2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder

Blackcurrant and graphite in a big way in the nose. Some asphalt and sweet tobacco, too. Full-bodied with a dense, velvety texture. Shows suppleness for such a big wine, with luxurious sensibility. Such fabulous length. Almost drinkable now, but four or five years of bottle age will bring this into its own. Try after 2026. (03/2022)

Another riveting wine, the 2019 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon has a Château Latour-like stature and regalness, with full-bodied richness and incredible concentration, as well as structure, on the palate. Cassis, blueberry liqueur, lead pencil shavings, crushed stone, and graphite notes all define the nose, and it hits the palate with incredible power and opulence, yet stays pure, flawlessly balanced, and has a finish that won't quit. This is as brilliant as Cabernet gets, and Carpenter is clearly playing with the best in the business. Give bottles 4-5 years if you can and it will cruise for 30-40 years. (12/2021)

The 2019 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon comes 100% from the Veeder Peak vineyard. Deep garnet-purple in color, it unfolds beautifully to deliver notes of creme de cassis, licorice, blackberry pie, and fruitcake with hints of Indian spices and underbrush. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated, and powerful in the mouth, it has a firm, grainy texture and tons of freshness to support, finishing with epic length. 1,696 cases were made. (06(2022)