2012 Hidden Ridge "55% Slope" Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 55 Degrees Slope exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color as well as beautiful, sweet cr̬me de cassis, Asian plum sauce, licorice and forest floor notes. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, and impressive concentration, texture and length, this superb Cabernet can be drunk early in life because of its velvety opulence or cellared for two decades. I was greatly impressed with the Hidden Ridge offerings last year, and once again their current and upcoming releases merit interest. The winemaker is Timothy Milos, and the wines come from steep slopes on the west side of Spring Mountain. The elevations range between 900 and 1,700 feet. (RP)