2017 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
The color profile is a beautiful ruby red while the nose is dominated by dark cherry and a touch of vanilla Cherry also shows up on the palate along with some subtle oak. Full bodied with rich, heavy tannins that will open up with decanting to drink now or will age well in your cellar. We always love to pair this wine with a lovely meal. Decant now or drink by 2037.
Specs
Appellation: Calistoga, Napa Valley
Vineyard: Barlow Vineyards
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.55
Production: 372 cases
2018 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Cabernet from Barlow Vineyards always exudes dark cherry notes on the nose and on the palate. Aged in 35% new French Oak barrels, the oak frames the beautiful aroma and adds balance to the wine. Still a youngster, this wine really needs to be decanted or saved for several years in your cellar. Drink by 2038.
Specs
Appellation: Calistoga, Napa Valley
Alcohol: 13.2%
pH: 3.65
Production: 284 cases
2019 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Dark cheery abounds in the nose and on the palate. Deeply inky in color, this wine really wants to be paired with a meal. Aged for 15 months on 40% new French Oak, there is plenty of tannins that will help this wine age for 15 to 20 years. Decanting will help soften this wine up for early drinking, or cellar for several years. Drink by 2039.
Specs
Appellation: Calistoga, Napa Valley
Alcohol: 14.6%
pH: 3.66
Production: 260 cases
What’s Included
3-bottles:
1x 2017 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
1x 2018 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
1x 2019 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
Case:
4x 2017 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
4x 2018 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
4x 2019 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
Laura and Michael Swanton know the many challenges of establishing a boutique winery dedicated to crafting small quantities of fine wine in the Napa Valley. They have experienced them all in their demanding, yet delicious, journey from fledging winery to award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel producers.
A long-time wine enthusiast, Owner, and Proprietor Laura Swanton purchased the Calistoga winery estate that would become Laura Michael Wines from the Traulsen family in 1999. At the time, Laura was a sales specialist with Cisco Systems in San Jose. It was a career that required intimate knowledge of high-tech product application. Knowing how the technology worked was critical to her success in selling the product.
At the time Laura purchased the winery, Michael had embarked on an independent career in power generation and services, a career that spanned nearly two decades. When they came together in 2006, their current journey started and continues to this day.
Today, their tenacity for learning systems and science is directed at running their small winery and vineyard estate dedicated to limited-production, premium red wines. Since 1999, Laura has managed all winemaking processes from grape sourcing to the logistics of launching and operating a winery. Her zeal to understand wine growing at its root has her pruning, picking, irrigating, and collecting samples in the vineyard. A thirst for winemaking knowledge encourages her participation in crush, pump-overs, racking, and bottling.
“We do it all,” says Laura. “It’s so important that we work alongside every member of our team from the temporary harvest help to our consulting winemaker. We are not ones to stand on the sidelines, and fortunately, because we are as small as we are, we can be actively involved in every aspect of this business.”
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical
3 bottles for $89.99 $30/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $319.99 $26.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@danandlisa@rjquillin
I would definitely go in on these but now is the time of year to have wine shipped here and not sure I will have room to take them back from cooler regions
2018 Laura Michael Calistoga Napa Valley Barlow Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
It is always an honor to have the opportunity to rat for Casemates, and it was a very pleasant surprise to receive a Laura Michael wine! Alas, it is now Sunday evening, and I can only look longingly at the empty bottle as I write this review. Ultra-short version: This is a very nice wine.
There was some major college move-in travel for our household this weekend, but Alice got this in hand for us for a solid Friday and Saturday tasting before Mrs. Rat had to hit the road to Ohio. I’m glad she didn’t miss out.
Presentation: LM embossed capsule, and nicely solid bit of cork. Elegant label indicating 13.2% alcohol.
Appearance: medium to dark garnet. TBH, we were so intent on tasting, we didn’t do our usual color descriptor banter. Swirl resulted in slow forming, but clear legs.
