2012 Odette "Reserve" Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon

“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is absolutely pure gold, and the only downside is that there were just 300-500 cases produced. Brilliant, showstopping aromatics of cassis, blueberries, tobacco, iron, cured meats, and camphor just about jump out of the glass, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth. Deep, layered, seamless, and flawless are all the buzzwords here. Count yourself lucky if you have bottles of this elixir in the cellar. Bravo. I like it today yet see no reason it shouldn‘t continue to evolve for another 15 years if well stored.” (02/2023)

“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) is off-the-charts, mind-blowing. Absolutely opaque purple color, a stunning nose of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, a full-bodied skyscraper-like textural extravaganza, luxurious ripeness, freshness and fruit. It’s a big wine at 15.4% natural alcohol, but you’d never know that if it weren’t on the label, as everything is beautifully married in one harmonious, glorious wine. The wine has an almost endless finish of 45-50 seconds that just hints at its ultimate potential. If you have discipline, put it away for 3-4 years and watch it unfold and develop for at least two decades. (RP)” (10/2014)

“Odette's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve takes things to another level, with a dazzling interplay of ripe fruit, tannin and acidity. Dark raspberry jam, wild flowers, cinnamon and rose petals blossom in the glass as this radiant, super-expressive Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its personality and class. The addition of 20% Merlot in the blend contributes to the wine's radiant, silky personality. What a gorgeous Cabernet this is. (AG)” (12/2014)

“This is real head-turner, offering a mix of rich, dark, pure fruit and jazzy, mocha-laced oak with firm yet graceful tannins and a long, pure finish. Ends as the tannins gain traction. (JL)” (10/2015)