2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask

Winemaker Philippe Bascaules continues to ratchet up quality at Inglenook. The 2011s are solid across the board, quite an achievement as harvest was already under way when Bascaules arrived from Chateaux Margaux that fall. Production is about 50% of normal, but the wines are quite pretty. Beginning in 2012, Inglenook has a new entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Cask and Rubicon Cabernets show improvement. Among the biggest changes Bascaules has implemented are earlier harvest dates and less new oak. I can imagine some readers may be put off by the heavy commercial feel of the Inglenook winery, but these are increasingly serious wines that merit attention.