2013 Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
I was also able to taste a bottle of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon VHR during my visit, and this is a massive effort offering loads of ripe black fruits, spice, truffle, leafy herbs, chocolate, and leather. It's full-bodied, deep, rich, and concentrated on the palate, with ripe tannins and incredible length on the finish. While it's rounding into form and is certainly in its prime drinking window, this layered beauty has the structure and depth to evolve for another 30 years. Drink 2025-2055.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Finished warm after a temperate growing season. Very tannic and demanding on release. Big crop. Some producers ran out of tank space. Very dark blackish crimson right out to the rim. Those oyster shells again and then really concentrated, ripe fruit and still lots of inky tannin on the ‘cool’ finish. (JR)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is a potent, brooding wine. Still quite tannic, the 2013 possesses tremendous depth married to vibrancy, all in a virile style that is going to require patience. Gravel, scorched earth, cloves, menthol and dried herbs are all kicked up in this potent, structured Cabernet. Graphite, sage, tobacco, menthol and licorice lead into the savory, mineral finish. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. The 2013 captures the purest essence of Vine Hill Ranch.
A slightly higher production of 775 cases was made with the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a prodigious Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of creosote, camphor and burning embers, which give it an almost Graves-like character, but then the rich, creamy, pure blackberry and cassis fruit kick in. The wine has fabulous intensity, a multi-layered, dense, full-bodied texture and terrific finish. The tannins are slightly more dominant than in the 2012, but they offer sweetness and creaminess as opposed to any astringency or harshness, This is a modern-day classic from Vine Hill Ranch and probably the finest wine they have ever made. Drink it over the next 30+ years.