I remember quite clearly the first time I saw Napa Valley on a shelf–and was horrified. I also remember exactly the first time I saw Tapestry, and again furrowed my brow in wondering where exactly the marketing pigeon-holing would leave the two *real* wines–especially my beloved Rutherford. I don’t recall exactly when I saw The Agreement arrive, but remember rolling my eyes at its rather un-elegant label pronouncement and assumed it a forgettable, syrah-laden red blend. This is the first time I have ever had it. In a moment of boredom and vague curiosity, I read the back label the other day and lo-and-behold there is a rather un-fluffy source behind the name and claims to be a “Bordeaux-style red blend”. So far so good.
The other caveat to this freshman experience is: this bottle is from my absolute LEAST favorite vintage of the teens. So there’s that cloud hanging over my deductions. I now need to try it from years I respect. It’s not horrible–even for a 12. It’s fresh, bright, vibrant, and while not particularly structured, has obviously stood the test of a decade. Glorious maroon with a slightly-bricking rim, the nose not packed with Rutherford dust or mountain briar, but a spicy, warm, calm, modest approach to rich fruit and ripeness.
In the mouth, a chunk of tannin braces the early berry: a steely foundation to cranberry and firm plum. I have no idea what’s in it, but there’s certain clunky aspects hinting at PV and if it’s majority-Merlot, it is a stellar right-bank concoction. Perfumed while un-insulting, a certain eucalyptus dryness in the finish seals the deal. Roundness and sweetness have been kept to a minimum and even–nyet: ESPECIALLY–as a 12, I can find very little fault. While not mind-boggling by any stretch, it’s a very solid wine worthy of the BV label.
2012 BEAULIEU VINEYARDS ‘The Agreement’ Red Blend Napa Valley 14.5
Stephen McConnell 