2012 David Arthur Elevation Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

David Arthur's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Elevation 1147 is quite floral and lifted in style with lovely aromatic complexity and nuance, but less depth and texture than the Estate Old Vine. It will be interesting to see if the 2012 fleshes out in bottle. Today, it is a bit on the light side, which, among other things, exposes the tannin. My sense is that the Elevation 1147 will always remain an ethereal, slightly fleeting Cabernet Sauvignon.

(15.1% alcohol): Bright ruby. Port-like black fruits, licorice and brown spices on the nose, lifted by high notes of violet and mint. Large-scaled, sweet and rather powerful, conveying a distinctly gravelly character to its blackberry, black cherry and dark chocolate flavors. Perhaps a bit chunky today but full and sweet. The broad, ripe, chocolatey tannins coat the sides of the mouth.

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Elevation 1147 is beautifully perfumed and nuanced. There is plenty of vintage 2012 depth and resonance in the glass, but the 2012 stands out for its aromatic delineation and total sense of finesse. The tannins are there, but they are silky, ripe and beautifully balanced. Today the 2012 is a bit closed, but it should open with another racking.