2015 Turnbull ‘Oakville Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Making high-end, impeccably crafted Napa Cabernet is kind of Turnbull’s thing. That’s been their mission since inception. Zoe Johns, President of Turnbull, told me that has been especially true since her step-father, Patrick O’Dell, bought Johnston-Turnbull winery in 1992. So, after 38 years with a focused mission and an independent spirit (that allows them to focus on spare-no-expense quality), is it really all that surprising that Turnbull is putting out some of the best Cabernet in Napa Valley? Turnbull Wine Cellars has managed to keep a somewhat under-the-radar profile and down-to-earth demeanor in the face of it all. The question is, can they continue to do so now that the 100-point scores have started rolling in and the golden bull — the iconic image on their new labels — has been let loose?
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Reserve has a baked black cherries, black berries and wild blueberries-scented nose with hints of lavender, pencil shavings and earth plus a touch of cloves. The palate is full-bodied and bursting with black berry and earthy flavors, supported by soft, rounded tannins and finishing with a hint of pepper.