2015 Accendo Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

RP97+ "Produced from 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up profound wild blueberries, freshly crushed blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries scents with suggestions of Chinese five spice, Sichuan pepper, bay leaves and lavender plus a savory touch of yeast extract. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with expressive, multilayered blue and black fruits, all supported by ripe, fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long with a compelling earthiness coming through." LPB for TWA Dec 2017

AG97 "The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is plump, juicy and wonderfully expressive. Super ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha, cinnamon, new leather and spice flesh out in a racy, radiant Cabernet Sauvignon endowed with tremendous depth and resonance. Easygoing and inviting, the 2016 will drink well upon release and for many years to follow." AG for VM Dec 2018
"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!" LPB for TWA Published: Dec 29, 2017