Tasting Notes Friday 3/15/13

NCWC CABERNET TASTING 3/15/13

SAN TELMO ASENCIA CABERNET 2009
We begin our exploration of Cabernet with this incredible value from the Mendoza region of Argentina. It “offers dark cherry aromas and flavors accented with hints of spice, molasses and fruit preserves. Soft tannins gently structure this medium-bodied wine and support the velvety fruit flavors through the lingering finish. Pair this easy-to-enjoy Cab with gourmet hamburgers, grilled steak, pasta tossed with spicy red sauce or hearty stews. $7.97

CONTADO MANKAS CABERNET 2005
This winery from Suisun Valley gives its Cabs extra aging before release, which is why this ’05 is actually their current vintage. It carries pronounced aromas and flavors of blackberry, eucalyptus, and cinnamon, with accents of plum, cassis, and wild berries. The silky, complex texture lingers through the long, graceful finish. $13.97

CHATEAU LETTAU HALTER RANCH CABERNET 2008
From the famous Halter Ranch Vineyard in Paso Robles, this wine spent 21 months in 50% new French oak barrels. The result is a very nicely balanced wine that exhibits cherry and plum with a hint of vanilla
on the nose, maintains a nice acidity through the mid palate and finishes with big tannins. $14.97

SEVEN HILLS CABERNET 2010
Our next Cabernet hails from Washington’s Columbia Valley. It is “supple, focused and appealing for the floral, vaguely meaty overtones to the nicely detailed blackberry and dark plum fruit. Finishes with finesse,” beckoning for another sip. $21.97

TURNBULL CABERNET 2009
For this and the next two wines we visit Napa Valley, which of course we were bound to get to eventually! This winery has been producing fine Napa Cabs since 1979. This one is “dense, rich and extracted, succeeding with a potent mix of dried currant, mineral, cedar, tobacco and roasted herb notes, drying on the finish. Complex and interesting, this can be enjoyed now through 2018.” $29.97

ROBERT SINSKEY POV 2009
This wine is actually a blend that includes Merlot and Cabernet Franc alongside the Cab. “Suggesting a modern Bordeaux Right Bank red, the wine displays intense black cherry and plum with floral tones, black olive, and tobacco. It is full and round on the palate, with a plush, velvety mouthfeel and fine long tannins. This wine is capable of improving in the cellar for several years, but it is already a crowd pleaser, and at a modest alcohol level, very versatile at the dinner table.” $36.97

ZEITGEIST CABERNET 2009
“Zeitgeist” is defined as the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era. Well, this wine could define my era any time. It’s “a deliciously classic red wine. Warm soft notes of brown sugar, fresh baked bread and blackberry engulf the senses. This inviting wine opens with flavors of berry compote and black cherry that slowly evolve into more serious expressions of espresso and dark chocolate. Smooth, dark and velvety on the pallet, this is both supple and round, with deft balance flowing evenly from front to back. $53.97