2015 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Just south of the estate, by about 3 miles, we find Barlow Vineyards from whom we source delicious cabernet sauvignon. The color profile is a gorgeous ruby red while the nose is dominated by dark ripe fruits with a hint of tobacco ā plus raspberry, Bing cherry, and dark chocolate. Full-bodied with rich, chewy tannins that will open up with decanting to drink now or will age well in your cellar.
Specs
Vintage: 2015
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Calistoga, Napa Valley
Aging: 17 months in 40% New French & 60% Neutral French
Alcohol: 13.7%
2015 Laura Michael Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Our Rutherford Cabernet comes from a beautiful site on the western hills of Napa Valley, in the heart of the Rutherford Bench. Dusty characteristics predominate on the palate, with supple tannins framing the bold style of this wine. Red fruit bursts from the glass offering a subtle vanilla note from the French Oak barrels used to age the wine. Decant if you plan to drink in the next few years, or cellar to soften the structure and drink by 2035.
Specs
Vintage: 2015
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley
Alcohol: 14.4%
Whatās Included
4-bottles:
2x 2015 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2x 2015 Laura Michael Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Case:
6x 2015 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
6x 2015 Laura Michael Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, 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.
āWe do it all,ā says Laura. āItās 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.ā
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, 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
Laura Michael Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
4 bottles for $119.99 $30/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $299.99 $25/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Tragically Iām not a lab rat today, but I feel obliged to chime in to say that I tasted the 2016 Rutherford cab at the winery earlier this year and it was good enough to justify paying full retail to ship it home. I have no tasting notes, nor do I have any information about the 2015, but I am happily buying this case sight unseen. Lauraās wine is that good.
2015 Laura Michael Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, 14.4% alcohol
Got the notification last week and received the golden ticket bottle last Friday, giving it some time to rest before needing to crack it for yāall. All tasting done at my room temp of 21Ā°C or so.
Tuesday night, on first opening, I was greeted with a nose full of plums, cherries, and similar ripe fruits. A minute later some mint and dust joined the aroma party. Then I got a hint of chocolate/cocoa that signified (to me) that this wine is more in the modern camp than the older school tradition. Modern, but nothing in the colour (a typical red-purple) or aromas suggests that this is in the overripe fruit bomb category, which accords with my prior experience with Lauraās wine.
First sips, again the fruit takes centre stage at the start, repeating the aromas I got initially. But after a few minutes in the glass, that cocoa note showed up as well, and it never let go the entire first evening. At times the cocoa was the only thing I could taste, but then other times the fruit came back and so did hints of mint, eucalyptus, dried herbs, and the famous Rutherford dust. Finish was moderate in most cases, but the occasional lingering finish did change and evolve to show more of the wineās herbaceous qualities rather than the focus on cocoa.
On night one, the acidity and balance were good for me - appropriate for the wine certainly. Tannins started as rounded and muted but then picked up both in intensity and harshness with air. After being open for an hour or so the tannins were firmly in control and it was hard to get much else. However, after another hour or two of air they began to soften again.
I wished Iād had my original plan handy of beef ribs to go with this glass, but for reasons I wonāt go into here I ended up having a bagel with lox and cream cheese. This was not a good pairing. Do not recommend. We will not speak of it further.
Half the bottle stayed on the counter, recorked with normal air, for second day tasting.
Day 2, this has clearly smoothed out a bit. The cocoa is still there, but now itās working in more harmony with the other flavours and aromas of the wine. The mint and dusty notes are more obvious now, and quite a nice balance to the ripe (but not overripe) fruit. This confirmed my expectations that Iād find this wine a bit on the young side for my tastes but that it would evolve for the good over the next several years.
The beef ribs did happen tonight, and the pairing was certainly better than with that which shall not be named. I made a tactical error, though, and seasoned the ribs with Montreal steak spice, which can (and did, in this case) easily overwhelm just about any wine. Nonetheless, the wine complemented the smoke on the ribs nicely and of course cut the fat in a delightful way. The bottle did not last until the next day, (un)fortunately.
I see now that this is a two-appellation offer, and wish Iād have been able to compare and contrast the two. Itās a rare and delightful opportunity whenever it arises.
So in sum, this is a nicely balanced and fairly fresh tasting modern-styled Napa Cabernet for $25 or $30 that should also age nicely for at least another 5 years. So why are you waiting to press the big red button?
