, black currant and blackberry flavors. The spine is bramble and the backdrop is roasted apple and tobacco, all combining in a pleasantly grippy and rustic finish. Will cellar nicely. Best from 2022 through 2037. 2,410 cases made."