Nose: Served at 65° I noted red fruit/cherry. Mrs. Rat thought the blackberry came through more at this temp. Light fruit/floral. Nothing overpowering.
First taste at 65°: Plum, tart cherry. After a bit, the nicely astringent cedar (very light oak) shows on the finish. Mrs. Rat noted continued blackberry on taste, with Bing cherry and some soft pepper notes. Discussion was very positive with “smooth, a bit of smoke” and “soft, easy drinking” coming up. Neither of us noted any alcohol heat as a distraction.
Food: We ruled out the “endangered-species kebabs” that may have been perfect with this, but instead had an excellent pairing of lovingly prepared “spicy barbecue Gouda burger sliders with crispy fried onions”. This was actually an outstanding choice, as the Gouda and beef paired beautifully with the Cab. We tried out a few dessert items afterward: lemon-lime macarons were truly perfect with the wine. A chocolate peanut butter mousse bar topped with whipped cream, was not as complementary. Live and learn.
Day One summary (with a partial refill): Very positive. This likely would do even better in a few years, but wouldn’t hesitate to drink now. Frankly, we’d have to hide it to avoid drinking now. When asked “What would you pay for this wine?” Mrs. Rat said, “If I paid the winery price for this, I wouldn’t be disappointed. But don’t quote me on that.” Clearly, I had a duty to quote her on that. I expect this will be at a very attractive Casemates price.
Day 2 mini-tasting: Served at 60°, similar notes. Light nose. Predominantly cherry/blackberry/pepper. Some floral notes as it warmed. Didn’t swish it on day 1, but today brought out a bit more astringency, and more of the cedar on finish. Mrs. Rat also thought the pepper came through more today, as well as a nice undertone of earthiness.
Overall, a very enjoyable wine recommended without reservation. I agree with Mrs. Rat (who is hardly ever wrong about such things) when she said, “I would get this ANY time!” Thank you Casemates for the ratting opportunity!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations.)
Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical - $40 = 11.10%
Bottom line (spoiler alert): This is Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon made the way rpm thinks it should be. Bright red ripe fruit, picked early enough; well-integrated structure, made to age gracefully.
The 2019 is at a point in its life that everyone should experience: just released with its fruit fully alive, but well-balanced showing the structure that will permit it to age well. The best Cabs will sometimes (not often enough anymore) have an early drinkable phase on release where they are just absolutely charming, especially with food.
We visited Laura Michael on the 2012 Tours, and we spoke at length about Cabernet. This wine is exactly the style and kind of Cabernet I hoped her style would evolve into.
2017 Laura Michael Calistoga Napa Valley Barlow Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Day 1
The Mrs. and I were lucky to be chosen to rat the 2017. This wine was served with our dinner of Filet Mignon and garlic smashed potatoes…(unfortunately I forgot pics…).
First impressions in the glass showed predominately red fruit. Dark Ruby in color with a little variation at the rim. The nose is enticing, blackberry and slightly floral. Tart cherry on the palate. The tannins are well integrated at this point and the wine is quite smooth on the palate. After some time in the glass we both noted some raspberry and blackberry. A hint of vanilla and leather, but not overpowering. We slowly drank 1/2 of the bottle, saving the rest for another day.
Day 2
The nose is slightly muted, but still fruit forward. The nose now reveals more blackberry, vanilla and some leather. The palate is slightly more reserved with the tart cherry present but not predominating. Blackberry is more on the forefront. Still quite smooth on the palate. This is quite an easy drinking wine. We both enjoyed it and will be buying some.
We’re glad to once again have the opportunity to be Lab Rats!
Those who have followed my musings on Cabernet Sauvignon over the past 15 years here and on the previous site know that I am an unabashed fan of the more traditional style of Cabernet, most typified today by Cathy Corison’s gorgeous Rutherford Bench Cabs - with red ripe fruit, balance, structure to age and great depth.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had a Laura Michael Cabernet Sauvignon – quite possibly since we visited the winery with both the 2012 rpm Magical History Tour - Newbies and the 2012 rpm Magical History Tour - Advanced Cabernet Seminar – and it was well worth the wait.
