2020 Morlet "Passionnément" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L)

“There are just 250 cases of the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Passionnement, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon barrel selection dominated by fruit from Coeur de Vallée in Oakville but containing small contributions from the estate vineyards in Saint Helena and Knights Valley. Scents of ripe raspberries, dark chocolate and black cherries are joined by gentle floral notes on the nose, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, supple and silky, finishing long and elegant, sculpted by soft, dusty tannins and mouthwatering freshness. This is terrific stuff from a vintage in which greatness was clearly achievable in rare instances. (JC)” (10/2024)

“Luc Morlet’s 2020 Passionnément is a blend of three terroirs. The backbone of this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Couer de Valle, the Morlet’s estate vineyard in Oakville. At the same time, the Morlet Estate in St. Helena lends vibrancy, rounded out by savoury qualities courtesy of the Mon Chevalier vineyard in Knights Valley. Gorgeous aromatics merge all three, leading with heady cassis and black currant notes intermixed with dark black fruits, cedarwood and garrigue. Full-bodied, intense with a saline freshness and layers of crunch red and silky ripe black fruits, rich loamy earth, cigar box, and a plethora of dried florals and herbs on an exceedingly long finish. (JC)” (06/2023)

“The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Passionnement is probably my favorite of the 2020s and brings more sweetness of fruit and depth than just about any other wine I've tasted in the vintage. Cassis, darker currants, graphite, spicy oak, and some floral notes all define this full-bodied, deep, layered, textured 2020. I love it today, yet I see no reason it shouldn't have 15 years or more of longevity. If there's a "wow" wine in 2020, this is it.” (12/2023)

“The single-varietal 2020 Passionnement Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color. After a little shaking, notes of creme de cassis, black cherry preserves, and blackberry pie emerge cautiously from the glass, followed by a fragrant undercurrent of graphite, damp soil, and black olives. The medium to full-bodied palate is tightly knit at this youthful stage, with savory and mineral layers and a firm, grainy texture backed by just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy. (LPB)” (02/2024)

“The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Passionnément, a selection of the best barrels in the cellar, is impressive. Blackberry jam, graphite, spice, new leather, menthol and cedar build nicely in an attractive, medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. All the elements are in the right place. (AG)” (12/2023)