As always, thanks to Alice and WD for sending a bottle my way! molarchae was not feeling great the last few days, so this time you only get my opinion.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2015 Laura Michael Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - $60 = 16.66%
I wasnāt that impressed with the 2014 Calistoga but have not yet had the Rutherford (ranks higher generally). On the fence here but if any Houston ites want to split a case 2 or 3 ways let me know
My assistant wine taster discovered a bottle of the 2017 Calistoga I gifted last year. It was saved for a āspecial occasionā which was Thanksgiving dinner ā sadly I missed the dinner and tasting as I was on the incorrect coast.
Comments: āSpecial Occasional, special wine. This one is fantastic!ā
āJuicy, fruity, rich, and slightly tannicā
In this case [1/3 case in this ācaseā] Iām eager to try the Rutherford.
I was thrilled to receive this as I have the 2014 bottles cellaring from a previous deal on casemates.
Background on me: I worked in a wine shop for ~4 years and currently co-host a wine podcast (Table Wine Podcast, check it if youāre interested!). That experience made Cab a more peripheral wine, as itās typically more expensive, especially the good juice.
Now, I think this cab lives up to its Napa origins: full-bodied, rich, ripe cab. Layered, chalky (and chewy) tannins, delivering concentrated blackberry and blueberry. The nose is inviting with vanilla and chocolate, which translate to cocoa and vanilla bean on the mid-palate. There is a lovely bit of acidity that seems to rest on the heavier base. This would pair lovely with some juicy meat to complement the tannins. I might even go so far as to say the chocolatey richness of this cab lends itself to pairing with the right dessert.
Drinking a day after opening (kept in the fridge) and itās held up incredibly well. The interesting note I picked up while drinking last night after opening was fennel seed on the finishāwhich I absolutely adored. Iām not getting that so much today (but perhaps I was having a fever dream last night!).
Overall, a Napa Cab for acolytes of the big and rich style Napa has become known for. Iāve recently encountered some more medium-bodied, red-fruit driven Napa cabs, and this provides real contrast. As cab isnāt my go-to, I have some bias, but see this as a real pleaser for folks looking for elevated, big, rich wine. Especially great in the winter months.
2015 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
2015 Laura Michael Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
Whatās Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$702/Case at Laura Michael Wines Inc for 6x 2015 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 6x Laura Michael Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, 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
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jan 3 - Thursday, Jan 6
Laura Michael Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
4 bottles for $119.99 $30/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $299.99 $25/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2015 Laura Michael Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Laura Michael Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
Laura Michael is an autobuy for me. Iām buying a case all for myself! Now if we could just get the Zin as well in the near future.
Tragically Iām not a lab rat today, but I feel obliged to chime in to say that I tasted the 2016 Rutherford cab at the winery earlier this year and it was good enough to justify paying full retail to ship it home. I have no tasting notes, nor do I have any information about the 2015, but I am happily buying this case sight unseen. Lauraās wine is that good.
2015 Laura Michael Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, 14.4% alcohol
Got the notification last week and received the golden ticket bottle last Friday, giving it some time to rest before needing to crack it for yāall. All tasting done at my room temp of 21Ā°C or so.
Tuesday night, on first opening, I was greeted with a nose full of plums, cherries, and similar ripe fruits. A minute later some mint and dust joined the aroma party. Then I got a hint of chocolate/cocoa that signified (to me) that this wine is more in the modern camp than the older school tradition. Modern, but nothing in the colour (a typical red-purple) or aromas suggests that this is in the overripe fruit bomb category, which accords with my prior experience with Lauraās wine.
First sips, again the fruit takes centre stage at the start, repeating the aromas I got initially. But after a few minutes in the glass, that cocoa note showed up as well, and it never let go the entire first evening. At times the cocoa was the only thing I could taste, but then other times the fruit came back and so did hints of mint, eucalyptus, dried herbs, and the famous Rutherford dust. Finish was moderate in most cases, but the occasional lingering finish did change and evolve to show more of the wineās herbaceous qualities rather than the focus on cocoa.
On night one, the acidity and balance were good for me - appropriate for the wine certainly. Tannins started as rounded and muted but then picked up both in intensity and harshness with air. After being open for an hour or so the tannins were firmly in control and it was hard to get much else. However, after another hour or two of air they began to soften again.
