Producer | Ulysses |
Country | United States |
Region | California |
Subregion | Napa Valley |
Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
Vintage | 2013 |
Sku | 01639 |
Size | 750ml |
Fabulous subtle aromas of black currants, violets and lilacs with a hot stone undertone. Full-bodied and dense, it shows such wonderful energy and synergy that delivers a firm yet gentle tannin backbone and complex mouthfeel that seduces you. Evolves wonderfully. Second wine from this new estate, which is owned by Christian Moueix of Dominus and Bordeaux. Release is March 2017.
Wild notes of briary blackberry, red plum and elderberry are complemented by rich earth and herbs in the bouquet of the 2013 Ulysses, the second vintage for Christian Mouiex's new project in south-western Oakville. On the palate the wine is dense, juicy and firmly structured, with a compelling sense of balance and tension. Contrasting this with the 2013 Dominus over the coming decades will be fascinating.
Gravel, smoke, graphite, savory herbs, tobacco and iron are some of the signatures in the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. A typical wine from the eastern sector of Oakville on the border with Yountville, the 2013 is loaded with feral, savory notes, while the expression of blue/blackish fruit lies a bit more in the background. In 2013, the main signature is an expression of structure that is both vertical but also incredibly insistent through to the finish. In other words, this is a super-classic 2013 built for the cellar.
This shows the intense extraction of the vintage without becoming overextracted, as the dark plum, boysenberry reduction and fig paste flavors are encased in an ample, yet polished and refined, structure. The long finish shows terrific cut, keeping the fruit in reserve while loam and smoldering charcoal accents strut. Everything is in place. Best from 2024 through 2038. 960 cases made.
Hints of woodsmoke and licorice mark the nose of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is beginning to show just a bit of evolution in its deep garnet color. Cigar box and cassis notes emerge with air, while the wine is full-bodied, plush and supple—almost creamy in texture—then adds hints of pencil shavings and graphite on the lingering finish.