It is always an exciting time when new producers come our way that have the makings of an instant classic. That is what I found last week when I met and tasted with Keith Emerson who along with partner, Brian Brown, created a gorgeous small-production Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley - their premiere release. Keith is Director of Winemaking at Vineyard 29 where he first met Brian and set out to make a wine of superb quality. The partners found a vineyard in Oakville near Rudd, Phelps Backus and Plump Jack that had everything they were searching for in a source.
From a production standpoint, the wine saw less than 50% new french oak and is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
My tasting showed beautifully defined salt-sprinkled black currant, velvet textured licorice and shaved dark chocolate. The mouthfeel is creamy and focused, intensely smooth (up there with the very best) and extracted on the mid-palate. The flavors are mouth-watering licorice, black currant and supple blackberry. The tannins are beautifully formed and show a sublime velvet-like grip. The finish of black raspberry and currant lasts for several minutes. Drink 2008 - 2016
Production is a mere 225 cases and the winery is now virtually sold out. To compare this wine to anything that has premiered in the last five years, It would be Drinkward-Peschon.
You may place a quote request for this wine at www.vinfolio.com and look for it in an upcoming issue of The Wilder Side of California
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