Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California
14.4 % Alcohol
Tasted 2017-05-29
Medium ruby red; some light rims. Restrained wild berries presented in a harmonious way. A little bit of bacon; in the background notes of an odorous smoking lounge. On the palate melting fruits I never recognized before. Long, animating with an aristocratic freshness. Terrific.
This reserve Cab improved dramatically since I tasted it the first time in October 2016 at the winery. Already at this time the wine was very good but far away from the "World Series" level on which it presents itself at the moment. The comparison with the MLB is not by accident. In case your team will reach the "World Series" in 2017 or in the next ten years the Cab is a nice alternative for celebration. Of course as part of an adequate BBQ.
Sunday, June 11. 2017
2012 Trefethen Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Knoll District Reserve (96/100)
2012 Ad Vivum Cabernet Sauvignon (93+/100)
Napa Valley, North Coast, California
14.8 % Alcohol
Tasted 2017-06-05
Deep, dark cherry red with some light rims. Extremely young. Lots of blackberries, very dark chocolate and a hint of mocha. The tannins are already well-integrated, but the youthfulness of the wine is obvious. While the wine offers nice creaminess, a certain aggressivity is given. Typical for young Napa Cabs. However the finish is long and smooth with an animating tone of Darjeeling. Fascinating.
The slogan behind this wine project is "AD VIVUM, where wine and life meet". Ad Vivum is a cooperation between well-known winemaker Chris Phelps and fifth-generation farmer Larry Bettinelli, who is the owner of the Sleeping Lady Vineyard just south of Yountville - the source of this Cab. The name shall express the "mystical intersection of wine and life" by the Latin words AD (toward) and VIVUM (Vivere, to live plus Vinum, wine).
One can argue that any new wine project is looking for a slogan for promotional reasons. But it seems to me that the situation here is different. Why? Because the Ad Vivum is not another big, bold Cab. Although the wine has nearly 15 % alcohol, a royal elegance is given. Far away from the usual "give me a lot of points after five seconds tasting" attitude. This wine needs time. A lot of time. And as I mentioned before patience is needed. Wait another two years or decant it for a minimum of three hours. Total lifetime 15 years plus.
At the moment I would pair the 2012 Ad Vivum with braised lamb shoulder. The hearty version!
14.8 % Alcohol
Tasted 2017-06-05
Deep, dark cherry red with some light rims. Extremely young. Lots of blackberries, very dark chocolate and a hint of mocha. The tannins are already well-integrated, but the youthfulness of the wine is obvious. While the wine offers nice creaminess, a certain aggressivity is given. Typical for young Napa Cabs. However the finish is long and smooth with an animating tone of Darjeeling. Fascinating.
The slogan behind this wine project is "AD VIVUM, where wine and life meet". Ad Vivum is a cooperation between well-known winemaker Chris Phelps and fifth-generation farmer Larry Bettinelli, who is the owner of the Sleeping Lady Vineyard just south of Yountville - the source of this Cab. The name shall express the "mystical intersection of wine and life" by the Latin words AD (toward) and VIVUM (Vivere, to live plus Vinum, wine).
One can argue that any new wine project is looking for a slogan for promotional reasons. But it seems to me that the situation here is different. Why? Because the Ad Vivum is not another big, bold Cab. Although the wine has nearly 15 % alcohol, a royal elegance is given. Far away from the usual "give me a lot of points after five seconds tasting" attitude. This wine needs time. A lot of time. And as I mentioned before patience is needed. Wait another two years or decant it for a minimum of three hours. Total lifetime 15 years plus.
At the moment I would pair the 2012 Ad Vivum with braised lamb shoulder. The hearty version!
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