July 4, 2020 - This rich and nuanced Cabernet is still going strong, having added another layer in the two years since I tasted it last (7/18 - 95 points.). Purple in color (with a brick tint) and medium in body (lighter than more recent MMs), the wine offers incredible aromas of boysenberry, graphite, leather, and rosemary, with a floral element (rose petal?) that overlays the wine. The flavors are integrated and complex, with notes of dried blueberry, leather, peppercorn, anise, and trail dust, followed by a silky finish that goes on and on. 14.5% alcohol. I believe this is the only MM that includes Georges III, though I understand other vineyards (LPV) were included as well. Drink in next few years - just magnificent.
July 26, 2018 - This rich and layered wine is a beautiful and enjoyable wine. For my palate, I prefer the wines a little younger (the 2013 MM is just awesome to me right now), but this is a graceful and ethereal wine. To me, this suggests that Memento - from the start - has made balanced and modern wines able to develop over time.
Dark brick in color, medium in body, nose of graphite, plum, and dark gravel. Tastes of blueberry, raspberry, leather, and pine needles, with a whispy, almost smoky finish. 14.5% alcohol. This doesn’t have the power or density of the more recent vintages, but it shouldn’t after eight years. Decant about an hour.
I tasted this at the same time as a 2010 Morlet Coeur de Valle (BTK), which came across as more dense and heavy. I thought the Morlet was more complicated, but the Memento was more ready - it had the ethereal and floral quality I hope for in a CA wine of this age. Bottom line, this is fantastic. 95+.
November 3, 2013 - Amazing wine - First year for Memento Mori and it just received a 91 Robert Parker rating
September 22, 2013 - very dry
July 24, 2013 - From Acme Fine Wines:
Steve Job’s words are the inspiration to the founders of Memento Mori, friends Adriel Lares, Hayes Drumwright, and
Adam Craun. Steve used the words Memento Mori to express “Remember you will die”. Here, it is interpreted in a more
celebratory way – “Remember to live”. In other words, these guys believe that life is too short to not drink anything less
than stellar wine. The friends began the project in 2007, tasting all over the valley before bringing on renowned grape
grower Andy Beckstoffer, young winemaker Sam Kaplan, and consultant Nancy Duckhorn. The fruit for this first release wine is sourced from some of the valley’s top vineyards in Oakville, Saint Helena, and Rutherford. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, the wine is full of dark red berries and violets with baking spices and a slight minerality. Plush with silky tannins, the vibrant red fruit and dark chocolate cascade across the palate with a never-ending finish. Drink now, or cellar for the next 5-10 years. As my dad would say, “Do what you love, love what you do. Live your life, drink great wine”. I might have added in that last bit!
March 31, 2013 - Not showing much on the nose after the wine was first opened. After an hour in a decanter, much has changed. Lots of bright fruit and cabernet character. This wine exhibits a black fruit rush of blue berries, black berries and cassis. The layers are endless. With notes of backing spice, earth and chocolate. The world class Beckstoffer fruit sources are evident. This is truly a remarkable wine and will be much better in a few years. Highly recommended.
March 10, 2013 - Little lifeless...full boodied, but without any real excitement
February 5, 2013 - Big, full-bodied cab. Notes of blackberry and chocolate.
January 3, 2013 - The best Cabernet Sauvignon from this vintage in Napa Valley, bar none. And I have had the opportunity to taste dozens so far. A true masterpiece. Perfectly balanced from start to long finish. Looking forward to enjoying my case!