SWMBO and I were very much looking forward to trying this wine and learning what Laura’s been up to up near Calistoga for the past several years.
We scored using the Modified UC Davis 20-point system as always.
Appearance: rpm & SWMBO - 2 - Brilliantly clear
Color: rpm & SWMBO - 2 - Very nicely characteristic Cabernet Sauvignon color, with good depth, but indicative of medium body.
Aroma and Bouquet: rpm & SWMBO - solid 4 - initial aroma emphasized fresh fruit - we both got raspberries and strawberries with an herbal element in the background…and the tiniest hint of eucalyptus which enhanced the bouquet (a lot of eucalyptus is a flaw, but this wasn’t at all). After about an hour, and continuing for another hour or so after that (at which point we put it away), we got red-ripe black currants and more complex herbal notes, rosemary maybe, along with the persistent and lovely fresh-ripe berries. Absolutely charming!
[NB - we did not get any of the cherry aromas (or flavors) others have reported – and we’ve been eating a lot of cherries this Summer! go figure…]
Balance: Excellent balance - both 2
Sweetness: Nicely dry wine that let the fruit speak without being sweet. 1
Body: both 1 - The body is medium and very well structured. At first, the mouth feel was a bit muted, but after an hour or so, it opened up and gave a much richer mouth feel. That initial lightness is deceptive and reminds me of nothing so much as the way young Louis (Louis P) Martini’s Cabernet’s tasted in the mid-60s to early 70s.
Flavor: both 2 (wish I could give more) This is the immediate or current glory of this wine - right now it’s all about these almost perfect fresh-ripe fruit flavors that fill your mouth and make you want to smile as you sip it - makes a truly special mid-palate. Absolutely no hint of overripe fruit or plums. It’s exactly ‘aha’ moment flavor in young Cabernet I had pointed out to me as “that’s what we’re trying to do!” more than 60 years ago.
Bitterness: 1 - none.
Astringency: 1 - tannins obviously, but not excessive. Enough for it to age nicely. I think the tannin will be fully resolved by 20, and should hold another 5-10 years.
General Quality: Both of us scored 2. This is a lovely wine, in its early charming phase, but it seems to me it will age nicely. Everything about this wine suggests a restrained style, letting the grapes express themselves, but shaping their evolution and maturation for pleasure now and pleasure later. Different fruit and terroir, but the style reminds me (as I said before) of young Louis P Martini with a bit of Cathy Corison added.
OVERALL RATING / RECOMMENDATION:
18 / 20 Points - An outstanding bottle of wine.
BUY A CASE if you can
To reiterate my teaser: This is Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon made the way rpm thinks it should be. Bright red ripe fruit, picked early enough; well-integrated structure, made to age gracefully.
The 2019 is at a point in its life that everyone should experience: just released with its fruit fully alive, but well-balanced showing the structure that will permit it to age well. The best Cabs will sometimes (not often enough anymore) have an early drinkable phase on release where they are just absolutely charming, especially with food.
This wine is exactly the style and kind of Cabernet I hoped Laura’s wines would evolve into.
It’s important to drink at least one or two bottles of this wine within a month or so (letting it rest up just a bit) because really good young Cab at this taste point is not at all common any more - I’d bet few Casematers have experienced it yet, but I really hope you use this opportunity to expand your horizons! Even SWMBO, who really does not like young Cabernet Sauvignon much at all, and who really, really dislikes overripe and hot Cabernet Sauvignon, loved this!
Then put at last 8 bottles down, try one around 5-6 (when I suspect it may be losing youthful charm and settling down for its “nap”, then one or more around 10 (e.g. in early 2030), and being to drink based on development and your own health/cellar situation.
We will taste again this afternoon, and I will add further impressions.
