The inky/purple-colored 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Mise en Place comes from the rocky east side of Oakville, and spent 24 months in French oak. Playing it closer to the vest than its siblings, with coaxing, it reveals some extraordinarily ripe, rich blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with hints of charcoal, scorched earth and wet rocks. It has tremendous upside potential, but at present it is the least flattering of the Textbook Cabernets. Full-bodied and powerful, it should turn out to be a beauty, but buyers should plan on deferring their gratification for 2-4 years. Watch the magic unfold over the following two decades.
The core of our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon comes from three carefully selected sites situated within the Rutherford, Calistoga and Carneros District AVA's. The Rutherford Cabernet site exemplifies its provenance with incredible density, color and the classic dusty Rutherford nose. The lot from the warm Calistoga AVA surprised us with its richness and Cabernet purity. Carneros added lift and aromas. Our Oakville District site again strutted its stuff, delivering color, high-quality grape tannin and aromatics in both Cabernet and Merlot. Mold and & botrytis poked their noses out in some areas of the valley, but we know very well how to avoid it by diligent harvest efforts. Collectively, TEXTBOOK 2011 showcases Napa Cab in a delicious, refined manner.
Lush and impeccably structured, this delicious medium-bodied Napa Valley Merlot exhibits an abundance of chocolate and berry notes with subtle hints of new French oak which adds a delightful spice element.