Regular readers know how skeptical I am of Napa's wines. But there's a reason why it's a world-famous winegrowing region, and this sample helps explain why.
Dark, inky, and dense going into the glass, the 2021 Kelly Fleming Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 'Big Pour' has a color and viscosity that promises to stain your teeth and anything else it spills on. The potent aromatics waste no time waiting around for your nose to come close, instead gregariously wafting out of the glass with classic Napa Valley character that beckons your palate. Exceedingly approachable with minimal decanting, this rich, full-bodied cabernet has ripe, dark blackberry and cassis complemented by vanilla, cedar, and spice thanks to 20 months in 75% new French oak and 25% neutral French oak. The texture is seamless and refined, like top quality cashmere, and draped atop a poised, powerfully-built structure which manages to balance elegance and confidence with ease. A very fine wine, indeed, and worthy of your search (just 421 cases made, and the winery is no longer in operation, but still sells a solid selection of library wines at https://www.kellyflemingwines.com/) and your hard-earned money ($125.)
