The man, the myth, the legend of Napa, Bob Levy, the creator of wines that have spawned some of the greatest Cabernet experiences had at Graileys, dropped in with his posse and highlighted our mid-week with a tasting of his commanding red wines. He started us on a vertical of the Ampersand, a forward Cabernet driven blend from a selection of lots culled from the flagship wine, Levy & McClellan- the personal label of Bob Levy and the equally famed Martha McClellan.
Bob Levy and Ampersand 2010, 2011 and 2012
2010 Ampersand- Powerful black fruit with pronounced notes of mocha, black pepper, leather and coal. Hints of mint and dense leaves gives the wine more layers and compliments the compacted blackberry, black currant fruit notes that drives the wine. The finish is lengthy and pure.
2011 Ampersand- Intense cassis and blackerry fruit; powerful and reserved, the ’11 Ampersand held darker, deeper mineral notes. Rich forest floor, dusty minerality with notes of pipe tobacco, cigar paper and dense ash. Dark black spices of licorice, star anise and clove weave in and out of the dense, black fruit. The finish leaves a note of fine leather and black currants.
2012 Ampersand- Also deep, rich and bold but much more wildly expressive! Candied black berries and black cherry jam raced up the palate followed by equally intense notes of toasted coconut, purple and red petals, slate and crushed black pepper. Straight forward, polished and sexy. The finish is shorter than experienced in the ’10 but the mid-palate is fully loaded and boasting with great flavors!
2011 Levy & McClellan- More focused than the ’12 with savory earth driven tones. Roasted herbs, soft leather, dark chocolate and dried spice filled the palate with tight black currant tying everything together.
2012 Levy & McClellan- This was a kickass Cabernet! Explosive black and red fruit, sweet cigar, eucalyptus and rich cedar were the first notes that popped out to me and each layer was wonderfully expansive! The tannins were rich and sweet and the finish is dense and strong. From the lively nose to the mouth-coating palate and the powerful structure to the lengthy finish, everything about this wine is commanding, glorious and seductive!
