2015 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga always comes from the Larkmead vineyard just north of Calistoga. Aged 20 months in 80% new French oak, its deep purple color is followed by a sweet bouquet of cassis, blackberry jam, liquid violets, and brambly spice. Pure, opulent, and incredibly sexy, it stays elegant and graceful on the palate with awesome purity of fruit. Drink it anytime over the coming 2+ decades. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown has hit a home run with latest releases from his Rivers Marie label, which is a collaboration with Genevieve Marie Welsh started in 2002. These are big, rich, concentrated wines, yet like everything Brown is involved with, the wines are pure, perfectly balanced, and have a seamless texture that can be hard to describe. And as Napa Valley wines goes, these remain reasonably priced and should be snatched up by readers.