Sparkman Kingpin Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
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James
Suckling -
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Spectator -
Wine &
Spirits -
Robert
Parker
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
On the attack an explosion of black currants, black cherry, black plum, violets, cigar box and cedar leads to a cashmere textured phantasmagoria of black fruits, mocha, cinnamon and minerals. Iron fisted, velvet gloved Cabernet Sauvignon from Klipsun Vineyards on Red Mountain and a pinch of high elevation Olsen Vineyard Petit Verdot merge to create Kingpin with its trademark power, depth and richness. Built to deliver the goods in its youth and to evolve beautifully for decades.
Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of iodine and cedar are soaked with ripe plums and blackcurrants. The palate has a very smooth and even shape and delivers a cool, long and complete impression of ripe, concentrated yet elegant cabernet. Plum-stone finish. A blend of 94% cabernet sauvignon and 6% petit verdot.
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Wine Spectator
Tightly knit and well-structured, with slightly brooding black cherry, crushed stone and dusty herb flavors that persist toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2020 through 2026.
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Wine & Spirits
The cabernet comes from Klipsun, with a small amount of petit verdot from Olsen. It starts out powerful and dark, with a heady, almost ashy, scent, like figs roasted in a fire. The flavors are sleek and pure, that ash component lending complexity and depth, with the ripeness and grip for smoked pork ribs.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Kingpin has sweet red fruit on the nose—black cherry and black plum—with spices and flowers. The wine is ripe on the palate, with a plummy and fresh edge that evolves into a black peppercorn expression with raspberry compote. This is open and ready to drink, showing a bold, juicy finish with just enough complexity. 337 cases made.
Other Vintages
2019-
James
Suckling -
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Spectator
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Wine
Spectator -
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Enthusiast -
James
Suckling
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James
Suckling -
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Spectator -
Robert
Parker
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Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
As the first recognized wine-growing region in the Pacific Northwest, Yakima Valley is centrally located within Washington’s vast Columbia Valley. The region also includes Washington’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, Otis Vineyard, planted in 1957, and Harrison Hill Vineyard, planted in 1963. Yakima Valley contains three smaller sub-regions: Rattlesnake Hills, Red Mountain, and Snipes Mountain and is ideal for both red and white wine production. In fact, Yakima Valley is Washington’s most diverse region, boasting more than 40 different grape varieties over about one hundred miles.
The cooler parts of the valley are home to almost half of the Chardonnay and Riesling produced in the state! Both are made in a wide range of styles depending on the conditions of the vineyard site.
But its warmer locations yield a large proportion of Washington’s best Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The finest Yakima Valley reds are jam-packed full of red cherry, currant, raspberry or blackberry fruit, as well as cocoa, herb, spice and savory notes, and exhibit a supple texture, great body, focus and length.