PlumpJack 2015 Estate Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 1.5L Magnum
96 Points – Robert Parker | 96 Points – Vinous | 96 Points – Wine Enthusiast
Overview
The 2015 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum is a rare and luxurious expression of Napa Valley’s famed Oakville AVA. Crafted from organically farmed estate vineyards, this 1.5-liter large-format bottle showcases a bold, voluptuous Cabernet Sauvignon that beautifully balances power, finesse, and age-worthy structure. With exceptional critical acclaim and limited production, this is a must-have collectible for serious Napa Valley enthusiasts.
Vintage & Terroir
The 2015 growing season will be remembered for low yields, an early harvest, and concentrated flavors. A warm, dry winter and a fourth consecutive year of drought stressed the vines, producing fewer but intensely flavored berries. This resulted in wines of incredible depth, energy, and complexity. The alluvial soils and optimal microclimate of PlumpJack’s Oakville Estate vineyard impart a unique combination of plush fruit and elegant minerality.
Winemaking
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Blend: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec
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Fermentation: Cold soaked for 3–4 days, then fermented at up to 94°F, ensuring maximum color and flavor extraction.
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Aging: 20 months in 100% French oak barrels (80% new) from elite coopers like Sylvain, Taransaud, Nadalie, and Seguin Moreau.
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Production: Just 180 barrels crafted, adding to the wine’s rarity and exclusivity.
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep garnet-purple with an opaque, almost inky core.
Nose: A fragrant bouquet of crushed black cherries, ripe blueberries, and violets layered with dark chocolate, cinnamon stick, and a subtle hint of cigar box.
Palate: The palate is full-bodied and voluptuous, with rich layers of ripe blackberry, red cherry, and blueberry pie intertwined with mint chocolate, dried sage, and French vanilla mocha latte. Silky, plush tannins create a seamless texture, while vibrant acidity adds balance and lift to the wine’s powerful frame.
Finish: Exceptionally long, fruit-driven, and decadent, leaving lasting impressions of dark fruit preserves, cocoa, and warm spice.
Critical Acclaim
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96 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Fragrant nose of crushed black cherries and blueberries with suggestions of violets, dark chocolate, and cinnamon stick plus a waft of cigar box… The voluptuous, full-bodied palate layers on the fruit and spice flavors, framed by plush tannins and culminating in a very long, fruit-driven finish.”
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96 Points – Vinous (Antonio Galloni)
“Super-ripe red cherry, plum, lavender, spice, and menthol are beautifully knit together in this lush, voluptuous Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon.”
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96 Points – Wine Enthusiast
“Complex, concentrated and crowd-pleasing… pencil shavings, crayon wax, and a juicy core of blackberry pie… savory richness, succulence, and length with underlying acidity keeping it fresh and structured.”
Food Pairing Suggestions
The richness and layered complexity of the 2015 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Magnum make it a versatile partner for elevated cuisine:
- Herb-crusted lamb or prime rib
- Braised short ribs or beef tenderloin with mushroom demi-glace
- Black truffle risotto or wild mushroom tagliatelle
- Aged cheeses like gouda or mimolette
Aging Potential
This magnum format allows the wine to age more gracefully and evenly, preserving its freshness and structure. While it is drinking beautifully now with proper decanting, it will continue to evolve through 2040 and beyond, rewarding collectors with ever-deepening complexity.
Why Choose This Magnum
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Large-Format Collectible: Ideal for celebrations and long-term aging.
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Critically Acclaimed: Triple 96-point scores highlight its exceptional pedigree.
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Rarity: With limited production, this vintage is highly sought after.
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Iconic Producer: PlumpJack remains a benchmark for luxury Napa Valley Cabernet.
