Sparkman Cellars 2013 Evermore Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $100
Christian Sparkman’s first release of fruit from venerable Sagemoor Vineyard and its Dionysus blocks came with his acclaimed Birdie Riesling project. Here marks the second vintage of Evermore Old Vines Cab by Sparkman and his winemaker, Linn Scott, as they pulled most of it from grower Kent Waliser’s 1972 block. There’s also significant support (18%) from Upland Vineyard on Snipes Mountain, where the Newhouse family nurtures vines established in 1973. These old soldiers provide plenty of life, and the experience begins with aromas of black cherry, dried strawberry and orange oil with fresh cedar and spearmint. Inside, there’s a panoply of dark fruit flavors akin to plum, blackberry and cassis, backed by Bing cherry skin tannins and pomegranate acidity. It’s a remarkable blend of power and grace that’s available at the Sparkman tasting rooms in the Hollywood Hills and Warehouse districts, as well as through Amazon.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 140 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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