2013 Rd V Vineyards Lost Mountain

The 2013 Lost Mountain is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot that aged for 22 months in French oak (80% new, the rest second use). It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. This has evolved beautifully since I first saw it, and it certainly has improved—that's what you want to see from a young winery with aspirations for greatness. It is mostly ready to drink now, but still young (although I'll continue to be conservative in end-date drinking windows with this relatively young winery). Time has allowed it to come into harmony, though. It always had finesse, but now there is not a hair out of place. The herbs and hints of olives are still present, the Cabernet Franc (presumably) having its say. It is textured with velvet and remarkably elegant, but there is still grip on the fresh finish. The fruit is beautifully expressive. With 90 minutes of air, this tightened—and then it drank far better the next day, seriously styled and demanding respect. The green nuances folded into the whole. This Bordeaux ringer shows why RdV has become one of Virginia's crown jewels. And it kept getting better as it aired out. It is distinguished, but it is also a complete pleasure to drink. The price of this library wine merely references the original pricing.