J. Lohr 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carol's Vyd., St. Helena, Napa Valley

Founded more than three decades ago by Jerry Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines crafts an array of acclaimed wines from estate grapes. Known primarily for their Central Coast wines, this Cab is from their Napa Valley vineyard in St. Helena, prime terroir for Cabernet. The vineyard is about 20 acres of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot; well-drained, gravelly, sandy loam soil and ideal conditions bring concentrated ripe fruit. This is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Petit Verdot and aged 17 months in French oak barrels -75% new. Wine Spectator scored this 91 points saying "Distinctive for its elegance and finesse, with a pure core of Cabernet shaded by spicy, toasty oak and supported by fine-grained, earthy tannins, along with a woody scent. Drink now through 2028." Wine Review Online scored this 93 saying "The Carol’s Vineyard bottling from St. Helena conveys the power and elegance you’d expect from Napa Valley Cabernet.  It’s a lush combination of tarry nuances, black fruit flavors all enrobed by suave unobtrusive tannins." and it scored 95 points in the Ultimate Wine Challenge who deemed it "Extraordinary" and said "Deep, dark, and enveloping nose of toasted cocoa nibs, boysenberry pie, game meats, and white pepper. The palate is sultry and rich with luscious dark fruit, crushed violets, pepper, and sage. Decadent, full-bodied, rich experience."