2013 & 2014 Grassi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Lot

“A dark, sensual wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon graces the palate with expressive blue and dark red fruit, cinnamon, cloves, licorice, menthol and new leather. Drink this bold, racy Cabernet over the next decade or so. The 2013 offers a fabulous combination of concentration, mid-palate depth and intensity, but with silky tannins that give it tons of near and medium-term appeal. The 2013 finishes with striking freshness and a closing note of sweet French oak. (AG)” (10/2015)

“This is an upgrade from the already excellent 2012. Lots of graphite, tar and dark berry aromas and flavors. Full body and chewy tannins that are polished and beautiful.” (05/2016)

“A rustic, rich and juicy style, with racy blackberry and currant flavors that are tempered by toasty, cedary oak, turning to mocha and crushed rock details on the finish. (JL)” (07/2016)

“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from hillside vineyards in Soda Canyon, is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc aged 20 months in about two-thirds new French oak. The wine displays notes of roasted herbs, white chocolate, blackcurrant, dusty and loamy soil undertones and an elegant, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel with nicely integrated wood, acidity and tannin. It is not the most complex, but it’s youthful, still coiled relatively tight and probably will evolve for 15-20 years. (RP)” (10/2015)

“Mixed wild-berry bramble with natural fruit spice on the nose carries to the palate with a pleasing combination of natural spices and mixed rock minerality. Light accents of cracked pepper. There is a pleasing flavour and weight throughout here – the wine offers an easy density that feels as if it comes more from good fruit concentration off the vine than over-extraction in the cellar. Supple, persistent tannins and mouth-watering length. Delicious. 17.5/20 points (ECB)” (06/2016)

“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a dense, dark wine for the year, although stylistically, the Grassi Cabernets are medium in body and overall structure by Napa Valley standards. Lavender, sage, savory herbs, menthol and underbrush notes build into the juicy, pliant finish. This bold, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon will drink well with minimal cellaring. Dollops of Merlot and Cabernet Franc round out the blend. (AG)” (12/2016)

“The other wine I tasted comes from their five-acre Cabernet vineyard planted in 2001 on Soda Canyon Road, just south of Stags Leap. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (600 cases from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Merlot) is a finesse style of Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of blackcurrants, white chocolate and a touch of barrique in a medium to full-bodied style with moderate tannins and an overall sense of elegance and discretion. (RP)” (10/2016)