Jancis Robinson 

Napa Valley Cabernets - September 16th, 2016

The following year, 2013, began to show the effects of the California drought, with still-ample yields but a bit more concentration in the berries and more structure to the wines as a result. In 2013, warm and dry conditions in the spring led to early budbreak and good fruit set that resulted in elevated crop levels. While there was a heat spike in mid summer, temperatures mostly stayed comfortable with cooling temperatures at night. Dry weather reduced disease pressure allowing an abundance of healthy fruit at harvest. At the same time the drought brought concentration to the fruit leading to more tannin presence in the 2013 wines with still plenty of resplendent acidity. While fruit flavours are still abundant in the 2013 wines, they generally have darker notes and an inclination towards earthiness compared to the brighter, fresh notes of 2012. The 2013 Cabernets also tend to carry a hearty balance of structure-to-fruit lending themselves to greater long-term ageing and development. In many ways, 2013 offers the conditions of an ideal vintage with plenty of fruit expression and the structure for many years' evolution. Whether the wines themselves showcase that balance depends, of course, on the strength of the site as well as the amount and sort of work done in the cellar.

Review of Patland 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Perfumed, spiced, dark-fruit aromatics. Concentrated, spiced, dark-fruit palate mxed through with chocolage and sprinkled with pepper. Sweet fruit finish. Drink 2017 - 2022