Upchurch Vineyard 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $68
DeLille Cellars virtuoso Chris Upchurch debuted his eponymous brand with the 2010 vintage, and his sustainably farmed Red Mountain estate continues to mature under the guidance of acclaimed grower Dick Boushey. The winemaking includes two UV traditions — the 100 percent new French oak program using Taransaud and Orion barrels as well as precise blending with 9 percent Merlot. That combination brings dark aromas of blueberry and blackberry with spiced chocolate, caramel, cola and earthiness. There’s ripeness and richness to the drink of black cherry and black currant with firm, yet fine-grained blueberry skin tannins, lean acidity and a rewarding finish of blackberry pie. Fortunately, production has been increased by 20 percent over the 2012 vintage, so while Chris and Thea opened this to their wine club in December, the public offering began with the start of the new year. This spring, the grand opening of their winery on Red Mountain is scheduled for May 7.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 600 cases
Alcohol: 14.6%
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