Bright ruby with purple hues, possibly from the very small percentage of Petit Verdot and Malbec in this Cab Sauv from Sonoma County.
Nose of black cherry, cassis, and sweet spice, it is emboldened with dark fruit aromas and a slightly lifted note of dried plums and figs. There’s moderate vanilla, sweet spice, cedar shavings, and a slightly herbaceous tertiary note that seems more Old World than New. The palate is soft and luscious with loads of cassis and plum coating the mouth. The soft fruit rides on a chocolate note – milk at first, and then turning to dark, almost bitter chocolate on the finish. There’s balanced acidity and just the right amount of tannins to hold this for a few years (if you wanted) – a very good example of what comes out of some of the cooler regions of California these days. The finish is clean, with lingering black cherry, cassis, and the delicate chocolate notes. Great for summer barbecue season, this crowd-pleasing red would pair wonderfully with a grilled steak or even simple burgers. We had it with grilled pork tenderloin in a spicy dry rub and it worked wonderfully.
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot, 1% Malbec . A blend of French oak and American oak.
Releases June 10th at LCBO.13.5%, $22.95, **** (out of 5).
Sample provided for review.