2013 Ovid Red

This tasting reinforces my view that the 2013 is the most complete Ovid yet. Dark, powerful and vertical in its sense of structure, the 2013 possesses terrific intensity, with a backbone of firm tannin that will allow the wine to age gracefully for many years. I wouldn’t dream of touching a bottle before age ten. Vivid and exceptionally balanced, the 2013 Ovid captures all the pedigree that is such a signature of this great Napa Valley vintage.

A red with blackberry and licorice aromas and flavors. Hints of coffee. Medium to full body, firm and chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Solid red here. Muscular.

The 2013 Proprietary Red, a slightly different blend from the 2012 of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc, is a much smaller production of 350 cases. This wine, which ratchets up the level of intensity, has an opaque purple color and a beautiful nose of blackberry, blueberry and cassis as well as hints of espresso, white flowers, and subtle background toast. The wine hits the palate with a cascade of gorgeous fruit, sweet tannin, great delineation and acidity, and a long, velvety, voluptuously textured mouthfeel. This big, inky, thick, juicy wine should age beautifully for 25-30 years.