Med garnet but staining.  Intense briar and spice flows effortlessly out of the glass.  A hot dirty oven plus steely dust earthiness, red vines and a beautiful roasted turnip with just the right touch of newspaper.  No, it’s not corked.  Vegetal & brett just mean it was not made for the bullshit Fab Flab Cali Committee.  Round beautiful wet leather, dill and tar.  I have no idea where I got this, very possibly 12 Vintners in St Helena or Back Room in Napa.  It is wound tight, and late-breathing shows maybe a touch of oxidation.  This thing drinks like a Medoc or Graves of twice the price.  But riper fruit, of course.  Cherry anise, sweet and gorgeous, brilliantly acidic, with burning, chalky tannins enveloping the finish.  Fruit is probably at or near-past peak, honestly.  The briar and structure overwhelm, but oh man: No One is complaining.  More sweet fruit in the finish.

2006 AMETHYST Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 14.1

http://www.amethystwine.ca