Some people find the name for St. Clement Vineyards' high-end Cabernet Sauvignon silly. But count me out! I not only love its memorable moniker, the former owners' name Sapporo spelled backward, but the quality, value and consistency of this Napa Valley gem. For 17 vintages now, Orropas has simply never disappointed, and its relatively fair pricing has always had me coming back for more of this cellar-worthy red. The newest installment is a remarkable wine, and 2008 is proving to be a watershed vintage for many Napa Valley estates. Whereas early predictors said it would not match the marvelously wrought 2007s, the only truth that really matters is in the bottle.
2008 Oroppas, St. Clement Vineyards $55 srp
Intense blue-purplish color. A sumptuous nose of blackberry and cherry with numerous overtones including licorice, broad-leaf tobacco, graphite, earth and a spice rack of nuances. Flavors are ripe and palate coating with currant and black cherry notes. With a gorgeous texture that is already silky, the long aftertaste includes coffee, tar and dark chocolate sensations. (87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot with small amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) Drink now-2019.
93/100 points
