2013 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga, which comes from the so-called Olmo clone (the same as the Eiesle clone), exhibits an opaque purple color, sweet créme de cassis and blackberry fruit as well as licorice, wet pebbles giving it minerality, and a long, full-bodied, opulent texture. This stunning wine comes from a single block of the Larkmead Vineyard. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga emerges from the most historic portion of Larkmead, where the Olmo clone (said to be the precursor to Eisele clone) and pure Cortina soils yield wines of tremendous pedigree. That is exactly what comes through here. Dense and powerful, with distinctly earthy, savory notes, the 2013 delivers serious intensity and explosiveness. Readers will have to be patient, however, as the 2013 needs time to be at its best.
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga is a big step up from the 2012. Once again, Thomas Brown draws on one of the best parcels in Larkmead for the Calistoga Cabernet. Black olives, plums, sage, rose petals, smoke and grilled herbs are some of the many notes that emerge from this utterly captivating Cabernet. The true essence of Larkmead - missing in the 2012 - comes through loud and clear in the 2013. This powerful, distinctly savory, mineral-driven Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up to be truly special. The powerful, energetic finish holds irresistible allure.