From the release newsletter

2015 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley—400 cases, 14.2% alcohol, 50% new oak

This is made up of clones 4 and 337 from Panek, our small portion of Pellet Vineyard in St. Helena, one small block from Lore, a couple barrels of Larkmead and two blocks from Kennedy Vineyard in Calistoga. Once again, this will give everyone a good sense of the character of the 2015 vintage. I don’t think there has ever been a year where pieces of every single vineyard bottling were present in the Napa blend. Fruit and color concentration are the first two things that jump out. The balancing element here is the savory note on the nose. Walnut husks, smoke and creosote sit on top of the fruit cutting into any potential jamminess that might be present in a warm year. The palate is mostly darker fruits with a nice underlying acidity provided I’m guessing by the Panek and Larkmead components in the wine. A slight herbal touch comes up in the finish with little bits of sweet tobacco, sage and menthol. This drinks way above its price point and may end up being the best QPR Cabernet we have ever released.

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