2015 Ovid Hexameter Red Blend

Tonight's wine is a young wine from Ovid. The primary grape for this wine is Cabernet Franc and they are grown on the Pritchard Hill estate. Ovid was bought by the owners of Silver Oak not too long ago but the winemaker remains the same. It is rare in Napa Valley to have a Cabernet Franc dominated blend, which the winemaker says contains a "small amount" of Cabernet, Petit Verdot and Merlot. I am not a Cabernet Franc varietal lover but am always interested in new things.

I do not usually get wine that is only sold on allocation as Ovid wines are sold. I managed to buy some of the 2010 Cabernet and very much enjoyed it (will need to do a note on that one as well) so joined the list.

Vinous (AG) rates this wine a 94.

I opened, decanted and let rest for a half hour before decanting a second time. The nose was a bit reserved at first, but slowly evolved with cedar or sandalwood, black pepper and rich dark berry. Obviously very young.

It is has a nice color in the glass, dark but not quite to inky and a very slight bit of translucence which I would not have expected.

First taste was dominated by sweet tannins and fruit. The berry came back strong mostly blackberry for me, joined by a fruit stand of other flavors, cranberry, boysenberry and rhubarb. The finish is a bit gritty with the tannins still needing more time to smooth out, but it is quite long and dominated by the fruit.

This wine will clearly age and I would guess that in three to five years it would smooth out nicely and then go on for many years after.

I am back after 2 hours and this wine has really shown some nicely developing character. Had a bite of chocolate and really enjoyed the flavor explosion.

I rate it a 95. You won't be disappointed if you drink it now, but I am certain it will improve.


WR