2013 Morlet Family Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier
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Tasting notes
Candied blackcurrant with medicinal leafiness. Very grippy tannin which, along with the high acid and leafiness, suggests some underripeness – although there is still plenty of primary black fruit as well, and sweet oak too. Succulent fruit but the palate is still angular. (RH)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier is one of the best wines of the year at Morlet. Ripe, exuberant and richly layered in the glass, the 2013 possesses nearly extravagant richness. This is an especially opulent style for Knights Valley. Some of the more savory notes typical of the appellation are hidden by the lushness of the fruit, but the pedigree and personality of this site can't be denied.
The Bordeaux varietals range from a tiny 180 cases of Morlet's Force de La Nature (100% Cabernet Franc from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard) to 650 cases of his Knights Valley Mon Chevalier. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier, a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot, offers cassis, mocha, loamy soil undertones, plenty of chocolate, blackberry and a full-bodied, lush style. Peter Michael was the first to exploit just how superb Knights Valley Bordeaux varietals can be, but Morlet has certainly proven with this wine what is possible. This is a beauty to drink now and over the next 20+ years.