This flight features 5 wines where Cabernet and others of the famous 5 make an appearance, in vintages ranging from 2005 back to 2002.
The Sinskey and ZD were the clear favorites from the recent vintages in this flight. Their overt fruit was delightful and they each showed a good balance of acidity, such that no Frenchman could say that these are overripe, flabby New World wines.
The Bordeaux team was more restrained in is offer of fruit. The Puy Arnaud was astringent and green. The Baron was right on target in offering strength. This is a structured wine sporting clear earthiness that needs ample years in the cellar.
Stepping back in time to 2002 with the Rappahannock Meritage from Virginia was a delight. This wine wore its complexity in a supple, imminently drinkable fashion. Thanks t0 our Carl Brandhorst, one of our judges at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, for carrying this wine to California for me.
Robert Sinskey Vineyards Napa Valley POV Red Wine 2005 Produced from organically grown grapes from one of California’s leaders in this movement. GP&B in Napa 14.3% $ at the winery Robert Sinskey
ZD Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 P&B in Napa 14.5% $ at the winery ZD
Chateau Puy Arnaud Cotes de Castillon 2004 Mis en bouteille by the proprietaire Maureze a Belves de Castillon 13.5% $14.69 at Bottle Barn
Chateau Pichon-Longueville du Baron de Pichon-Longueville 2004 A well regarded second from Bordeaux that is sought out even in the lesser vintages. The Baron is mis en bouteille a Pauillac 13.5% $66.99 at Bottle Barn
Rappahannock Cellars Virginia Meritage 2002 13.5% $ at the winery Rappahannock
