I found some variance in the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville with one bottle being more medium-bodied and midweight, and a second bottle (which was used for the review here) showing much more depth and richness. Blackcurrants, roasted herbs, toasted spice and cedar pencil notes all give way to a full-bodied, concentrated, hedonistic 2013 that has enough concentration and depth to keep for two decades. As with the Rutherford release, there’s a tiny amount of this available (85 cases).

The real stars are Aiken’s Cabernet Sauvignons, of which there are two, one from Oakville and one from Rutherford. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, which is 100% Oakville Ranch and 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 70% new French oak, comes from the red hillside soils on the Napa’s east side -- the lower Vaca Mountains. This wine exhibits plenty of Christmas fruitcake, baking spices, licorice, incense, and black and red currant fruit. It is medium to full-bodied, Pauillac-like, and has good, sweet tannin in the finish. Drink it over the next 15+ years. - RP