As a welcome departure to the challenges they faced due to drought, rain, frost, heat, and fires earlier in the decade, 2019 was a dream vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon producers in Napa Valley. To work in harmony with nature, the steady weather conditions and long growing season allowed winemakers the luxury of letting pure fruit flavors fully develop before the clusters were picked. The end result is a brilliant series of stylish, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon selections that are opulent and showy at first, becoming richer and more complex as the flavors develop in the glass. To explore the Cabernet characteristics from the 2019 vintage and commemorate the 25-Year Anniversary of the boutique Michael-Scott brand, this limited release is made with ultra-premium fruit grown in the historic winegrowing region of Calistoga at the north end of Napa Valley.
With a seductive dark red hue, the wine captures attention the moment it hits the glass. On the nose, the characteristics of the grape, the vintage and the winemaker's touch are intertwined with sultry scents of dark fruits, wild berries and ripe fig underpinned with hints of licorice, dark chocolate, savory spices, and cigar box. To showcase the traits of the vintage on the palate, the wine is robust, youthful and bursting with natural energy at first. But as the flavors continue to expand, the fresh, vibrant fruit notes of black cherry, blackberry, fresh currants, and ripe plum become richer as they harmonize with hints of cassis, fresh sage, mocha, cinnamon, and a kiss of fine French oak, which add more depth to the profile and length to the finish. As the wine opens up, these complex flavors are underscored by the bright acidity, smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture that makes every sip count. Decadent, sophisticated and age worthy: An outstanding offering from the 2019 vintage.
