Cabernet Sauvignon (2014 California) Why The Fruit Flavors

 

Why The Fruit Flavors in Cabernet Sauvignon?

As I continue with 2014 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted, I've been reminded that fruit-flavors associated with Cabernet (red wine in general), other than 'grapes', seem counterintuitive; why do we taste black currants or plum (e.g. Damson) in Cabernet? Why is 'grape' rarely used to describe wine?
Certainly this tends to be subjective, mysterious, and curious, although to me wine often does taste like grapes, especially Pinot Noir, Muscat, and Chardonnay, it's the: this smell or this flavor reminds me of such and such; the oft-used word 'redolent' is synonymously defined as evocative or reminiscent, though usually related to smell.
So lean back, enjoy your wine, maybe I can encourage responsible and interesting wine tasting, and let the wine remind you of smells and flavors hidden deep in your memories, like those evocative of kids eating Necco wafers or drinking Ribena, and smelling cigars or Damson plum jam.

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Simple Life California 2017 Rosé

Simple Life California 2017 Rosé, $9.34-$12.99, 87 points, was a dark salmon color.
Aromas were a slightly sour strawberry, cotton candy, and a hint of shoe polish; not bad!
Light-plus body with good acidity carried loads of red fruit flavors with a bit of dirt thrown in.
Finished fair on the trailing palate and an innocuous 12% alcohol.
Paired fine with our bourgeois hot dogs (grass-fed beef, no hormones).
Varietals were Syrah, Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, and Barbera.

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Alexander Valley Vineyards Sonoma County 2017 Dry Rosé Of Sangiovese

Alexander Valley Vineyards Sonoma County 2017 Dry Rosé Of Sangiovese, $11.89-$15.99, 91 points, poured a dark salmon-pink color with a very broad clear penumbra.
Aromatic floral notes with apple, cinnamon, and red fruits were excellent.
Light-bodied with good acidity managed well a red cherry/strawberry fruit flavor profile.
Finished long on the trailing palate and hints of hibiscus and ginger.
The 12.5% alcohol was appropriate to this Rosé.
Paired well with our fruit salad and a medley of finger sandwiches.

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Robert Sinskey Vineyards Carneros 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé

Robert Sinskey Vineyards Carneros 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé, $24.64-$28.99, 91 points, poured a medium Salmon pink color.
The nose was a lovely floral strawberry with a hint of pine, Circus-peanut marshmallow, and a fresh after-the-rain fragrance.
Light-plus dry body rolled-out soft without sacrificing appropriate acidity.
Strawberry and floral flavors were girded with a stony minerality and nuanced with stone fruit.
Finished long on peach notes, dragon fruit, white pepper, and a well-integrated 13.2% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my butter-sautéed Icelandic cod.


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Rosé Wines, The Big Domestic Push (2017 Vintage)

Rosé Wines, The Big Domestic Push (2017 Vintage)

The 2017 vintage of domestic Rosé wines really piggybacks on last year's Rosé Wines, The Big Domestic Push, because I've just been too busy with Domestic Cabernet Sauvignon and Italian wines, but I'm going to try and rectify my lack of attention to America's summertime delight.
I am blushing at the fact I've only had three domestic Rosé wines this year, and if that causes you to see red, just ask yourself: "How many domestic Rosé wines have I had?"
My favorite from last year's offerings (vintage 2016) was: Dazzle Cellars The Benches Vineyard At-Wallula, Julia's Dazzle Rosé (Horse Heaven Hills, WA)
And my favorite Rosé from vintage 2015 was:
Merriam Vineyards Russian River Valley 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé

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Hoopla Napa Valley 2016 Rosé

Hoopla Napa Valley 2016 Rosé, $7.99-$18.99, 88 points, poured a Blood Orange red.
There was an off-putting almost sour floral note over-shadowing the aromas, not awful, just not altogether peasant.
Light, dry, appropriately acidic, and flush with nondescript fruit flavors, though dominant red cherry and hibiscus were quite tasty.
Finished long on white pepper, a hint of strawberry, and a potent 14.3% alcohol.

