Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon 'Estate' (Library Release) 2013
Laurel Glen Vineyard, a thousand feet up the slopes of Sonoma Mountain, has long been considered one of the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards of California. Originally planted in the 1880’s, the present-day vineyard was developed in the 1970’s by Sonoma wine pioneer Patrick Campbell. Additionally, Patrick discovered a genetically unique clone of Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyard, used exclusively today and recognized by UC Davis. The vineyard’s combination of high altitude, eastern exposure and rocky soils produce very distinctive wines. After 30 vintages, Patrick Campbell sold the vineyard and winery to a small group of wine lovers led by Bettina Sichel, whose family has been in the wine business in Europe for five generations. An ambitious team has ushered in a new era at Laurel Glen Vineyard. Organic viticulture guru Phil Coturri manages the vineyard. Talented winemaker Randall Watkins manages the cellar. They have implemented many quality–oriented improvements including certified organic farming, updated pruning and trellising methods and hand-sorting of the grapes at harvest by cluster and berry. The result is evident in the current releases: wines that preserve the nuanced layers of flavor of the past while adding intensity and texture.
Vintage Notes: The 2013 Laurel Glen Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful illustration of the years of work we’ve put into elevating practices in the vineyard and winery. A mild winter led to an early bud break followed by ideal weather. Even though picking began about ten days earlier than in 2012, on September 25th, the early bud break left plenty of time for flavor development. Yields at Laurel Glen Vineyard were lighter than average at about 2.4 tons per acre, but the quality of the fruit was exceptional. Justly lauded, the 2013 vintage yielded grapes with intense concentration and beautiful aromatics.
Randall's 2023 Tasting Notes: “Quite earthy, savory roasted herbs, fresh cherries, charred oak and crushed rock. Good acid, very youthful mouth, excellent long tannin texture, soy. Drink now – 2035”
96 Points - JamesSuckling: "This 100% cabernet sauvignon has developed enticing complexity with age, and now layers a savory, tobacco leaf complexity over its well-concentrated, generous fruit components. Estate grown at 300 meters elevation, it offers black cherry, black olive and bay laurel aromas, then a rather firm texture, fine-grained tannins, a full body and a long finish. Drink now or hold."
94 Points - Wine & Spirits Magazine: "This is formal, almost austere cabernet, with the same deep, black tannins that you find in many of the great 2013s from the Napa Valley, just presented in a slightly cooler tone. At first, there's a pretty, foresty scent and an impression of a dark mineral structure dammed up behind a layer of French oak. Give it a day of air, and its savory flavors explode, saturating the senses with smoky, woodsy spice that feels connected to the rocky volcanic soil and forests of Sonoma Mountain rather than oak barrels. It's massive yet refreshing, with floral details in the end - a wine to keep in the cellar for at least a decade."
Year's Best US Cabernet & Blends - Wine & Spirits Magazine: For the 3rd year in a row, our flagship Laurel Glen Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was chosen 'Year's Best US Cabernet & Blends'
- 750ml