2015 Accendo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
SKU #1393592
97 points
Wine Advocate
Produced from 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up profound wild blueberries, freshly crushed blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries scents with suggestions of Chinese five spice, Sichuan pepper, bay leaves and lavender plus a savory touch of yeast extract. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with expressive, multilayered blue and black fruits, all supported by ripe, fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long with a compelling earthiness coming through. (LPB) 97+
(12/2017)
97 points
Vinous
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is plump, juicy and wonderfully expressive. Super ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha, cinnamon, new leather and spice flesh out in a racy, radiant Cabernet Sauvignon endowed with tremendous depth and resonance. Easygoing and inviting, the 2015 will drink well upon release and for many years to follow. (AG)
(12/2018)
95 points
Wine Spectator
Offers ample fruit, as creamy boysenberry, blackberry and blueberry notes glide through easily, framed liberally with warm cocoa and vanilla details and ending with a long, polished feel. Subtle mint and tobacco elements peek through at the very end, keeping this nicely grounded. Fruit-driven but built to last. (JM)
(7/2019)
94 points
James Suckling
This is perfumed and extremely complex with a dark-berry, floral character and hints of chocolate and tile. Lots of blackcurrants, too. Full-bodied, firm and silky with spicy and earthy undertones. Very long and pretty. Shows finesse.
(5/2018)
92 points
Decanter
After selling Araujo Estate and Eisele Vineyard, Bart and Daphne Araujo purchased a turnkey winery in St Helena and created Accendo. Their 2015 Cab is in the opulent style of Araujo, yet dialed back a bit with less new oak. It boasts plump dark fruit, hints of chocolate and barrel char, and lively acidity. (LM)
(7/2018)
K&L Notes
Producer note from Lisa Perrotti-Brown for Wine Advocate: “Accendo Cellars is Bart and Daphne Araujo’s new project, following the incredible success and eventual sale of Araujo Estate, now known as Eisele Vineyard after the property’s jewel vineyard that dates back to the 1800s, which was purchased by Francois Pinault of Chateau Latour fame in 2013. So, what could the Araujo’s possibly do for a follow-up act to reestablishing one of Napa Valley’s most historic, iconic single vineyards? They decided to take inspiration from another era in Napa’s rich history—that of the mid-twentieth century, when blending wines from vineyards throughout the valley was the norm. The Araujos explained that Accendo Cellars is about getting back to 'old style Napa,' somewhat in spite of global warming. They wanted to achieve wines of restraint and elegance by being able to bring in fruit earlier, but they also wanted to achieve all the layers and complexity possessed by the greatest wines of the world. They have thus far selected to work with several vineyards, including Sleeping Lady, Vine Hill Ranch and Oakville Ranch, to produce their first efforts. The blending process is overseen by none other than master-blender Michel Rolland. Bravo to the Araujos and Rolland for, in particular, superbly capturing the best of the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage attributes so singularly and poignantly!” (12/2007)