Memento Mori 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 98 Points

Robert Parker 98 Points: “Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon opens somewhat reluctantly with cedar and baking spice scents, eventually giving way to a tantalizing core of Black Forest cake, blackcurrant cordial and candied violets with a waft of black raspberries. The tightly wound, medium to full-bodied palate is taut with ripe black fruits and a fine-grained textured, delivering loads of perfumed layers on the long finish. Stunning.”

Winemaker Notes: “Incredibly elegant and polished, our 2019 ‘Flagship’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a composite blend of the five heritage vineyards we exclusively source from ~ Beckstoffer Dr. Crane, Beckstoffer Las Piedras, Vine Hill Ranch, Weitz Vineyard, and Oakville Ranch. Energetic waves of blackberry, boysenberry, cassis, cigar box, spiced mocha and clove leap out of the glass, continuing to expand and evolve with time. This wine is a decadent mixture of black, blue and red fruits that are supported by expressive minerality and cashmere-like tannins. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, you can taste the energy and tension of the vintage, while a firm structure of keen acidity and crushed rocks lead into an intoxicatingly long finish. Expressive in its youth, this wine will only get better with every year that passes.”

Tasting Notes: Winemaker Sam Kaplan sources from a range of stellar sites, many of them Beckstoffer, but also Vine Hill and Oakville Ranch. Together, they combine into a force of nature that is crisp and structured in red and black currant, coffee bean and toasted oak flavors that provide warmth, length and complexity. This powerful, structured and ultimately graceful wine will do well in the cellar; enjoy best 2029–2039.