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Kim Crawford 2017 Rosé (New Zealand)

Kim Crawford 2017 Rosé (New Zealand), $13.99-$17.99, 89 points, poured a Blood Orange red.
Surprise, surprise, the nose was strawberry and maybe a furtive watermelon; I wasn't disappointed or amazed.
Light and crisp with good hibiscus and red fruitiness flavors.
Finished on some nice white pepper notes and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my favorite Rosé partner, spicy cheese enchiladas and tostadas (Mexican cuisine).

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Damilano Lecinquevigne 2013 Barolo (DOCG)

Damilano Lecinquevigne 2013 Barolo (DOCG), $31.44-$38.99, 93 points, poured a deep ruby red grading garnet red with a broad clear wine ring and light sticky draping.
The floral bouquet consisted of roses and a hint of lavender surrounding bright red cherry, Orange pekoe tea, truffle, and a hint of cedar (excellent and complex).
Medium-bodied with bright acidity and a plank of supportive oaky tannins present a bouquet mirrored flavor profile.
Finished dry and long on the trailing palate, a hint of spearmint, intense white pepper, and a balanced 14.5% alcohol.

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Luna Nuda Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2017 Pinot Grigio (IGT)

Luna Nuda Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2017 Pinot Grigio (IGT),  $9.34-$13.99, 89 points, poured a light brass color with gray highlights.
Smells of wet stones, tangerine, and pome blossoms were lovely.
Light and unusually tart, tangy, and delightfully citrus carried deep into the long finish nuanced with hints of grapefruit, Necco wafer, lime, ginger, and an easy 12.5% alcohol.
This 'unique' and off-dry Pinot Grigio was a pleasant once-in-a-blue naked moon tipple.
Paired perfectly with my sautéed Icelandic haddock and California asparagus tips.



Italian Pinot Grigio Vendemmia (Vintage) 2017 Has Finally Begun To Trickle Into New Hampshire! Yea!
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Ridge Pagani Ranch 2015 Zinfandel

Ridge Pagani Ranch 2015 Zinfandel, $28.89-$33.99, 95 points.
This Zinfandel is dark and brooding, it's mysteriously possessed by the essence of Zinfandel's varietal character plus nuanced trace amounts of Pagani Ranch's 10% Alicante Bouschet, and 7% Petite Sirah.
With Ridges' superior bouquet, spiciness, earthiness, black cherry fruitiness, brambleberry wildness, and herbal-deliciousness this red wine of unspeakable balance and flavor is triumphant.
The best Pagani Ranch Zinfandel I've tasted.
Other than that, I have little to say!

Ridge, why it's a "go to" winery.
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Bonterra Mendocino County Organic 2014 Merlot

Bonterra Mendocino County Organic 2014 Merlot, $15.29-$16.99, 87 points, poured a medium ruby red grading to a bright red penumbra, broad clear wine ring, and densely laden glass wall.
Aromas of black licorice, cedar, red raspberry, blueberry and an earthy plum note were rich.
Full-bodied with medium acidity and a dense underlayment of tannin supported flavors reflective of the aromas and nuanced with a floral note and cocoa.
Finished dry and long on the trailing palate, white pepper, and a substantial 14.4% alcohol.
I bought this Merlot at the Whole Foods of Bedford.

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Blue Nun 'Winemaker's' Passion' Rheinhessen 2016 Riesling (Germany)

Blue Nun 'Winemaker's' Passion' Rheinhessen 2016 Riesling (Germany), $9.99, 87 points, poured a light brass color with a green cast.
The nose was soft apple with hints of petrol and cilantro.
The light-plus body presented an off-dry appropriately acidic Riesling with furtive yet fair flavors of guava and tangerine.
Finished rather uneventful with a grapefruit note and an innocuous 10.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my fresh sautéed Canadian Maritime Halibut.
An iconic white wine which I haven't tasted since the early 1970s (maybe one of three wines I disappointedly tasted in my twenties), and which I now enjoyed in my late sixties.


