2013 Fairchild Cabernet Sauvignon George III

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon G-III is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from this Beckstoffer-owned vineyard. This was aged in 80% new French oak prior to bottling. Philippe Melka told me that the vines were 17 years old in 2013, and the wine reminded me somewhat of the Schrader Cabernet Sauvignons made by Thomas Rivers Brown. It is a great expression of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon – inky purple with notes of pen ink, graphite, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, a touch of toast and subtle charcoal. It is full-bodied, rich, multilayered and another terrific world-class quality 2013 to drink over the next three decades.