The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Calistoga, Napa Valley

Varietal   Cabernet Sauvignon

Retail Price   $55

ABV   14.5%

Score   4.5 Stars/94 points

In the Glass

Deep, dark garnet red with hints of purple.

This Cab is very aromatic boasting scents of ripe blackberry, cassis, violets, plum, and black cherry with accents of allspice, anise, vanilla, and forest floor.

The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a dense and brawny core of fruit that is somewhat restrained but blossoms with aeration. The spice, earth, and fruit marriage is seamless with lingering notes of oak and cigar box.

Deep and dense with loads of flavors that both emerge with ease and those that are locked deep inside not revealing themselves for years to come while generous layers of tannins offer structure and length.

Cool Factor

I love small production Cabernet made with love and expression.

Value Grade

While not a bargain wine it is rather scarce (less than 600 cases made) and it is beautiful and cellar worthy.

Analysis

I've been a big fan of Barlow's wines since I first tasted their complex and delicious 2009 Cabernet. They tend to make wines that are rather hefty and worthy of cellaring and their 2012 Cabernet is no exception. This is a big wine that needs to be decanted to best enjoy and if you have the patience it will evolve beautifully over the next decade in your cellar. 94 points out of 100.

How to Enjoy

You need nothing but a glass but after you have decanted this sturdy Cab serve it with a roasted leg of lamb or wild boar.