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Cantina Terre del 2008 Barolo Riserva (DOCG)

Cantina Terre del 2008 Barolo Riserva (DOCG), $27.19-$33.99, 89 points, poured to a bright ruby red core quickly grading orange/red to copper/red at the bleeding clear wine ring and glass bowl of light legs.
Smells of leather. black tea, and red cherry were just okay for me.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and still firm fine-grained tannins supported red cherry, pomegranate, leather, and Black tea flavors nuanced with citrus and marjoram.
Finished long on the trailing palate, quite dry, and a warm 14% alcohol.
Paired fine with our meat lovers Greek-styled pizza.

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Kim Crawford Marlborough Pinot Gris (New Zealand)

Kim Crawford Marlborough Pinot Gris (New Zealand), $11.89-$17.99, 90 points, poured a medium gold color clearing midway to the glass edge.
The exceptional nose was pineapple, cantaloupe and Necco wafer.
Earthy reflections of the nose with a touch of citrus were tasty and complemented the light-plus body of good acidity.
Finished long on a stony minerality, a whisper of ginger, and a lively 13.5% alcohol.

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Caparzo 2012 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG)

Caparzo 2012 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG), $32.29-$37.99, 92+ points, poured to a core of crystalline ruby red grading garnet red at the merging clear meniscus (thx, VG) and moderately draped bowl.
The pleasant floral aromas surrendered to lively cherry fruit and black tea which were very nice, and I don't care if some people hate the word nice; yup, I was chastised for using the word 'nice'; don't people have anything better to do?
Medium-bodied with bright acidity and fine grainy tannins supported a clean Sangiovese nuanced with iron, cherry fruit, black tea, oak, and a lovely mint note, all of which carried deep into the long finish marked by easy pepper spices, truffle notes, and a spot-on 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my stuffed potato skins.


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CMS Washington State 2016 Sauvignon Blanc

CMS Washington State 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, $10.19-$11.99, 87 points, poured a medium gold color with green reflections.
Light-bodied with good acidity delivered a gingery palate with lemongrass and kiwi flavors.
Finished well on the trailing palate, watermelon rind, and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Asian cuisine.

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Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley 2013 Pinot Noir

Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley 2013 Pinot Noir, $19.54-$44.99, 88 points, was a light purple/red with a clear wine ring and barely visible legs.
The nose was a dominant cherry pie.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and mellow sufficient tannins delivered typical Point Noir cherry flavors with Kadota fig and cola notes.
Finished well on the trailing palate, a dash of white pepper, and a balanced 14.8% alcohol.

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Rocca delle Macie 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG)

Rocca delle Macie 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $16.14-$21.99, 90 points, poured a deep purple/red grading garnet red toward the clear wine ring and heavily draped glass bowl.
Aromas of rich cherry fruit, dried Lamiaceae herbs (think oregano) a whisper of strawberry, and roses were excellent.
Medium-plus body with good acidity and a more than adequate underlayment of tannin carried a complex array of black tea, leather, cherry fruit, and pomegranate flavors with nuanced herbs.
Finished fine on the trailing palate, easy pepper spice, and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired only okay with our barbecued lamb.

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Castello Del Poggio Sweet Frizzante (NV) Rosé (Italy)

Castello Del Poggio Sweet Frizzante (NV) Rosé (Italy), $7.64-$11.99, 86 points, poured a dark salmon pink, but showed no effervescence.
Aromatic perfumed sweet strawberry was lovely.
Medium-bodied with fair acidity managed to deliver good sweet strawberry and red cherry flavors without being cloying.
Finished uneventful on the trailing palate with an easy 7% alcohol.

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Fiddletown Cellars Amador County Old Vine 2015 Zinfandel

 

Fiddletown Cellars Amador County Old Vine 2015 Zinfandel, $16.99-$19.99, 90 points, poured a crystal-clear deep ruby red with a broad transparent wine ring and heavy precipitation of fat tears.
Aromas of dusty wild red raspberry with a hint of Kirsch were outstanding.
Full-bodied with good acidity and fine moderate tannins carried bright cherry cola and briar-fruit flavors.
Finished long on the trailing palate, intense pepper spices, truffle notes, and a potent 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spicy Mexican cuisine.

