Robert Craig Wine at Flickinger Wines

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USA Red

Robert Craig

2007

Affinity Proprietary Blend

$55

WA 96 (12/2009): The 2007 Affinity exhibits more graphite, but in essence is similarly elegant, with supple tannins (although more velvety than in the 2006), very young, primary black and blue fruit notes, and superb concentration, texture, and length. This is an exceptionally promising wine that is still hiding behind a rather primary display of fruit. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the next 15 or possibly 20 years.

2013

Diamond Mtn. Cabernet Sauvignon

$75

WA 95+ (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District, which is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, but treated almost identically to the other wines (18 months in 90% new French oak) is another big-time winner from Robert Craig. Backward and dense, but gorgeously pure blackberry and almost blood-like meaty notes combine with earth, spice and subtle oak to create a back-strapping, muscular, full-bodied, rich and concentrated wine with a good 20-25 years of upside. This was hard not to get blown away by, but it patience is needed, and 4-5 years is suggested.

2009

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

$95

WA 96 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain bursts from the glass with expressive layers of roasted coffee beans, graphite, scorched earth and tar. It is a massive wine, yet shows remarkable balance and harmony from start to finish. Layers of racy black fruit build towards the muscular, virile finish. Simply put, this is a stunning example of Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain. The 2009 Howell Mountain is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 7% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029+.

2010

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

$79

WA 93 (12/2012): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is an effortless and totally gracious wine. It doesn’t have the overt weight and power of the Mt. Veeder bottling, instead all the elements are much more subtle. Make no mistake, there is plenty of underlying structure, power and depth. The essence of raspberry jam, flowers, mint and sweet spices is layered in the elegant finish. This is another wine that will require further time in bottle to show its best. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030.

2012

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

$89

WA 95 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain comes from an elevation of nearly 2,300 feet and tiny yields of 1.8 tons of fruit per acre. From red, rocky volcanic soils, it is a spicy, rich wine with dark mountain fruits, a hint of graphite and white chocolate (or is it mocha?). This is full-bodied, magical stuff that should drink well for at least ten years.

2019

Howell Mountain Cuvee Red Wine

$49

VM 92 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Cuvée is a new entry-level wine in this range. The addition of Merlot works so well in softening some of the young Howell Mountain contours. Even so, there is plenty of energy underpinning the bright red cherry fruit. Mint, pine and floral accents resonate across the persistent finish. The 2019 is a jewel of a wine and a fabulous value. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni.

2006

Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

$59

WA 93 (12/2009): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder (81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot) plays it slightly closer to the vest, and at least at this tasting, seemed to be the most backward and tannic of these wines, which surprised me. There is some creme de cassis fruit intermixed with lead pencil shavings and an almost truffle-like note, but the wine is backward and foreboding. A muscular wine, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age, but should certainly be another 20+-year wine.

2007

Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

$65

WA 93+ (12/2009): Interestingly enough, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder was also closed. However, it didn’t take long to coax some spice box, cedar, cassis, truffle, and chocolate out of the aromas. In the mouth, the wine is dense, full-bodied, but again, very tannic, almost atypically so for a 2007. I would forget it for at least 3-4 years and drink it over the following two decades.

2009

Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

$65

WA 96 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder is a big, broad-shouldered wine loaded with class and personality. Firm tannins provide the backdrop for layers of dark red fruit in this super-expressive, racy Cabernet Sauvignon. Tar, licorice, menthol, iron and smoke nuances develop in the glass, adding a sense of gravitas. This is a striking, totally beautiful wine from Robert Craig. The 2009 Mount Veeder is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.

2013

Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

$89

WA 94 (12/2015): Traditionally, Robert Craig has done a brilliant job with their selection from Mount Veeder, and the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) shows that haunting blueberry, raspberry, black raspberry and floral notes that seem characteristic of that AVA. A dense ruby/purple color, beautifully sweet purity, full-bodied opulence with a layered mouthfeel as well as sweet tannin make for another great 2013 that can be drunk young or cellared for 20-25 years.

VM 93 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mt. Veeder) opens with a blast of dark blue/purplish fruit, spices, menthol and licorice. A host of graphite, slate, game, iron and savory notes appears later, adding considerable nuance throughout. The 2013 packs plenty of intensity, but the style is distinctly fruit-driven for the year. (Drink between 2020-2033). Antonio Galloni.

2010

Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

$65

WA 92 (12/2012): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District is surprisingly open for the vintage and its provenance. It is the most accessible of the 2010 Cabernets I tasted from Robert Craig this year. Layers of dark red fruit, Chambord, cloves and mint linger on the subtle, perfumed finish. This is one of the more feminine 2010s in the lineup. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030.

2012

Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

$65

WA 95 (10/2014): Another mountain wine, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain, comes from a vineyard at 2,000-feet elevation in rock-imbued volcanic soils. Deep ruby/purple, it has glorious notes of blueberry and black raspberry, a touch of graphite and spring flowers. The wine is a full-bodied, opulent and impressively made classic Spring Mountain Cabernet that should continue to drink well for 10-12 years.