AXR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2018 (Magnum)
Vault Wine: This wine is stored in our vault.
Overview of the Wine
We want to be reminded every day to live fully and to leave a lasting impression on our layer of history. Named after the axr rootstock (aramond x rupestris) that was so prominent in building the modern California wine industry, axr#1 eventually succumbed to phylloxera and most of California wine country was left as a blank canvas. Vintners now had a chance to replant and to rethink the entire structure of the vineyards; attention was paid to the terroir and unique varietals were researched. This was truly a turning point in the wine industry as we know it. AXR invites you to go on a journey through the past, present and future of Napa Valley.
Jean Hoefliger is an artisan inherently driven to push the envelope, continually challenging the cognizance of, not only winemaking, but life in general. With an insatiable appetite for art, philosophy, and a good discussion, Jean thrives when his creativity and passion are left unbound by conventional thinking. Whether in the vineyard, at the winery, home, or around the table with friends - old and new - Jean brings these pursuits alive with playful banter and endearing jokes. In his winemaking, the essence of these experiences is brought to life through a particular craft of winemaking: fundamentally balanced by his experiences in bordeaux, now left unbridled on the frontier of Napa Valley, making AXR a delectable intersection between the past and future of wine.
Grape / Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon
Origin
Napa Valley, California
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2018 vintage can be described as a near perfect growing and harvest season. With no major rain incidents or heat spikes we were able to pick when the berries were displaying richness and density.
on the rim: balck deep charcoal with touches of garnet and black cherry on the rim
one the nose: explosion of dark but fresh fruit like boysenberry with geranium and tulip, lingering on chocolate, cherry and espelette pepper, oregano and clay
on the palate: round and sweet entrance evolving on a round mid-palate with savory notes like tomato sauce, lingering on elderberry ice cream and freshly picked mirabelle plum
97 Points - James Suckling
Wonderful aromas of currants, plums, lavender, slate and violets follow through to a full body with tight, chewy tannins that are polished and beautiful. Lovely texture and firmness to the opulent, vivid fruit. Opulence with form. Give this at least four or five years to come together. A blend of key single vineyards.
95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Refined in rich red fruit, savory spice and bolts of black pepper, this lovely appellation wine shows a roundedness and length—the tannins sweet and well integrated. Dark-plum, cherry and mocha flavors layer atop the smooth texture, providing tremendous quality and complexity for the price.
94 Points - Wine Spectator
This sports a very zesty edge as loganberry and boysenberry fruit paste flavors hurtle through, laced liberally with licorice root, sassafras and sweet bay leaf accents, with a brambly hint adding more energy to the frankly grippy finish. This is fun now for its rambunctious profile, but should benefit from a bit of cellaring.
Product size: 1.5L
