MayacamasCabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2015

Another stellar wine from Mayacamas, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon continues to be quite reticent, which is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects. Even so, the 2015 is dense, powerful and super-concentrated, with a level of finesse in its tannins that separates it from so many wines in this challenging vintage. Time in the glass brings out graphite, menthol, licorice, sage and spice notes that add a sense of gravitas. I would prefer to cellar the 2015 for at least a few years to allow some of the baby fat to melt away. I expect the 2015 will always remain an exotic, full-throttle wine relative to the norm here. I can´t wait to see how it ages.

Youthfully compact, with tightly wound black currant, bitter plum and dark blueberry notes, this needs time to meld with the charcoal, bay leaf and tar streaks, but the mouthwatering cut on the finish suggests that won´t be a problem. Offers a long echo of juniper at the end.

At first fairly inward, shut down and tannic, but after 30 minutes in the glass it softened and began to open up to reveal what is clearly a fantastic wine hiding in its shell. The classic Mayacamas mix of dark fruits, svelte tannins and saline character is here in full force, and this vintage is a perfect candidate to spend decades in the collection of any serious wine lover who values balance, craft and expression.

Deep ruby colour. Baked tomatoes and sweet cassis on the nose. Plump, rich and rounded on the palate, full of fleshy dark fruits and a hint of cedar and sweet spice. Approachable on account of the fine tannins.