2013 Christopher Tynan Wines "Meleagris Gallopavo Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Meleagris Gallopavo Vineyard was certainly one of the greatest wines I was able to taste for this report, and it's an incredible effort that shows the heights this region can hit. Sporting a deep purple/blue color as well heavenly notes of blueberries, blackberries, crushed rocks, charred earth, and exotic spices, this multi-dimensional, full-bodied, massively concentrated 2013 is packed with potential. With a finish that won't quit and mouth-numbing levels of tannin, it needs to be forgotten for 7-8 years and will keep for another 3-4 decades. Unfortunately, there are only 70 cases produced.” (12/2017)

“Even for someone who has been doing this for thirty-eight years, there are times when you taste something that sort of breaks through all preconceived notions and reference points. I knew Christopher Tynan as a winemaker for Cliff Lede, but this is his wine, and it is outrageously spectacular and incredibly singular and special. The wine is extraordinary. Of course, it comes from a great vintage for Bordeaux varieties in Napa – 2013. This is a killer effort. A singular, profound and majestic Cabernet Sauvignon from what is called old vines, which can mean anything from 25 to 125 years old. I’m trying to figure out what this wine reminds me of – is it a Chateau Latour in a great vintage such as 1982, 1961? Is it a 1986 Mouton Rothschild? Is it a 1978 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill? Is it a 1969 Chappellet? Or? Inky bluish/black/purple, a stunningly clean, pure, but somewhat restrained nose seems to want to burst loose, but is held back by the pure power and concentration that one encounters on the palate. There are blue fruits, black fruits, crushed rock and floral notes. The mouth is full-bodied, built like a skyscraper, multidimensional, not ready for prime-time drinking yet, but incredibly promising and compelling. This is an amazing, amazing wine that should have a 50-year lifeline. Kudos to Tynan! The alcohol on the bottle is listed at 14.5%. This is a mind-blowing effort. Drink it over the next 50 years. (RP)” (12/2016)