2012 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  We just had our first snow of the season, not much just a few inches, but it turned remarkably cold very fast - when I woke up this morning it was only 12!  So when it gets cold, that means you need a big, bold wine to help warm things up, so tonight I've decided to open up a bottle of 2012 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  Now this wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (79%), Merlot (17%), Cabernet Franc (2%) and Petit Verdot (2%), providing a little more complexity in the wine.

The wine is a beautiful deep ruby color in the glass, with a near inky appearance near the center.  The nose presents aromas of black raspberry, black currant, vanilla bean and a hint of leather.  The taste is really quite nice, as you experience some subdued black fruit up front, that smoothly transitions to some flavors of mocha and baking spice midpalate.  The finish is quite nice, with some smooth tannins supporting a long, voluptuous finish.

My house this morning, a winter wonderland though it's still autumn!

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a classic Napa Valley Cabernet from a strong vintage, but it's a bit young and could use some time in the cellar.  It's also not a tremendous value, though I found some of this wine locally for a little less than $57.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a classic Cabernet pairing of rare grilled Angus New York Strip, backed potato and grilled asparagus.  A hearty meal for a cold snowy evening!