88+ 2012 Michel-Schlumberger La Cime Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Creek Valley) 4/8/16 ($40, $16 closeout at WineWorks)
14.6% alc
Color: Medium garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Cedary, somewhat creamy French oak complements ripe, yet at the same time restrained (Bordeaux-like) cassis fruit. Some dusty DCV earth thrown in. (3.0) Body: Light heavyweight with very good fruit and excellent cedar-infused tannins. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more lacking in fruit. (2.5) Finish: Parallels bouquet. (3.0)
Overall: Very restrained fruit for CA Cabernet. Also has a prominent cedar component (too much for me) that adds to the austerity of youth. Has sufficient fruit, but needs time for the structure to calm and the cedary oak to integrate. If drinking now, decant or give it 3-6 years. (14.5)
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