Conn Creek is known to wine cognoscenti as a sky rocket that took off in the 1970s (with assistance from Bordeaux’ La Mission Haut Brion!) only to come back to earth in the ’80s and see its aspirations dwindle and its property sold. Today, as in the restructured 1990s, the wine that grabs the most attention is their Anthology Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from 14 Napa Valley appellations, this Meritage is a masterpiece of the blending art. Actually made with five grape varieties, the 2012 vintage is a splendid red for the wine collector on your holiday list.
2012 Anthology, Conn Creek Winery, Napa Valley $55 srp
Saturated purple color. A wild-flower impression starts off a bouquet redolent of black raspberry, cedar, graphite, licorice and clove. A heady nose indeed! Flavors are bold and forward with cherry, earth, vanilla and tobacco elements on the toasty finish. Its superb balance hides the fact that short-term cellaring will only enhance this beautiful blend. (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot) Drink now-2025.
91+/100 points
To purchase this bottle of wine or to find something similar from a wide selection of wines, email or call Hope Valley Bottle Shop at 919-403-5200. Don’t miss their free wine tastings every Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Find your favorite bottle or expand your palate with something new from Hope Valley Bottle Shop — South Durham’s original bottle shop. Visit them at the Woodcroft Shopping Center or at hvbottleshop.com.
