Levy & McClellan Red 2012
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon has lived up to the early optimism it enjoyed from barrel. A broodingly backward, mountain-styled Cabernet Sauvignon, its level of concentration and formidable mass is admirable. It boasts an inky/purple color along with notes of crème de cassis, blackberries, subtle barbecue smoke and graphite. Full-bodied with sweet tannin and the vintage hallmarks of lusciousness, extravagant richness and depth without being heavy or tiring, this fabulous effort is one of the more drinkable wines from Levy & McClellan to date. It should last for 25-30 years.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.