The 2013 Proprietary Red Oakville Farmhouse Heritage comes from a site planted in the 1930s with vines of Negrette, Zinfandel, Mondeuse, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Ruby Cabernet. Apparently, this vineyard actually touches part of the famous first-growth Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard, To-Kalon. In the 1880s, the wine made from this site was called Black Burgundy (which doesnt make any sense, since no Burgundy I have ever seen was black). In any event, the Oakville Farmhouse Heritage possesses fabulous intensity along with lots of charcoal, licorice, baking spices and blackcurrants as well as a beautiful plushness and headiness. Its a high-octane red with plenty of glycerin, gorgeous freshness, and abundant spice and earthy characteristics. It is amazing that this fascinating, old-field blend vineyard, planted in one of the most expansive areas for Cabernet Sauvignon is still intact. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.
Robert Parker – 92-94 points