Shelter, Napa Valley, The Butcher, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 The nose features vibrant black currants with notes of tobacco and the cigar box. In the mouth there is nice density, the acidity shines and the tannins are very ripe. This is an elegant Cabernet, with lingering sweet oak. Cellared and bottled in St. Helena 14.3% $75 at the winery, the gift of a friend Shelter Wine Company
Rudd, Oakville, Napa Valley, Estate, Red Wine 2001 The nose reminds me of Christmas Cake, sweet and spicy, mixed with fresh new oak and floral notes. In the mouth you’ll find a silky mouthfeel and lots of flavor, with fully ripe fruit, cocoa and the acidity to carry the flavors a long way. It is amazing that this wine is 8 years on since the vintage as it has the complexity that develops with time yet has a freshness that would defy the Euro skeptics who count on all California reds to flag early in the race.
3% Cab Franc, 3% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot round out the blend behind the 93% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was aged in French oak for 19 months, 90% of that oak was new. Grown, produced and bottled in Oakville 14.5% $125 at the winery, the gift of a friend Rudd