The 2018 Laura Michael Cabernet Sauvignon, Barlow Vineyards Calistoga is dark ruby in color; the bouquet is slightly meaty which opens to generous aromas of dark cherry, plum, red licorice, mocha and old cedar box. The aromatics offers a nice integration between both fruit and oak influence. Balanced from start to finish this wine shows very youthful four years post vintage date at the time of our tasting. Offers a bright finish anchored by lively acidity and flavors of red cherry and red currant. The tannins show a dry, tight and lingering grip. This wine still has plenty of life ahead of it and we would be curious to try it over the next 10-15 years. It is rare to find a contemporary Napa Valley grown Cabernet Sauvignon in the low 13% alcohol range; this wine is 13.2%. It was aged in 40% new French oak and 60% used French oak.
Shipping window, paging @WineDavid49… any chance this comes before the stated dates? Might consider this if I can ship it north instead of south. Thanks!
Been sourcing from Barlow Vineyards since 2007. Love their farming practice and grape quality. It all shows up in the bottle! The combination of volcanic and clay soils really shows up as a balance amount of minerality. These wines will age well. Our first vintage is showing beautifully, 14 years later! Cheers and thank you for your support!
@lauramichaelnv Truth be told, this is way more than I pay for a bottle of wine - except for the crazy restaurant prices (usually I just drink beer there). … However, seeing as I adore Laura’s wines, and she is weaseling out of providing us wines in the future, I did, indeed, get a case. Thank you for the many years of delight - so happy that we were able to visit as tour-ists these many years ago. Cheers - and happy retirement!
Too good to pass up. Now I just have to find a cool dark corner of the cellar where I’ll forget about it for a few years.
/giphy informally-absorbing-chess
@free2day33611
Just saw your post. We’re in Tampa and did buy a case earlier in the sale. Happy you found a “mate” to split with.
Tag me if you’re interested in future splits. Also, I’d love to get some fellow Tampa Casematers together for sharing wine, food, etc. if you’re interested let me know.
Opened a 2016 bottle of the Cab from the last time LauraMichael was offered and it is wonderful! Very Very Smooth. If anyone in Northern Va. wants a bottle or two let me know-if not will not be disappointed -since they are retiring-there will be no more to be had.
@redwine
I responded to ask if you get over to Tampa as I try not to go to Orlando. Anyway, I just order the case so see if we can make it work to split the case. If not, I guess i am stuck with a case!
@free2day33611 We could probably make it work. We were just out that way last weekend visiting a relative who lives in Largo. I miss getting there as often as we used to when my son was in St Pete.
2017 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
2018 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
2019 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon “Barlow Vineyards”, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$624/case MSRP, Not all vintages avialble online
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, Sep 15 - Monday, Sep 19
Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical
3 bottles for $89.99 $30/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $319.99 $26.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2017
2018
2019
So this offer adds the '19 to the earlier '16~'18 vertical offer here .Wonder what the notes for the cherry '19 will be like…
@rjquillin Sorry, but that offer was “Rutherford “ and this one is “Barlow”. I don’t know the difference, but I assume there is one.
@danandlisa good catch, me bad. Thanks, corrected.
@rjquillin No worries. I bought the last offer and am sharing it with Scott.
@danandlisa @rjquillin
I would definitely go in on these but now is the time of year to have wine shipped here and not sure I will have room to take them back from cooler regions
2018 Laura Michael Calistoga Napa Valley Barlow Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
It is always an honor to have the opportunity to rat for Casemates, and it was a very pleasant surprise to receive a Laura Michael wine! Alas, it is now Sunday evening, and I can only look longingly at the empty bottle as I write this review. Ultra-short version: This is a very nice wine.
There was some major college move-in travel for our household this weekend, but Alice got this in hand for us for a solid Friday and Saturday tasting before Mrs. Rat had to hit the road to Ohio. I’m glad she didn’t miss out.
Presentation: LM embossed capsule, and nicely solid bit of cork. Elegant label indicating 13.2% alcohol.
