Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Tom Casagrande

Fragrant and structured. Densely colored with no bricking. Lovely nose shows rich cassis fruit, a bit of scorched earth, a little clovey oak (not too much), ashy cigars, and a note that reminds me of collard greens simmering with a smoked ham hock. Very youthful in the mouth, with vigorous tannin giving lots of structure. Clingy but somewhat austere in the mouth. This plainly needs more time than I thought it would. It’s still nice on its own before dinner, but should be better with rich food. UPDATE: Now, after two hours open, this has become soft and friendlier than it was. Still nicely structured, but the fruit is more welcoming.

Michael Chelus

Black cherry, cassis, raspberry, vanilla, eucalyptus and oak. Full-bodied and velvety tannins.

Sagee Aran

Dark in color, good nose, full body. Too woody for my taste, but a balanced CS

Stephen Fitzpatrick

Full-bodied, slightly chewy, robust Napa Cab, opened up nicely after the first hour; paired well with steak.