Cakebread Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, Napa Valley, USA
I always get a warm fuzzy feeling when I try a Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon and this 2013 vintage is no exception. Dry, bold, smooth and with plenty of aromas and flavours of plum, blackberry, tobacco and oak with a hint of earthiness and vanilla. The only down side to this is the price of about £60 a bottle
Oakville Estate, Franciscan, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, 1993, USA
To say that this 29 year old Oakville Estate, Franciscan, Zinfandel from Napa Valley was a surprise its an understatement. Found in the depths of the wine store we expected it to be “dead”, lifeless and only good for the sink but how wrong we were.
Flavours and aromas were still there, with plenty of plum, blackcurrant, a hint of mint and eucalyptus to note. Its dry and very smooth and even decanted it had good length and that lasted all evening as we went back to try it as it was so unexpected.
At £30 a bottle its not cheap but it was truly excellent.
Cliff Lede, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, Stag’s leap District, Napa Valley, USA
Stag’s leap District is well-known in Napa Valley and around the world for producing fantastic red wine. This red wine from cliff lede is really outstanding. It’s full of red and black fruits and is full-bodied but very well-balanced with well-integrated tannins and acidity. It’s fantastic with steak, in our case we had venison stew.
The only downside is it’s price which at £55 is quite a significant amount. It’s a shame as it will put people off trying it.
Majestic, Parcel Series, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA
I am a big fan of majestics parcel series wines and this Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley is a classic example why. For this particular wine it’s best to leave its open up so decant beforehand. Initially the aromas and flavors were quite lacking when we tried it on the second day it opened up there was a huge difference, much much better.
There are aromas and flavours plum and black fruits with some vanilla, and chuck of spice which adds to the dry smooth finish which on day 2 was a decent length. Its one of the better Cabernet Sauvignons out there, from anywhere. At £25 a bottle on a single bottle price it’s expensive but on a mix 6 it comes to a very reasonable £16.