YES, this opulent new release actually tastes like ‘velvet’…or at least what we would imagine red crushed velvet should taste like! Full-throttle flavors include crème de cassis, blueberry, Christmas spice with lightly toasted oak plus a hint of melted dark chocolate perfectly integrated into a seamlessly elegant and plushy texture. The galaxy of flavors on the sultry finish (30 seconds long) remind us of decadent dark chocolate walnut brownies. Thanks to its outstanding purity this Cabernet is approachable now (one of the seductive characteristics of the 2015 Napa Cabernet vintage) yet is capable of lasting 5 – 7 years minimum. Today, this jewel offers a flamboyant, showy, and ultra-impressive thrill ride that reminds us prized Cabernets trading for hundreds of dollars.