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The Pick of the litter of wines I am showing off this week...an affordable Bordeaux-based blend with some clear California notes. Twenty-two months oak, 55% new but by no means "oaky"...Tends towards the darker fruits, a pleasure to drink and I suspect it will be for some time to come...
The Pick of the litter of wines I am showing off this week...an affordable Bordeaux-based blend with some clear California notes. Twenty-two months oak, 55% new but by no means "oaky"...Tends towards the darker fruits, a pleasure to drink and I suspect it will be for some time to come...
I am reflexively prejudiced against California Cabs that aren't from Napa or Sonoma, especially those from anywhere south of Santa Cruz, cbut this is pretty good. Better than the last bottle I had. Nose has rich cassis and dark blackberry, and lots of graphite and dark minerals. Dark and tannic on the palate, but this seems like it just needs a few more years to round into shape.
I am reflexively prejudiced against California Cabs that aren't from Napa or Sonoma, especially those from anywhere south of Santa Cruz, cbut this is pretty good. Better than the last bottle I had. Nose has rich cassis and dark blackberry, and lots of graphite and dark minerals. Dark and tannic on the palate, but this seems like it just needs a few more years to round into shape.
2012 "The Paring" Bordeaux blend from Santa Barbara County. Very open, rich, and friendly. Deep dark berries and lots -- a bit too much for me -- of dark chocolate. A little too one dimensional on its own, but I think it will be nice with the chicken gumbo that's simmering right now. NIGHT 2: The chocolate thing has toned down and a bit more mineral, herbal, and fruit notes are present. Bumping it from 8.7 to 8.8. Decant this well ahead of time to avoid chocolate monochromality.
2012 "The Paring" Bordeaux blend from Santa Barbara County. Very open, rich, and friendly. Deep dark berries and lots -- a bit too much for me -- of dark chocolate. A little too one dimensional on its own, but I think it will be nice with the chicken gumbo that's simmering right now. NIGHT 2: The chocolate thing has toned down and a bit more mineral, herbal, and fruit notes are present. Bumping it from 8.7 to 8.8. Decant this well ahead of time to avoid chocolate monochromality.
California, USA
