The Apasara Cabernet Amoenus 2014 is one of those Cabs that make me go WOW. No qualifications: All Napa Cab lovers will love this wine to pieces.
“Amoenus” is a hillside vineyard at the northern end of Napa Valley, just before it drops down to Knights Valley. Apsara’s Robin Akhurst buys enough grapes to make two barrels: 50 cases. I tasted this wine about a year ago and it was, understandably, a bit wound up. I tasted it with Robin on January 17. Here are my notes:
Smells of spicy cocoa and concentrated black and blueberries. Big impact of dark berry, cherry and cocoa flavor with cinnamon, cedar and ancho chili paste lurking in the back ground. Powerful and concentrated from start to finish. Fine tannins and a slender thread of acidity give this wine plenty of structure. Drink now through 2030.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Spent 18 months in French oak barrels, 75% new.
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Scotsman Robin Akhurst learned he loved wine while attending Edinburgh University. His wine journey took him to Provence, Burgundy, Barossa Valley and finally Napa Valley. Working next to and learning from great winemakers all along the way. He makes tiny lots of wine under his Apsara label (this “Amoenus” Cabernet case in point – 50 cases) while keeping his “day job” as winemaker at Clos Pegase and Swanson Vineyards. Robin is talented, modest, and dedicated to making delicious, honest wines that speak of their place. Doesn’t get any better than that.
Read all of my Apsara wine reviews HERE.
Discounts on Apsara wines available to Dan Dawson’s Wine Advisor members.
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