This is a big, delightfully bold Cabernet Sauvignon from the ever-more-popular Lodi appellation. My own tasting tells me that the winery itself got it right with these comments: “This Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautiful deep purple and inky color. Lush and firm in the style of the vintage made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackberry jam, currants and cassis notes are well-balanced with firm tannins. The influence of French oak barrels during aging adds a sweet toast and caramel notes. Powerful now, it will match perfectly with red meat and game. Wonderful with dishes spiced with pepper . . . . Pairs beautifully with juicy grilled steaks and other red meats, hearty beef stew, pasta with meat sauce and Lamb Osso Bucco. Serve this red wine between 61 and 64 degrees to allow the full flavor to develop.”
Wine Enthusiast’s Jim Gordon agreed: “This big bold wine takes flavor to the limits. Spicy, peppery, beefy aromas and bold smoke, blueberry and clove flavors rely a lot on oak, but have a good concentrated fruit foundation underneath. It is full bodied, mouth-filling and nicely tannic.” The wine is available for $16 or so, while it lasts. I’d give it 90 points and let it breathe for at least an hour. (I paid about $14/bottle. Little is available for that price today.)
Wine Enthusiast’s Jim Gordon agreed: “This big bold wine takes flavor to the limits. Spicy, peppery, beefy aromas and bold smoke, blueberry and clove flavors rely a lot on oak, but have a good concentrated fruit foundation underneath. It is full bodied, mouth-filling and nicely tannic.” The wine is available for $16 or so, while it lasts. I’d give it 90 points and let it breathe for at least an hour. (I paid about $14/bottle. Little is available for that price today.)