Appearance: medium to dark garnet. TBH, we were so intent on tasting, we didn’t do our usual color descriptor banter. Swirl resulted in slow forming, but clear legs.
Nose: Served at 65° I noted red fruit/cherry. Mrs. Rat thought the blackberry came through more at this temp. Light fruit/floral. Nothing overpowering.
First taste at 65°: Plum, tart cherry. After a bit, the nicely astringent cedar (very light oak) shows on the finish. Mrs. Rat noted continued blackberry on taste, with Bing cherry and some soft pepper notes. Discussion was very positive with “smooth, a bit of smoke” and “soft, easy drinking” coming up. Neither of us noted any alcohol heat as a distraction.
Food: We ruled out the “endangered-species kebabs” that may have been perfect with this, but instead had an excellent pairing of lovingly prepared “spicy barbecue Gouda burger sliders with crispy fried onions”. This was actually an outstanding choice, as the Gouda and beef paired beautifully with the Cab. We tried out a few dessert items afterward: lemon-lime macarons were truly perfect with the wine. A chocolate peanut butter mousse bar topped with whipped cream, was not as complementary. Live and learn.
Day One summary (with a partial refill): Very positive. This likely would do even better in a few years, but wouldn’t hesitate to drink now. Frankly, we’d have to hide it to avoid drinking now. When asked “What would you pay for this wine?” Mrs. Rat said, “If I paid the winery price for this, I wouldn’t be disappointed. But don’t quote me on that.” Clearly, I had a duty to quote her on that. I expect this will be at a very attractive Casemates price.
Day 2 mini-tasting: Served at 60°, similar notes. Light nose. Predominantly cherry/blackberry/pepper. Some floral notes as it warmed. Didn’t swish it on day 1, but today brought out a bit more astringency, and more of the cedar on finish. Mrs. Rat also thought the pepper came through more today, as well as a nice undertone of earthiness.
Overall, a very enjoyable wine recommended without reservation. I agree with Mrs. Rat (who is hardly ever wrong about such things) when she said, “I would get this ANY time!” Thank you Casemates for the ratting opportunity!
/giphy moody-judicious-oak
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations.)
Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical - $40 = 11.10%
rpm Lab Rat report on 2019 coming.
Bottom line (spoiler alert):
This is Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon made the way rpm thinks it should be. Bright red ripe fruit, picked early enough; well-integrated structure, made to age gracefully.
The 2019 is at a point in its life that everyone should experience: just released with its fruit fully alive, but well-balanced showing the structure that will permit it to age well. The best Cabs will sometimes (not often enough anymore) have an early drinkable phase on release where they are just absolutely charming, especially with food.
We visited Laura Michael on the 2012 Tours, and we spoke at length about Cabernet. This wine is exactly the style and kind of Cabernet I hoped her style would evolve into.
2017 Laura Michael Calistoga Napa Valley Barlow Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Day 1
The Mrs. and I were lucky to be chosen to rat the 2017. This wine was served with our dinner of Filet Mignon and garlic smashed potatoes…(unfortunately I forgot pics…).
First impressions in the glass showed predominately red fruit. Dark Ruby in color with a little variation at the rim. The nose is enticing, blackberry and slightly floral. Tart cherry on the palate. The tannins are well integrated at this point and the wine is quite smooth on the palate. After some time in the glass we both noted some raspberry and blackberry. A hint of vanilla and leather, but not overpowering. We slowly drank 1/2 of the bottle, saving the rest for another day.
Day 2
The nose is slightly muted, but still fruit forward. The nose now reveals more blackberry, vanilla and some leather. The palate is slightly more reserved with the tart cherry present but not predominating. Blackberry is more on the forefront. Still quite smooth on the palate. This is quite an easy drinking wine. We both enjoyed it and will be buying some.
We’re glad to once again have the opportunity to be Lab Rats!
