The 2013 Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout wine from Napa Valley, California. This vintage, produced by VHR, has garnered significant praise from reviewers and is notable for its dense, complex profile.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine 96 points, describing it as a "prodigious Napa Cabernet Sauvignon" with an array of distinctive notes. Reviewer Robert M. Parker, Jr. highlighted its "creosote, camphor and burning embers" characteristics, likening them to a Graves-like character. The wine also features rich, creamy blackberry and cassis fruit, presenting a "multi-layered, dense, full-bodied texture and terrific finish." Parker noted that the tannins are slightly more dominant compared to the 2012 vintage but are sweet and creamy rather than harsh. He concluded by calling it "probably the finest wine they have ever made," suggesting a long drinking window extending over the next 30+ years.
Vinous provided an even higher score of 98 points, with Antonio Galloni remarking on its "magical" nature. Galloni noted that the wine exhibits signs of aromatic development, featuring "black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, spice, mocha, espresso, and grilled herbs." He described the wine as "decidedly dense, ripe and flamboyant," with significant tannins that are beginning to resolve. Galloni also pointed out the strong new oak imprint, indicating a more bombastic style compared to more refined modern examples from the estate.
Wine Spectator awarded the wine 94 points, emphasizing its dense profile with flavors of "Black Forest cake, espresso crema, mulled black currant and blackberry." The reviewer, identified as JM, noted a "gloss of sweet toast and a subtle violet note" along with a "twang of iron" that appears as the finish opens in the glass. They recommended enjoying this wine from 2024 through 2035.
Overall, the 2013 Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon is a highly acclaimed wine, praised for its complex, dense flavors and significant aging potential. Each review underscores its exceptional quality, making it a noteworthy choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike.