Gallica, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville

2023 Napa in the City: Gala Dinner (The Pool in NYC) : First time trying a Gallica wine and I was impressed. My initial impression was lots of fruits and lots of spice but it softened in the glass. There is a rustic side to the style that I really like. To me this wine was the essence of fruit. There was lots of plum and similar there, but without any of the sweetness you typically associate with it. A …

This is decent, but something less than I had hoped. Overly rustic and not showing a ton on PNP. Judgment reserved for now. Next day: Much better. Blackish-ruby, totally opaque. Now this was the nose I was hoping for: pure, unadulterated Napa Cabernet Sauvignon fruit is present in abundance; almost the epitome of Napa. I don't know where the winery is located, but I would guess Rutherford benchland. This is still firm and a bit angular and oaky in the …

Young but a beautiful wine. Typical big, bold rich 2013. While I gave it plenty of time, or so I thought, the more the better. Let it lay for another 5 years minimum.

Opened last night, and it was great right out of the gate. Tonight, still great. Sumptuous black-purple-violet-ruby. Dense, completely opaque. The nose is a knockout, very deeply fruited with lovely violets and purple fruit redolent in the nose. Graphite. Really exciting in a masculine way. Quite yummy as it expands luxuriously across the palate. This is beautiful now, but still very young. I have no experience with this winery so who knows how it will age? It certainly has the …

Very good impression. Cellar it for 5+ more years. High in tannins. Blend of 75% CabSauv, 25% CabF, however CabF is showing much presence. Maturation for about 20mo in 70% new oak and kept 1 more year in cellars before releasing it to market. Certified organic, unfiltered. Tiny production of 300 cases per year. Sells for about £180 in Hedonism.

Drank on same evening as 95 spring mountain. This wine showed very well. Dark berry fruit, menthol and mild oakiness. Very well integrated for a young wine and very enjoyable. Well recommended.

Gallica Tasting : Deep purple color. Gorgeous aromatic display of enticing black currant, dark plums and black cherries, topped in menthol, tobacco, cigar shop, graphite and complex earth notes. Full-bodied but pure and balanced. Dense, bold tannins but excellent balance from the acidity. Black cherry, blueberry, plums, saucy but full of tartness. Complex waves of cedar, pencil shavings, charcoal, iron and dusty soil cascade over the palate, and I get flavors of herbs, violets, potting soil and minerals as well. …