- 96 points -
October 2016 (Vintage 2011)There's spice, blueberry and blackberry. Minty and minerally. Full-bodied and structured with powerful tannins and a long blueberry finish. Needs at least four or five years.
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NEAL FAMILY VINEYARDS
Cabernet Sauvignon
2012
- Regenerative Organic Alliance
- Organic
Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Napa
Varietal(s)
Cabernet Sauvignon
100 %
Alcohol percentage
14.5%
Colour
Red
Producer's website
About this winery
Neal Family Cab is a Liquid Art classic for many reasons. It is a top quality Napa Cab with an impeccable pedigree produced by one of the valley's great winegrowing families but, because the family is not predisposed to pandering to journalists, it tends to be un-reviewed, and therefore has no place in the pantheon of point scores. What we have here then is a wine lover's dream come true: an almost totally under-the-radar wine full of character and class that massively over-delivers for the...
See the NEAL FAMILY VINEYARDS detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
After the difficult 2010 and 2011 growing seasons, 2012 was well received by mostly all growers in Napa Valley. Summer temperatures were warm but not too hot, with cool nights both on the valley floor as well as at the mountain estate. There was the typical valley morning fog, but most days were sunny with moderate temperatures and no major heat waves or wet weather. Almost perfect late summer and early fall conditions created a fairly long harvest. It allowed fruit maturity to develop slowly, resulting in balanced chemistry and lovely flavors.
Tasting notes
Intense aromas of blackberry and red cherry fruit, spice and baked sugar tempered by subtle new French oak. Very deep in color with moderate to high velvety tannins, creating a firm, complex mouthful of flavors. The cherry and berry flavors mimic the aromas creating a sense of sweetness, although the wine is fermented dry. Youthful tannins and baking spices linger in a long, pleasant finish. Great for cellaring and benefits from short decanting.
Press reviews