2012 Moone-Tsai Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis is the richest, sweetest and most obvious of the reds in this range. As such, it will appeal most to readers who appreciate immediate, fruit-forward Cabernets. Mocha, tobacco and new French oak add both flavor and textural complexity in a racy Cabernet to drink over the next 10-15 years.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis (which was scheduled to be bottled after I tasted it) spent 26 months in 90% new French oak. It offers up notes of vanillin, graphite, blackberries, cassis and spring flowers. This full-bodied, opulent, rich, concentrated 2012 reveals no hard edges, well-concealed tannins and structural components. It should be accessible upon release and drink well for 15-20 years.
(not yet the final blend): Bright medium ruby. Briary wild blackberry, cocoa powder, violet and a whiff of black pepper on the slightly high-toned nose. A silky, thick fruit bomb with superb lift to its blackberry and cassis flavors. This is still a baby but its vinosity, fruit intensity and very long, ripely tannic finish suggest that it may be the most complete wine to date under this label.
Blackberries, blueberries, cloves, mint and new leather burst from the glass in the Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis. The 2012 has a little more To-Kalon than normal, and that is the site that seems to dominate the blend today. All the elements fall into place in an effortless, gracious wine loaded with class. Cor Leonis is made from the Caldwell, Chang and To-Kalon vineyards.