2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
While the 2018 came close to being vegetal, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon crosses that line into bell-pepper territory. There is ample cassis fruit to (sort of) balance things out, and the tannins are reasonably supple, leading into a silky finish, but this medium-bodied effort is difficult for this taster to fully enjoy. If those vegetal notes turn more cedary with age, my rating will seem stingy—and I suspect the style will have some fans—but I don't see it.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Leading off the reds, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District has lots of cedar, green bean, and both red and black fruits in a medium-bodied, nicely balanced package. You have to be pretty tolerant of green aromas and flavors to enjoy this, although it does have sweet fruit and a solid texture on the palate. It's too green for me.
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is fabulous. Rich, deep and intensely savory, the 2019 is a delight. Inky dark fruit, espresso, chocolate, licorice, plum and dried herbs all saturate the palate. Floral notes extend the finish. This powerful Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon offers tons of character in a style that balances Napa Valley ripeness with mountain savoriness. It will appeal most to readers with classically leaning palates.