Description
Winemaker Notes
As has been the case every year since 2013 when TOR started in this amazing site on Pritchard Hill, there is no mistaking Melanson in the line up of TOR Cabernets. There is always a more red fruited/brite side to Melanson as opposed to their West side Oakville Cabernets that are mostly black fruits. The dark fruit profile of 2018 makes this one of the darker Melanson we have ever made yet it still retains the intense mountain driven character that have made this a marquee site on Pritchard Hill.
Critical Acclaim
JD 95
Jeb Dunnuck
From a rock site on Pritchard Hill, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard has a killer bouquet of crushed stone, new leather, flowery incense, blackberries, and blackcurrants. Already complex and nuanced aromatically, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, expansive texture, plenty of ripe tannins, and a great finish. Give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following two decades. Rating: 95+
RP 95
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Greg Melanson’s vineyard on Pritchard Hill is very steep, with rows running up and down the hill directly across from Colgin Winery. Beyond Colgin, its rocky face looks down at Napa Valley’s floor. The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard is a little broody to begin, needing a good amount of swirling to reveal notes of chocolate-covered cherries, crème de cassis, molten licorice and preserved plums with hints of espresso, sautéed herbs and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with taut, muscular black fruit and supported by a firm foundation of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a lingering ferrous note.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.