2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Kronos Wineyard 0,75 l Corison Napa Valley

Cool temperatures and rain in spring led to healthy vines through the growing season and relief for most growers after the previous vintage. Warm temperatures without excess heat led to an early growing season without heat spikes. Still-cool night-time temperatures allowed generally for good acid retention in the region. Generally, wines from the 2012 vintage are quite pretty and more friendly or fruit-forward, certainly compared with the earthier complexity of the previous two vintages and the structural depth of 2013. There is also typically a bit less structural presence in wines from the 2012 vintage, probably leading to less ageing potential than its neighbouring years. Ruby-black core to ruby edges. Star bright in the glass. Aromatics of redcurrant, black cherry and dark cocoa with hints of cedar and gunpowder. Bursting, expressive palate of mixed fruits and blooming roses – mixed citrus, crisp dark berries, redcurrant and pomegranate. Fine-grained tannin and balancing acidity. This is a lovely wine with the exotic elements of its neighbouring vintages, with plenty of presence and not quite the same degree of complexity. (ECB)

Spiced blackcurrant and blackberry bramble freshly sprinkled with cocoa powder and anise served with a side of black tea and toast. Ultra-fine tannins couple with mouth-watering acidity and a dusty-rock minerality for a long, palate-cleansing finish. Nicely persistent flavour shown through natural concentration and a resulting freshness. Will no doubt age and evolve well in bottle. (ECB)

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos presents a more intensely mineral and savory profile than the Napa Valley, with the opulence of the vintage pushed more into the background. Dried flowers, iron, spice, leather and mint add nuance. Ideally readers should give the 2012 at least a few years in bottle. Although attractive, today the 2012 appears to be going through an awkward phase in which it is less expressive than it was at the outset. With time in the glass, the 2012 starts to open up, but it needs more time in bottle. The 2012 is a big wine, but it is also quite vivid, full of detail and nuanced.