As promised, rpm and SWMBO Lab Rat report:
Those who have followed my musings on Cabernet Sauvignon over the past 15 years here and on the previous site know that I am an unabashed fan of the more traditional style of Cabernet, most typified today by Cathy Corison’s gorgeous Rutherford Bench Cabs - with red ripe fruit, balance, structure to age and great depth.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had a Laura Michael Cabernet Sauvignon – quite possibly since we visited the winery with both the 2012 rpm Magical History Tour - Newbies and the 2012 rpm Magical History Tour - Advanced Cabernet Seminar – and it was well worth the wait.
SWMBO and I were very much looking forward to trying this wine and learning what Laura’s been up to up near Calistoga for the past several years.
We scored using the Modified UC Davis 20-point system as always.
Appearance: rpm & SWMBO - 2 - Brilliantly clear
Color: rpm & SWMBO - 2 - Very nicely characteristic Cabernet Sauvignon color, with good depth, but indicative of medium body.
Aroma and Bouquet: rpm & SWMBO - solid 4 - initial aroma emphasized fresh fruit - we both got raspberries and strawberries with an herbal element in the background…and the tiniest hint of eucalyptus which enhanced the bouquet (a lot of eucalyptus is a flaw, but this wasn’t at all). After about an hour, and continuing for another hour or so after that (at which point we put it away), we got red-ripe black currants and more complex herbal notes, rosemary maybe, along with the persistent and lovely fresh-ripe berries. Absolutely charming!
[NB - we did not get any of the cherry aromas (or flavors) others have reported – and we’ve been eating a lot of cherries this Summer! go figure…]
Balance: Excellent balance - both 2
Sweetness: Nicely dry wine that let the fruit speak without being sweet. 1
Body: both 1 - The body is medium and very well structured. At first, the mouth feel was a bit muted, but after an hour or so, it opened up and gave a much richer mouth feel. That initial lightness is deceptive and reminds me of nothing so much as the way young Louis (Louis P) Martini’s Cabernet’s tasted in the mid-60s to early 70s.
Flavor: both 2 (wish I could give more) This is the immediate or current glory of this wine - right now it’s all about these almost perfect fresh-ripe fruit flavors that fill your mouth and make you want to smile as you sip it - makes a truly special mid-palate. Absolutely no hint of overripe fruit or plums. It’s exactly ‘aha’ moment flavor in young Cabernet I had pointed out to me as “that’s what we’re trying to do!” more than 60 years ago.
Bitterness: 1 - none.
Astringency: 1 - tannins obviously, but not excessive. Enough for it to age nicely. I think the tannin will be fully resolved by 20, and should hold another 5-10 years.
General Quality: Both of us scored 2. This is a lovely wine, in its early charming phase, but it seems to me it will age nicely. Everything about this wine suggests a restrained style, letting the grapes express themselves, but shaping their evolution and maturation for pleasure now and pleasure later. Different fruit and terroir, but the style reminds me (as I said before) of young Louis P Martini with a bit of Cathy Corison added.
OVERALL RATING / RECOMMENDATION:
18 / 20 Points - An outstanding bottle of wine.
To reiterate my teaser: This is Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon made the way rpm thinks it should be. Bright red ripe fruit, picked early enough; well-integrated structure, made to age gracefully.
The 2019 is at a point in its life that everyone should experience: just released with its fruit fully alive, but well-balanced showing the structure that will permit it to age well. The best Cabs will sometimes (not often enough anymore) have an early drinkable phase on release where they are just absolutely charming, especially with food.
This wine is exactly the style and kind of Cabernet I hoped Laura’s wines would evolve into.
It’s important to drink at least one or two bottles of this wine within a month or so (letting it rest up just a bit) because really good young Cab at this taste point is not at all common any more - I’d bet few Casematers have experienced it yet, but I really hope you use this opportunity to expand your horizons! Even SWMBO, who really does not like young Cabernet Sauvignon much at all, and who really, really dislikes overripe and hot Cabernet Sauvignon, loved this!
