Christened in tribute to the patriarch of Baldacci Household Vineyards and father to winemaker Michael Baldacci, this Cabernet Sauvignon is the beneficiary of grapes harvested from Baldacci’s high two vineyards, situated within the Stags Leap and Diamond Mountain districts and thoroughly chosen to showcase the variety of regional terroir. It’s matured for 22 months utilizing rigorously chosen oak from the forests of France, leading to 100% new French oak barriques that, together with a proprietary oak and barrel toasting profile, give this a advantage of distinction going one step above that of Baldacci’s conventional processes.
Pouring into the glass, there’s an instantaneous presentation of darkish cherry and vanilla. Time is important to let this reveal its fullest charms, and endurance is rewarded with notes of black currant and slight wisps of cedar and vanilla peeking out and in, the barrel and growing old course of actually enjoying their dutiful roles. Whereas issues are delightfully layered at first, it doesn’t present any alerts or preparation for the wealthy palate, ripe with blackberry and plum however complemented by layer after beneficiant layer of espresso, darkish chocolate, and baking spice. Balanced in acidity, the palate is framed by extremely fine-grained tannins serving to to ship texture with out overpowering. The stability of fruit and oak pushes on by means of a persistent and silky end that’s extremely satisfying, with a gentle word of tobacco leaf hanging round because it finishes.
Far too typically, wineries current an expression christened as a “flagship” or “marquee” bottle with little or no distinction from the rest of its choices. That is very a lot an exception to that rule, because the Thomas Assortment stands atop an already spectacular portfolio. Like a masterclass efficiency from John Coltrane on the Village Vanguard or Keith Jarrett in Köln, it is a wine restrained in refined class and energy, firing absolutely on all cylinders and disciplined in supply. It may very nicely be probably the greatest Napa Valley reds to emanate from the area in recent times. Don’t hesitate or deliberate in case you are ever lucky to have in your presence a soul beneficiant sufficient to supply to open a bottle. Extraordinary stuff.
A / $1000 for 3 bottles
2018 Baldacci Vineyards Thomas Assortment Cabernet Sauvignon
$333
