2006 Ovid Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (1.5L)

“Like Chappellet, Ovid is located in Pritchard Hill at an elevation of 425 metres. The vines were planted in 2000, with 2005 the first vintage. Since 2006 the winemaker has been Austin Peterson, making this his debut vintage. It has developed a rich, smoky, cedary nose that's lush without being overblown. Suave and chocolatey, it shows more vibrancy on the palate than on the nose. The tannins are polished, and there's spice, drive, and vigour on the very long finish. (SB)” (09/2019)

“Ovid’s 2006 is a powerful, intense wine. Still fresh, vibrant and focused, the 2006 is super-impressive today. All of the site signatures are very much present. Mocha, espresso, dark cherries, spice and tobacco add aromatic nuance. The tannins have softened, but the 2006 has more than enough depth to drink well for another 10 or so years. This is a superb effort in a vintage that is mostly overlooked these days. Winemaker Austin Peterson describes 2006 as a year with a warm summer and pronounced heat spike around Labor Day followed by more moderated conditions for the rest of the season. Harvest took place from late September to the middle of October. (AG)” (02/2017)

“A blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2006 Proprietary Red offers a dense plum/purple color along with a big, sweet kiss of cassis, licorice, and hints of smoke, tobacco leaf, and roasted coffee beans. Deep, pure, velvety textured, and opulent, this is an atypically seductive, lush 2006 that can be drunk now and over the next 15+ years. (RP)” (12/2009)

“This is polished and very pretty. Minerals and stone in the nose, with dark fruits and spices. Juicy blueberries and currants as well. Full bodied, with a spicy, chewy finish. The palate has a nice stoney character that turns to currants and lead pencil. Tight and silky, but balanced. Just starting to come around now.” (04/2011)

“Good medium-deep red-ruby. Wonderfully expressive nose melds redcurrant, cherry, minerals, tobacco, mocha and herbs, with hints of new oak and truffle. Silky and sweet, with mellow notes of truffle, tobacco and game. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins. (ST)” (05/2010)

“A very ripe style, pushing ripeness to the edge of pruny without being heavy. Rich, layered and full-bodied, turning elegant and gaining depth, with currant and blackberry fruit and fine-grained tannins. (JL)” (11/2009)