Saturday, June 6, 2026

2013 RJV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's the first Saturday of a new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday, that magical time where I open a bottle from the cellar at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out, but it's been in the cellar for nearly a decade since I bought it.  The 2013 Robert John Vineyard (RJV) Cabernet Sauvignon (RJV) Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the D'Ambrosio Vineyard in the Coombsville AVA of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

2013 RJV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine is an inky black at the center, with deep ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of big jammy fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant amid notes of oak, tawny fruit and enticing spice.  The first sip is a clash of flavors, with earthy tar and limestone crashing against ripe blackberry and cassis amid undertones of tawny port before transitioning to some earthy limestone and mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued yet still supportive of the long, smooth dry finish of a classic Napa Cabernet.

Pan seared filet mignon over béarnaise sauce with steamed asparagus and mushroom farro

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5 as I think it may be just a bit past its prime.  This wine would pair well with just about any big, hearty dish, from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, mushroom pasta to smoked beef brisket.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic pan seared filet mignon over béarnaise sauce with steamed asparagus and mushroom farro.  Cheers!



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