I wished Iād had my original plan handy of beef ribs to go with this glass, but for reasons I wonāt go into here I ended up having a bagel with lox and cream cheese. This was not a good pairing. Do not recommend. We will not speak of it further.
Half the bottle stayed on the counter, recorked with normal air, for second day tasting.
Day 2, this has clearly smoothed out a bit. The cocoa is still there, but now itās working in more harmony with the other flavours and aromas of the wine. The mint and dusty notes are more obvious now, and quite a nice balance to the ripe (but not overripe) fruit. This confirmed my expectations that Iād find this wine a bit on the young side for my tastes but that it would evolve for the good over the next several years.
The beef ribs did happen tonight, and the pairing was certainly better than with that which shall not be named. I made a tactical error, though, and seasoned the ribs with Montreal steak spice, which can (and did, in this case) easily overwhelm just about any wine. Nonetheless, the wine complemented the smoke on the ribs nicely and of course cut the fat in a delightful way. The bottle did not last until the next day, (un)fortunately.
I see now that this is a two-appellation offer, and wish Iād have been able to compare and contrast the two. Itās a rare and delightful opportunity whenever it arises.
So in sum, this is a nicely balanced and fairly fresh tasting modern-styled Napa Cabernet for $25 or $30 that should also age nicely for at least another 5 years. So why are you waiting to press the big red button?
As always, thanks to Alice and WD for sending a bottle my way! molarchae was not feeling great the last few days, so this time you only get my opinion.
@klezman thanks for the rattage and the best part of the story was that you DID get those beef ribs after all.
@klezman
ROFLMAO.
A most excellent labrat!
Anyone in Chicago want to split a case?
@jmdavidson1 Iād be into that.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2015 Laura Michael Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - $60 = 16.66%
The Calistoga bottling was offered here July '20. The specs are slightly different but pretty sure same wine. No rats but some winemaker discussion:
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/laura-michael-mixed-reds
Calistoga also offered January '21 here. Rat report:
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/laura-michael-calistoga-cabernet-sauvignon-vertical
I wasnāt that impressed with the 2014 Calistoga but have not yet had the Rutherford (ranks higher generally). On the fence here but if any Houston ites want to split a case 2 or 3 ways let me know
dang. cases sold out!
@jasisk few more cases have been added
My assistant wine taster discovered a bottle of the 2017 Calistoga I gifted last year. It was saved for a āspecial occasionā which was Thanksgiving dinner ā sadly I missed the dinner and tasting as I was on the incorrect coast.
In this case [1/3 case in this ācaseā] Iām eager to try the Rutherford.
/giphy resplendent-chilly-camel
Iām the lucky rat for the
2015 from Calistoga!
I was thrilled to receive this as I have the 2014 bottles cellaring from a previous deal on casemates.
Background on me: I worked in a wine shop for ~4 years and currently co-host a wine podcast (Table Wine Podcast, check it if youāre interested!). That experience made Cab a more peripheral wine, as itās typically more expensive, especially the good juice.
Now, I think this cab lives up to its Napa origins: full-bodied, rich, ripe cab. Layered, chalky (and chewy) tannins, delivering concentrated blackberry and blueberry. The nose is inviting with vanilla and chocolate, which translate to cocoa and vanilla bean on the mid-palate. There is a lovely bit of acidity that seems to rest on the heavier base. This would pair lovely with some juicy meat to complement the tannins. I might even go so far as to say the chocolatey richness of this cab lends itself to pairing with the right dessert.
Drinking a day after opening (kept in the fridge) and itās held up incredibly well. The interesting note I picked up while drinking last night after opening was fennel seed on the finishāwhich I absolutely adored. Iām not getting that so much today (but perhaps I was having a fever dream last night!).
Overall, a Napa Cab for acolytes of the big and rich style Napa has become known for. Iāve recently encountered some more medium-bodied, red-fruit driven Napa cabs, and this provides real contrast. As cab isnāt my go-to, I have some bias, but see this as a real pleaser for folks looking for elevated, big, rich wine. Especially great in the winter months.
/giphy freezing-spectacular-trimming
Now the 4 bottle shows sold out.
Itās been awhile. Low quantity made available?