96pts Galloni

Celia Welch's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is off the charts. Dense, plush and alluring, the 2015 makes a strong first impression and never lets up. The move towards using more fruit from Pritchard Hill is one of the many decisions that gives the 2015 its incredibly vivid, distinctive personality. Super-ripe red cherry, raspberry jam, espresso, herbs and wild flowers are some of the many notes that develop over time. Moreover, the 2015 has a level of freshness and vivacity that I don't recall seeing here in the past. At times, the wine's aromatic nuance suggests an elevated presence of Cabernet Franc. The interplay of exotic ripeness and energy is simply compelling. What a gorgeous wine this is. Vineyard sites are Martinez, Melanson (both on Pritchard Hill), Tietjen (Rutherford) and UC Davis's Oakville Station. Sadly, yields are down 33