Fresh Off the Truck: 2019 Echoes in the Canyon Oakville Cab [$185 vineyard source for $30/btl before discounts]

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Wine Access is back with another NDA Napa Cab, this time an Oakville red blend from a $185 vineyard source:
  • Cabernet Sauvignon 58%
  • Cabernet Franc 22%
  • Merlot 17%
  • Tannat 3%
Clues

David Crow on Wine Berserkers was quick to identify this one as likely being sourced from Peter Michael Au Paradis vineyard and I think he nailed it.
  • Jeb Dunnuck has called their wines “borderline perfection,” (he uses this phrase in his 99 point review of Peter Michael Au Paradis)
  • Wine Spectator said they’re at “the pinnacle of California,”with multiple placements near the top of their Top 100 lists. (this Spectator Top 100 article uses that phrase)
  • At 500 to 600 feet in elevation, the vines are caressed by cool breezes and warmed by the sun (the Peter Michael website lists the elevation of the Au Paradis vineyard at exactly 500-600 feet)
One thing that doesn't quite line up is the $185 comparison price since Peter Michael Au Paradis goes for $225/btl these days. Perhaps that was the going price when the protagonist in the story first moved to Napa.

  • $30 1-5 bottles
  • $28 7% off 6-11 bottles
  • $25 17% off 12 + bottles
  • 14.9% Alcohol
Elegance conveys here from beginning to end.
At just 2 years post-vintage and fresh off the truck, this shows impressive polish.

Not particularly aromatic at this point, even with some time to evolve. But what it does show is well aligned with the experience on the palate...

...where it really shines. Rich, ripe red fruit for days. Perfect oak regiment for my taste that imparts a well-balanced hint of vanilla. Completely devoid of green or any "off" notes. Well balanced with a touch of acidity and just a hint of tannic grip.

A long pleasant finish invites another sip.

92/100 WWP: Outstanding

Discussion

This wine is a winner, and I especially appreciate the price point here. When mystery wines get over $40/btl it starts to beg the question whether you could do better head-on with a known brand.

I've never tasted Peter Michael wines, though I've wanted to. It's worth keeping in mind that the "compare at" price of $185/btl here is just the vineyard source and not the finished wine.

All that said this one is a great deal. It ships quickly so it's possible to get a few bottles out to see if you want to go large on a case.

Free shipping on $120+


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