2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Notre Vin was started by the late Denis Malbec and his wife, May-Britt. There are a number of wines in the range, but I tasted only the Cabernets. The Napa Valley Cabernet is sourced from Sleeping Lady in Yountville, a vineyard that is starting to receive serious recognition as improved farming has attracted high-quality wineries who are getting the most out of this fruit. Notre Vin also makes a Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards on Howell Mountain. Denis Malbec had a strong connection to Howell Mountain. Some years ago, he and I spoke at a conference in Napa Valley. While I awaited my speaking slot, I listened in on a panel of French winemakers, each of whom had been asked to share the wine that had sparked their interest in Napa Valley. Malbec spoke of a 1980s Randy Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon. Sadly, Denis Malbec passed away earlier this year. May-Britt Malbec told me she expects to continue on with Notre Vin, which is yet another testament to the enormous determination she has shown over the last few months. Of these wines, only the 2013s were in bottle at the time of my visit.