2013 Accendo Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

LP97 "The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, with 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot in the blend, comes mainly from Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard with some Missouri Hopper and a few others. Deep garnet in color, it charges out with bold notes of blackcurrant jelly, dried cherries, and sandalwood with hints of mint tea, unsmoked cigars, and dusty soil. The full-bodied palate has wonderful tension countering the richness of fruit and velvety tannins, finishing long and opulent." LPB for TWI Jan 2024

WS95 "This features a deep well of fruit -- and it's pretty gorgeous, with mulberry, plum and blackberry notes all mixed together. There's also subtle apple wood, licorice and black tea nuances in the background, plus a solid spine providing support through the finish. A very well-rendered wine that's set up for a bit more evolution too. Blind 2013 California Cabernet retrospective (February 2023). Drink now through 2035. 550 cases made." JM for WS Sept 2023

Lisa Perrotti-Brown for RobertParker.com writes, "Accendo Cellars is Bart and Daphne Araujo’s new project, following the incredible success and eventual sale of Araujo Estate, now known as Eisele Vineyard after the property’s jewel vineyard that dates back to the 1800s, which was purchased by Francois Pinault of Chateau Latour fame in 2013. So, what could the Araujo’s possibly do for a follow-up act to reestablishing one of Napa Valley’s most historic, iconic single vineyards? They decided to take inspiration from another era in Napa’s rich history—that of the mid-twentieth century, when blending wines from vineyards throughout the valley was the norm. The Araujos explained that Accendo Cellars is about getting back to “old style Napa,” somewhat in spite of global warming. They wanted to achieve wines of restraint and elegance by being able to bring in fruit earlier, but they also wanted to achieve all the layers and complexity possessed by the greatest wines of the world. They have thus far selected to work with several vineyards, including Sleeping Lady, Vine Hill Ranch and Oakville Ranch, to produce their first efforts. The blending process is overseen by none other than master-blender Michel Rolland. Bravo to the Araujos and Rolland for, in particular, superbly capturing the best of the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage attributes so singularly and poignantly!" Published: Dec 29, 2017