2013 Pott Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Horizontal

“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Turf War Bisagno Vineyard flirts with perfection. This comes from a parcel of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a hillside near Ann Colgin’s Tychson Hill Vineyard. Opaque purple, with floral notes intermixed with graphite, blackcurrant, blueberry and licorice, the wine is rich, full-bodied, with stunning purity, texture and length. This is a beauty to drink over the next 20-25 years. Aaron Pott is obviously a super-talented winemaker who seems to have a bright future ahead of him. He is buying fruit from interesting sources and turning them into exciting wines. There are not large quantities of any of these wines, but readers would be best served to get on the mailing list and try some of the ones that sound most interesting to them. (RP)” (10/2015)

“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Turf War is one of the most reticent wines in this lineup, but I am inclined to think that is largely a reflection of the vintage and where the wine is in its evolution given the generally open personality of this site on the northern edge of St. Helena. With time in the glass layers of intense dark fruit gradually open up. At once powerful yet also pliant and sensual, the Turf War has a lot to say, but patience is going to be essential. In 2013 Turf War is quite a bit more reserved than the 2012 was at the same stage of its life. (AG)” (12/2014)

“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Actaeon, from the Quixote vineyard in Stags Leap, opens with intriguing, intensely floral aromatics. Rose petal, mint, lavender, hard candy and spices lift from the glass, followed by red cherry, plum, pomegranate, white pepper overtones. This is one of the more distinctive wines in Aaron Pott's range. (AG)” (10/2015)

“From farther south in Napa Valley, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Actaeon Quixote Vineyard shows a crisper, more feminine side, with ripe red and blackcurrant fruit, and hints of toast, Christmas fruitcake and tobacco leaf. It clearly comes across as a cooler-climate stye of Cabernet Sauvignon compared to the Bisagno and Starr vineyards Cabernets. The wine has good acidity, richness and should age nicely for at least 20 years. (RP)” (10/2015)

“A sleek, elegant style, with understated elegance, featuring a supple, graceful core of zesty raspberry, wild berry, spice and anise flavors. Offers juicy acidity and a long, clean finish. Should age beautifully. (JL)” (10/2016)

“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Her Majesty’s Secret Service is another selection of Aaron Pott from the Stagecoach Vineyard. It shows terrific intensity and world-class complexity, with blue and black fruits intermixed with crushed rock and spring flowers. The wine has stunning purity, a dense, full-bodied mouthfeel and moderate tannins in the finish. This is a long-term wine that’s coiled tight at present, but promises to unwind over the next 5-7 years and drink well for three decades or more. Aaron Pott is obviously a super-talented winemaker who seems to have a bright future ahead of him. He is buying fruit from interesting sources and turning them into exciting wines. (RP)” (10/2015)

“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Her Majesty's Secret Service is powerful, dense and tannic, all signatures of the Stagecoach vineyard on Atlas Peak. Inky blue and purplish fruit, iron, smoke, tobacco and graphite fill out the wine's ample frame effortlessly. This large-scale, super-expressive Cabernet Sauvignon exudes personality. (AG)” (10/2015)

“Weaves together a charming, supple mix of currant, herb, tobacco, mocha, crushed rock and road tar notes that hang through the long, persistent finish. (JL)” (08/2016)