The Library – Past Vintages
2018 Library Collection Volume VI Napa Cabernet Sauvignon –
“Traveling Through Space” presented by artist Mertia Jaha– Out of Print
Volume VI – Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation: Calistoga Napa Valley. Bottling Date: July 2020 Case Production: 100 cases (12x750ml) Barrel Regime: 18 months in 60% new French oak. Natural malolactic fermentation. Bottled unrefined and unfiltered.
We shall rebuild. In the wake of the 2017 season, 2018 was off to a wonderful start. February saw abundant rains. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels. 2018 mimics that of 2012, good quantity of high-quality fruit. With the extended growing season, we saw serious potential for some great structured wine.
Tasting Notes Color; Lighter than previous vintages, tanzanite red flicker to thin edge. Nose; French Oak / Dark Chocolate / Cherry. Alcohol is very subtle for a full-bodied Napa Cab that is this young. Palate; Smooth velvety tannins and dark chocolate covered strawberries. Nice acidity. Drink; Do your best and try to give it at least 6 months after bottling. Winter 2020-2035 – Expected release is May. *Decanted for 2hrs, examined again after 24hrs open time. Topped with red wax. -Robin Akhurst & Brian Schmaltz (May 20th 2020). *Decanted for 2hrs, examined again after 24hrs open time. Topped with red wax. -Robin Akhurst & Brian Schmaltz
Library Collection Volume V; Chapter 2 Sonoma Rose’ de Noir b1 –
“Mrs. McColough” Artist Juliette Belmonte – – Out of Print
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Sonoma Bottling Date: Batch 1 (b1) July 23rd 2018
Case Production: 50 cases (12x750ml) RP: $48 per 750ml bottle
Tasting Notes; Color; Crimson, pink legs. Nose; Strawberry, tropical fruit. Melon. Palate; Effervescent, delicate, juicy. Drink; 2019-2029
*Decanted for 2hrs, examined again after 24hrs open time. Topped with gold foil. -Robin Akhurst & Brian Schmaltz (July 28th 2019)
2016 Library Collection Volume V Napa Cabernet Sauvignon –
“Mr. McColough” via Big Sur, CA presented by artist Juliette Belmonte – Out of Print
Volume V – Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation: St Helena, Napa Valley. Bottling Date: July 23rd 2018 Case Production: 100 cases (12x750ml) Barrel Regime: 18 months in 100% new French oak. Natural malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting notes for Volume V; Color; Lighter than previous vintages, tanzanite red flicker to thin edge. Nose; New French Oak / Cherry / Strawberry. Alcohol is very subtle for a full-bodied Napa Cab that is this young. Palate; Smooth velvety tannins, cherry and passion fruit. Nice acidity. Much more approachable than previous vintages. Drink; Do your best and try to give it a at least 6 months after bottling. 2019-2029 – Expected release is Oct/Nov 2018. *Decanted for 2hrs, examined again after 24hrs open time. Topped with blue wax. -Robin Akhurst & Brian Schmaltz (July 28th 2018)
2015 Library Collection Volume IV Napa Cabernet Sauvignon –
“Combustible” by Artist CHRISTINA LETA –Out of Print
Volume IV – 100% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French Oak for 18 months. Tasting notes for Volume IV; Color; The core of a red rose, bring rose petals along the glass edge leaving a magenta hue. Dense Concentrated Fruit. More so than the 2014, but less viscous than the 2013. Nose; New French Oak / Cherry / Dark Chocolate. Alcohol is very subtle for a full-bodied Napa Cab that is this young. Palate; Smooth velvety tannins, cherry and currant. Nice acidity. Slight anise along with the earthiness rounds out the palate. Very much in line with the 2013 vintage. Drink; Do your best and try to give it a at least a year or two in bottle, or buy one for now and one for later 😊 Winter 2018-2030*Decanted for 2hrs, examined again after 24hrs open time. Topped with white wax.
2016 Library Collection Volume IV; Chapter 2 – Napa Chardonnay
Just Pretty” Artist CHRISTINA LETA – Out of Print
Volume IV; Chapter 2 – “Straw yellow / wheat color. The nose is citrus-filled tangerine being the primary note and a touch of oak peeking through. On the palate, there was ripe stone fruits, smooth oak, and a touch minerality. The acidity kept in moderation around 3.4pH, via the full ML. This edition offers extended barrel aging characteristics with softer mouthfeel and larger oak presence than the year prior. Drink 2018-2023. 1000 Bottles.” *Decanted for 2hrs, examined again after 24hrs open time. Presented via raw cork.
2014 Library Collection Volume III Napa Cabernet Sauvignon – Artist Mac Hillenbrand – “From 9th St Del Mar, CA” – Out of Print
Volume III 100% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French Oak for 18 months. Tasting notes for Volume III; “Color; Dark purple ink / Black. Minor distinction between edge and core. A bit less viscous than the 2013, and more approachable. Nose; Heavy fruit forward with bright notes of dark cherry and currant followed by a more subtle dark chocolate. Palate; Excellent velvety tannins, bright fruits and currant. Licorice along with the earthiness rounds out the palate. Even after 24hrs this wine is sublime and just beginning to open up. Drink 2017-2025.” *Decanted for 2hrs, examined again after 24hrs open time. Topped with yellow wax to mimic the sunlight illumination of beautiful 9th St Del Mar. 600 Bottles
2014 Library Collection Volume III; Chapter 2 Napa Chardonay – Artist Mac Hillenbrand – “From 9th St Del Mar, CA” – Natural Wood – Out of Print
Tasting notes for Volume III; Chapter 2 “Light yellow color. The nose is floral with citrus-filled tangerine being the primary note and a touch of oak peeking through. On the palate, there was ripe stone fruits, light oak, smooth and a touch minerality. The acidity kept in moderation, via the full ML. Overall an excellent bottle of chardonnay with complexity – Ready for summertime. Drink 2017-2022. 300 Bottles.”
2013 Library Collection Volume I Napa Cabernet Sauvignon – Self Portrait by Artist Nathan Goldsmith – Out of Print
100% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French Oak for 18 months. Tasting notes for Volume II; “Color; Dark purple ink / Black. No distinction between edge and core… uniform with no dilution. Nose; Expressive, milk chocolate w/ a touch of Crème de cassis, black currant & briar. Secondary underlying notes of clove, balsamic, cinnamon. Palate; Excellent velvety tannins, dark fruits and black currants. Youthful/Alive. Evolving complexity driven by the subtitle tannins. Easy 45 second finish then diving in for another sip. 2013 vintage is nothing short of sublime. Drink 2016-2030.”600 Bottles
2012 Library Collection Volume I Napa Cabernet Sauvignon – Self Portrait by Artist Romalyn Schmaltz – Out of Print
Volume I – a 100% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French Oak for 18 months. Cheers! Tasting notes from Napa Reserva; Attractive perfume on the nose of ripe plum, prune, dried flowers and hint of sage – classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; full body wine structured with grippy tannins, already showing depth of flavors on the palate, sweet touch of dark fruit, then seductive bouquet of oak, cassis and eucalyptus. Lingering aftertaste of toasted vanilla rounds off an enticing finish. It is a young wine, enjoyable now but will benefit more after 2 or more years of cellar, furthering complexity and softening of tannins. Drink now until 2023. 300 Bottles
