summers checkmate bordeaux-style red blend (napa valley)

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：1390

This Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend is a best-of-barrels selection from Summers’ various Cabs throughout Napa Valley. It’s unquestionably a big wine, densely packed with blackberry, cherry and dark chocolate flavors. It’s also very young. The tannins pack a real punch. New oak, to the tune of 100%, is apparent in the buttered toast richness. Don’t drink it now, good as it is. Give it until 2014, and it will develop long beyond that.——S.H.(4/1/2012)—— 94

Held back for four-plus years before release, this Bordeaux blend has become softly gentle and approachable. It’s rich in cherry, raspberry and cassis flavors, with a gorgeous, plump coating of sweet, toasted oak. Drink over the next five years.——S.H.(4/1/2011)—— 92

Rather tough and tannic now, with a hard astringency that compromises enjoyment. On the other hand, there’s a deep core of black currants and dark unsweetened chocolate. Hard to tell where it’s going. Try after 2010.——S.H.(5/1/2009)—— 87