There have been a number of changes of late at Inglenook, so I was anxious to taste the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask. This wine was first created in 1949 and during that era, through the 50s and early 60s, was considered one of the finest wines of California. This is the best, young Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon I have tasted during my professional career of 35 years. Dense ruby/purple with classic crème de cassis, but underlying minerality and spice box. The wine is full-bodied, but not over-the-top, yet nevertheless authoritative, rich and quite long. There is a thickness and concentration I haven’t seen from this estate in many a year and this wine should age beautifully for 20-25 years at the very minimum.

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask is surprisingly powerful and intense for a year in which so many wines are much more open. Firm tannins provide the backbone for an expressive core of dark raspberries, crushed flowers, sweet spices and tobacco. The aromas and flavors are really popping out of the glass today. The 2012 Cask is incredibly delicious, but it will be even better once the tannins soften a bit. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.