Category Archives: Cabernet Sauvignon

Left Bank Bordeaux

Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2006 The nose of this wine features a strong whiff of smoky oak and leather with red fruits and sweet tobacco. In the mouth, the fruit comes alive, with fresh berries and dried cranberries and the accent … Continue reading

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Margaux, Merlot, Saint-Julien | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The wines of Viader

These wines were first tasted during a visit with Alan Viader at the estate on April 30. I bought two of my favorites to share with the UC Berkeley class in San Francisco on May 12. The notes below are … Continue reading

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot | Tagged | 1 Comment

United States Bordeaux blends 2006

Kendall-Jackson, Knights Valley, Highland Estates, Trace Ridge, Red Wine 2006 Unfortunately this bottle is corked. The grapes behind this wine are 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for 19 months in French oak, … Continue reading

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Virginia | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Domaine de Trevallon 2006

Domaine de Trevallon, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone 2006 As in the previous vintage, there is a New World ripeness to the fruit expressed in the nose, sweet and intense. In the mouth it is a tannic, mouth-gripping … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Provence, Syrah, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone | 1 Comment

Jordan Chardonnay and Cabernet

Before moving to California, I worked in a flash French restaurant back in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This was the mid-eighties and all of the staff were died in the wool Francophiles, disdaining New World wine while seldom ever tasting it. Local … Continue reading

Posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | Tagged | 2 Comments

Smith Haut Lafitte 2006

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 2006 The smells in the nose include raspberries, cherries, leather and the sweetness and toastiness of oak. In the mouth it is earthy and smoky, exhibiting complexity and a supple texture – very approachable. The … Continue reading

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Graves, Merlot, Pessac-Leognan | Tagged | Leave a comment

Sbragia Andolsen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Spragia Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Andolsen Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The nose features Cassis and a touch of the forest floor, a light green element adding complexity and a nice dash of vanilla. In the mouth it is muscular … Continue reading

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McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate, South Eastern Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 This is a light-bodied quaffer, a Cabernet that is smooth and fruity with a touch of sweetness. Here is a Cabernet to try if you’re hesitant about this grape. Often the … Continue reading

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Glen Ellen Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Glen Ellen, California, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 There’s a sense of whole berries, sweet and a little tooty-fruity with a vanilla veneer.  In the mouth this wine is a bit sweet, quite fruity and fairly gripping – disappointing. Vinted and … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California | Tagged | 2 Comments

Napa Valley Cabernet 2005

Kelleher, Oakville, Napa Valley, Brix Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Toasty oak marks the nose along with Cassis. In the mouth this wine is supple and the oaky expression continues with a nice thread of acidity.The wine was aged in French … Continue reading

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