Then put at last 8 bottles down, try one around 5-6 (when I suspect it may be losing youthful charm and settling down for its “nap”, then one or more around 10 (e.g. in early 2030), and being to drink based on development and your own health/cellar situation.
We will taste again this afternoon, and I will add further impressions.
@rpm So you are a buyer?
From the napa wine project, the 2018:
The 2018 Laura Michael Cabernet Sauvignon, Barlow Vineyards Calistoga is dark ruby in color; the bouquet is slightly meaty which opens to generous aromas of dark cherry, plum, red licorice, mocha and old cedar box. The aromatics offers a nice integration between both fruit and oak influence. Balanced from start to finish this wine shows very youthful four years post vintage date at the time of our tasting. Offers a bright finish anchored by lively acidity and flavors of red cherry and red currant. The tannins show a dry, tight and lingering grip. This wine still has plenty of life ahead of it and we would be curious to try it over the next 10-15 years. It is rare to find a contemporary Napa Valley grown Cabernet Sauvignon in the low 13% alcohol range; this wine is 13.2%. It was aged in 40% new French oak and 60% used French oak.
fwiw
@kaolis The 2017 offer today was indeed offered here previously, January '21
Shipping window, paging @WineDavid49… any chance this comes before the stated dates? Might consider this if I can ship it north instead of south. Thanks!
Been sourcing from Barlow Vineyards since 2007. Love their farming practice and grape quality. It all shows up in the bottle! The combination of volcanic and clay soils really shows up as a balance amount of minerality. These wines will age well. Our first vintage is showing beautifully, 14 years later! Cheers and thank you for your support!
@lauramichaelnv Truth be told, this is way more than I pay for a bottle of wine - except for the crazy restaurant prices (usually I just drink beer there). … However, seeing as I adore Laura’s wines, and she is weaseling out of providing us wines in the future, I did, indeed, get a case. Thank you for the many years of delight - so happy that we were able to visit as tour-ists these many years ago. Cheers - and happy retirement!
Too good to pass up. Now I just have to find a cool dark corner of the cellar where I’ll forget about it for a few years.
/giphy informally-absorbing-chess
In Tampa, does anyone want to split a case?
@free2day33611 I’m in the Orlando area, could we make this work?
@RedwineO Do you get over here much? I try and not go to Orlando on I-4.
@free2day33611
Just saw your post. We’re in Tampa and did buy a case earlier in the sale. Happy you found a “mate” to split with.
Tag me if you’re interested in future splits. Also, I’d love to get some fellow Tampa Casematers together for sharing wine, food, etc. if you’re interested let me know.
Gotta try a case.
/giphy instrumental-busted-grade
Opened a 2016 bottle of the Cab from the last time LauraMichael was offered and it is wonderful! Very Very Smooth. If anyone in Northern Va. wants a bottle or two let me know-if not will not be disappointed -since they are retiring-there will be no more to be had.
I forgot to say-I ordered a case.
@redwine
I responded to ask if you get over to Tampa as I try not to go to Orlando. Anyway, I just order the case so see if we can make it work to split the case. If not, I guess i am stuck with a case!
@free2day33611 We could probably make it work. We were just out that way last weekend visiting a relative who lives in Largo. I miss getting there as often as we used to when my son was in St Pete.
@RedwineO
Hi, I received the case of Laura Michael wine if you are still interested in splitting the case.
@redwine My e-mail is paul88133611 at yahoo dot com
Since Laura is retiring can she give us a vertical on the Zin’s?
Any Denver area splits?
@kristian I’d be interested in a 6-6 split
@kristian I purchased the case if you’re up for half.
@mtnzj I am! Thank you for pulling the trigger.
/giphy sorrowful-trendy-mars
@Winedavid49 Just opened the 2019 and it’s corked. Not sure what policy you ended up choosing. Please advise.
@Zortapa
I haven’t checked mine yet!