Morlet Family Vineyards Mon Chevalier Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (750ML)

Morlet Family Vineyards named this Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for their son, Paul; Mon Chevalier means “my knight.” It comes from the family's Mon Chevalier Vineyard, 500 to 600 feet up in the foothills near Mount St. Helena, and is farmed organically and sustainably. The 2013 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, filled out with 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Fruit is hand-picked at night and sorted by hand, fermented on native yeasts in steel and French oak puncheons, then aged 16 months in French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Red cherry and plum lead, joined by game, cured meat, licorice and dried rose, and for all its power the wine stays poised and light on its feet. Critics see it hitting its stride now and holding into the early 2030s. Smoked brisket, wild boar ragù or grilled portobellos suit it well.