2012 Cakebread "Benchland Select" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the flagship wines of Napa Valley is Cakebread’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville (27%) and Rutherford (73%), and aged 21 months in 52% new French oak, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color, lots of minerality, a hint of oak in the background, and abundant crème de cassis fruit. The wine is full-bodied with beautiful integration of acidity, tannin and wood. It is still youthful, but the opulent characteristic of the 2012s is well-displayed. This brilliant wine can be drunk early in life, or cellared for another 10-15+ years. (RP)