TN: 2012 Apsara Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch (USA, California, Napa Valley)

[Brian_Tuite]

Release is coming up in a couple weeks. Low production here so don’t balk.

• 2012 Apsara Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/7/2014)
  I acquired a bottle of this pre-release from Robin asking for my thoughts on it. I opened it Friday night and it’s now on day 3 with no preservation other than a cork. Dark fruit and tobacco dominate the nose along with some cedar. Rich, juicy and full bodied accented by judicious oak and tame tannins. The tobacco and cedar extend through the finish.

Remembered it showing some reduction back when I tasted it from barrel a few months ago. No such showing now, really nice effort.

Posted from CellarTracker

[Eric_LaMasters]

We tasted this with Robin last month and I really liked it. Your note is spot on about the tobacco and cedar. To me this is a very savory expression of the vineyard. It is a very interesting contrast to the more fruit-driven Quivet Cab from the same vineyard, which I also really enjoy.

[F.Daner]

Thanks for posting. We should be trying in October during our Napa trip. Any idea on release price ?

[Brian_Tuite]

@F.Daner

Thanks for posting. We should be trying in October during our Napa trip. Any idea on release price ?

Sorry, I didn’t ask, but emails are going out this week.

[Eric_LaMasters]

I believe it was around $65.

[NickWittman]

Appreciate the tasting note Brian, something I have not yet tried. Apsara makes such a lovely age worthy Syrah, would be curious to try their Cabernet!

[Brian_Tuite]

The Kenefick will release at $70.

[Chris_C]

Thanks for the note. This is one I am definitely looking forward to. It would be fun to taste this side by side with the Quivet version.

Any thoughts on this compared to Becklyn? Mulling over the 2 of them.

[Brian_Tuite]

@Chris C.

Thanks for the note. This is one I am definitely looking forward to. It would be fun to taste this side by side with the Quivet version.

Any thoughts on this compared to Becklyn? Mulling over the 2 of them.

The Becklyn is a blend of Kenefick, McGah and Three Twins. Textbook Mike Smith richness and flavor and is kinda full throttle. The Apsara starts out with lots of fruit but after a couple days it really opens up and gives way to some Kenefick notes of Cedar and Tobacco which make it real interesting. Two different approaches with different fruit profiles.

[T_Fletcher1]

@Brian Tuite

@Chris C.

Thanks for the note. This is one I am definitely looking forward to. It would be fun to taste this side by side with the Quivet version.

Any thoughts on this compared to Becklyn? Mulling over the 2 of them.

The Becklyn is a blend of Kenefick, McGah and Three Twins. Textbook Mike Smith richness and flavor and is kinda full throttle. The Apsara starts out with lots of fruit but after a couple days it really opens up and gives way to some Kenefick notes of Cedar and Tobacco which make it real interesting. Two different approaches with different fruit profiles.

Yep…thanks Brian!

[Chris_C]

@Brian Tuite

@Chris C.

Thanks for the note. This is one I am definitely looking forward to. It would be fun to taste this side by side with the Quivet version.

Any thoughts on this compared to Becklyn? Mulling over the 2 of them.

The Becklyn is a blend of Kenefick, McGah and Three Twins. Textbook Mike Smith richness and flavor and is kinda full throttle. The Apsara starts out with lots of fruit but after a couple days it really opens up and gives way to some Kenefick notes of Cedar and Tobacco which make it real interesting. Two different approaches with different fruit profiles.

Thanks for the help. It looks like I’ll just have to get both.

[Charles_Kersten]

This cab is up on the website…order away!

[Bob_Busch]

Order in!