Pulido-Walker
Melanson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard emerges mostly from upper blocks on this site, a striking hillside that faces Colgin, where the steep exposure can yield wines of tremendous pedigree. That is exactly what comes through here. Inky red/purplish fruit, spice, rose petal, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco meld together effortlessly, with silky tannins that wrap it all up. Bold and luscious, but with tremendous nuance, the Melanson Cabernet is a total stunner in 2018. As I have written in the past, farming here has improved tremendously in recent years. This is another superb example of the quality that this site is capable of. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown gave the 2018 a relatively short 10 days on the skins. I imagine he thought the site would take care of the rest. It's hard to argue with that. The 2018 is off the charts great. Don't miss it. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2021)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard emerges mostly from upper blocks on this site, a striking hillside that faces Colgin, where the steep exposure can yield wines of tremendous pedigree. That is exactly what comes through here. Inky red/purplish fruit, spice, rose petal, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco meld together effortlessly, with silky tannins that wrap it all up. Bold and luscious, but with tremendous nuance, the Melanson Cabernet is a total stunner in 2018. As I have written in the past, farming here has improved tremendously in recent years. This is another superb example of the quality that this site is capable of. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown gave the 2018 a relatively short 10 days on the skins. I imagine he thought the site would take care of the rest. It's hard to argue with that. The 2018 is off the charts great. Don't miss it. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2021)
Very balanced. 2018!, so was a bit tight but drank easily as it opened up . V nice
Very balanced. 2018!, so was a bit tight but drank easily as it opened up . V nice
Jul 1st, 2022
2018 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 3.5 hours. Super dark color. Spicy berry and ripe plum nose. Medium body. Plenty of nuance. Mocha/coffee grounds/maple syrup finish. Let the flame wars commence…
2018 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 3.5 hours. Super dark color. Spicy berry and ripe plum nose. Medium body. Plenty of nuance. Mocha/coffee grounds/maple syrup finish. Let the flame wars commence…
Dec 12th, 2021