NV Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon Quake Cuvee - USA, California, Napa Valley (2/15/2018)Blended from 2012 and 2013 Napa Cabernet (with touches of other Bordeaux varieties), this was produced to benefit victims of the 2104 Napa earthquake. It's amazing to think that while Steve Matthiasson's home was literally shaken off its foundation, he was able to turn his thoughts outward, and find a way to help the larger community.
With that kind of backstory, it probably only made sense to evaluate this wine in a blind setting, but I wanted to drink a Matthiasson Cabernet, so I opened one. Not surprisingly it was still very youthful, with cassis and dark berry Cabernet fruit on full display. Nothing remotely over the top here. Very little wood influence, allowing the expression of the grapes to come shining through. Overall it was quite integrated, and still showed a fair tannic bite, but not to a point of being drying or fierce, just showing some backbone.
Given the overall level of balanced fruit, I could see this wine going out another 3-5 years. It will be interesting to see the aromatic and flavor development of a Cabernet with this little wood influence.