Joe Czerwinski of Wine Advocate writes: "Sam Kaplan started his wine consulting business in 2010, with Memento Mori (MM) as his first client. The trio of partners behind MM knew Kaplan from his work at Arkenstone and approached him to be part of the project. The wines are made at Arkenstone, so Kaplan isn't one of those consultants who races from one custom-crush winery to another—he's there pretty much all the time. At Memento Mori, the vineyards in question are some of the best in the Napa Valley, the fruit purchased from a couple of Beckstoffer properties, plus Vine Hill Ranch, Weitz and Oakville Ranch. The flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend assembled by Kaplan from among the best lots, regardless of origin. 'It's about balance and focus of aromatics,' Kaplan said. 'For all my wines, I do like them to be enjoyable on release. I prefer brighter acidity and focus so that they're enjoyable on release but can age for many years. It's more about tannin quality. I'm not trying to make the most drying, tannic, biggest wine on the planet.'"