TOR Melanson Vineyard Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
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Jeb Dunnuck
From a rock site on Pritchard Hill, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard has a killer bouquet of crushed stone, new leather, flowery incense, blackberries, and blackcurrants. Already complex and nuanced aromatically, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, expansive texture, plenty of ripe tannins, and a great finish. Give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following two decades. Rating: 95+
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Greg Melanson’s vineyard on Pritchard Hill is very steep, with rows running up and down the hill directly across from Colgin Winery. Beyond Colgin, its rocky face looks down at Napa Valley’s floor. The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard is a little broody to begin, needing a good amount of swirling to reveal notes of chocolate-covered cherries, crème de cassis, molten licorice and preserved plums with hints of espresso, sautéed herbs and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with taut, muscular black fruit and supported by a firm foundation of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a lingering ferrous note.
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2021-
Robert
Parker -
James
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Wilfred
Wong - Vinous
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.