2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

For the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, we chose to showcase fruit from Tourmaline Vineyards in Coombsville and the McFadden Vineyard in the Atlas Peak AVA, with a touch of Petit Verdot and Malbec sourced from the Hossfeld Vineyards, tucked high among the craggy peaks of the Stags Leap District.  This pairing of cool-region and mountain fruit offers layers of dark fruit, mouth-watering acid and a long, rich finish. The addition of Merlot complements the mid-palate while softening the wine’s profile; Petit Verdot adds color depth and tannin; and the Cabernet Franc and Malbec provide a lush, elegant mouth-feel, rich layers of dark fruit and powerful aromatics.

The PATEL 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed in its youth with a little decanting, or cellared for enjoyment in years to come.

Of the vintage, Robert Parker Jr. said:
Grapes, much like people, mature and flourish under ideal conditions, and the 2012 vintage provided that….in 2012 the results tended to produce wines that are far more classic California in style, with exuberant, boisterous, even flamboyant personalities, sweet, well-integrated tannins, intense fruit extract…It is nearly impossible to find a 2012 that is not showing well. 

Patel's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon PATEL is soft, pretty and nuanced, with underbrush, sweet tobacco and brambly notes that add complexity. Drink this forward, fruit-driven Cabernet over the next few years, while the fruit retains its brightness and silkiness.
~ 91 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com