00 Bryant Family Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

My grandfather smelled like this. Well, his medicine tin, actually--an old cookie gift box full of pills, ointments, and "chewables" bought on extended stays in three different continents over fifty years. The dry aroma is like new leather, faintly smelling of droughted soil, clay, cedar sheets, and spicebox. With relatively bright raspberry and red plum flavors splattered onto a savory canvas of eucalyptus, mint, and cocoa nibs, the Bryant cab would actually be spot-on for great merlot and cabernet franc, were it not for the mouth-coating tannins. This winemaker has a chef's hand, bringing great grace and nuance to Napa. Thank you, Michael.