Rich and bold, this Cabernet is in the vein of “new school” Napa Cabernet; which is to say unashamedly rich, forward fruit, potent oak, and a no holds barred take on a formidable Napa cab. That’s not to say it isn’t well structured, because this certainly is, and Turnbull is well-known for making structured Cabernets. In point of fact they have been doing so for a long time, and I have reviewed many of their wines over the years. This offers very ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit, plum, noticeable oak notes, including vanilla, sandalwood, and slightly sweet charred oak.
My second time trying this wine. It is 100% Cabernet Franc aged for a year in Amphorae and bottled with a very non-traditional label. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has cherries, black cherries, tobacco, and dust. Medium to full bodied. Light to medium tannins. Good balance. On the palate, flavors of black cherries, tobacco, cherries, and char. Good finish. This is drinking quite well at this point and should drink well for another ten to fifteen years. It is nice on its own but would be better with hearty dishes. Lamb or Bean Stew would be perfect.
