3rd Anniversary “Big Gun” Tasting Notes

NCWC THIRD ANNIVERSARY “BIG GUN” TASTING 7/26/13

SAGGI RED WINE 2009
Part of the Long Shadows project, this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah is exceptional, and definitely ageable. “Bright, deep red-ruby; quite dark for sangiovese. Lively aromas of cherry, flowers, menthol and cocoa powder. Juicy, perfumed and intense, with brisk acidity and a floral topnote nicely lifting the strawberry fruit. Finishes with strong, chalky tannins and lovely length.” 91 points Wine Enthusiast and Stephen Tanzer. $42.97

CARO RED WINE 2010
“The 2010 Caro is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and is raised in French oak barrels (75% new). It has a very elegant bouquet of dark cherries, boysenberry and cassis fruit that marry with oak stylishly. There are touches of sandalwood and game that lie underneath and these should develop in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins. It is beautifully balanced and pure, with blackberry, graphite, and cedar wood and briar. It glides across the palate towards a very focused, precise finish. Excellent.” 92 points Wine Advocate. $56.97

MONTAGNA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
Now we head for Napa. This reveals a richly aromatic nose, with cassis, blackberry, boysenberry, and vanilla. On the palate this is big and grippy, with lots of fruit, structure, and depth. You get loads of dark fruit up front, gradually making way for secondary notes of coffee, tobacco leaf, vanilla and subtle herbs. This is undeniably young right now and should cellar beautifully, if you can keep your hands off it! 92 points Tobin Bros. $46.97

GROTH RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
“A huge Cabernet, in the best sense of the word. It wasn’t the easiest vintage, as 2007 was, but meticulous winemaking did the job, resulting in this amazingly rich, impressively ripe wine that’s drinkable now and will develop for many years. The fruits veer toward blackberries, cherries and cola, and the tannins are soft and refined. One hundred percent new French oak isn’t at all heavy, lending nuances of buttered toast and sweet wood tannins. Will easily age for 15 years.” 96 points Wine Enthusiast. $89.97

CAYMUS SPECIAL SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection is, big, rich, voluptuous and totally sexy. Mocha, chocolate, plums, sweet spices and black cherries jump from the glass in this full-bodied, intense wine. This is one of the more immediate wines of the vintage, but all the elements are very nicely balanced. Once again Caymus has produced a gorgeous Special Selection that is delicious on its own.” 96 points Wine Spectator. $119.97