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Hartford Russian River Valley Old Vine 2015 Zinfandel

Hartford Russian River Valley Old Vine 2015 Zinfandel, $27.19-$31.99, 91 points, poured dense purple/reds with a broad clear wine ring and moderate glass draping.
Pronounced aromas of briar fruits were excellent.
This refined textured Zinfandel showed good acidity and inviting firm grainy tannins.
Blackberry, Red raspberry, Mulberry, and savory plum flavors were tangy and delicious.
Finished long on the trailing palate, escalating spiciness and Red raspberry with a hint of eucalyptus, and a potent 15.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my rare rib eye and chips.

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Opus One 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Opus One 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Bordeaux-styled Red Wine), 96 points, was a birthday gift seven years ago to the day, but the current average price is $449.00.
This Opus poured a slightly murky ruby red with a bleeding clear wine ring and dense sticky legs.
The excellent bouquet showed clearly the power of proper wine aging (kept at 55 degrees in my Eurocave) with lovely and interesting aromas of coriander, new leather, juniper, licorice, and red raspberry.
Near full-bodied with good acidity and mostly resolved tannins made for a smooth, yet structured tactile experience.
A cornucopia of flavors reflective of the bouquet lastly dug deep into the long finish finding nuggets of fig, mint, pepper spices, and a potent 14.7% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my rare spiced-rubbed T-bone.
Varietals were 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.

2007 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted
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Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $50.99-$69.99, 93 points, poured an opaque purple/red grading brighter toward the penumbra, clear meniscus, and moderately draped glass bowl.
Wafting aroma of black currants was nuanced with blackberry, sandalwood, and cedar.
The very smooth full body was supported by an underlayment of fine tannins and good acidity.
Excellent flavors of black cherry liqueur, cola, coffee, and licorice lead deep into the long finish marked by plum, truffle, easy pepper spices, and an appropriate 14.9% alcohol.
Varietals were 80% Cabernet and 20% Merlot.
Paired perfectly with my barbecued baby-back ribs.

2013 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

Groth Vineyards, why it's a "go to" winery.

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Groth Napa Valley 2017 Sauvignon Blanc

A-tisket a-tasket
A grey and yellow-bottled filled basket
I wrote a post to friends
I went to save and lost it,
I lost it, I lost it,
I went to save and I lost it.
A little girl found it
And buffered the docket!
A-titter a-titter a-flasket!

 

 

Groth Napa Valley 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $20.39-$26.99, 90 points, poured a light gold color grading water clear toward the glass shallows.
Aromas of gooseberry, fresh-cut hay, lemon grass, and a hint of passion fruit were more reminiscent of New Zealand SBs than the more tropical fruity Californians.
The 2017 Groth SB was light, crisp, intensely acidic, and quite edgy as the flavors followed the nose with a bit of ginger-ale tantalizing the late palate in expectation of a Groth SB conclusion.
Finished fair on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 13.8% alcohol.
Varietals were 81% Sauvignon Blanc and 19% Sémillon.
Paired fine with our chicken salad.

Groth Vineyards, why it's a "go to" winery.
 

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Azienda Santa Barbara Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC 2016 Verdicchio (Italy)

Azienda Santa Barbara Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC 2016 Verdicchio (Italy), $10.19-$11.99, 87 points, poured a deep brass color with no serious degradation stages.
The aromas were a boisterously Mackintosh apple with a floral vibe.
Light-plus body with fair acidity delivered a rather nondescript flavor profile with nuanced green melon, cotton candy, and watermelon rind.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, a hint of yeast, a dash of ginger, and a well-balanced  13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my North Atlantic haddock and Maryland crab cake.
 
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Poggio Antico 2015 Rosso Di Montalcino (DOC)

Poggio Antico 2015 Rosso Di Montalcino (DOC), $29.99-$33.99, 89 points, poured a crystalline ruby color with a bright red penumbra, very broad clear wine ring, and lightly draped glass bowl.
Aromatic red cherry, sandalwood, and a floral vibe were pleasant, but a bit soft.
Medium-bodied with bright acidity and fine grain and tight tannins delivered black tea and cherry fruit flavors throughout the palate closing with good spiciness, a hint of mint, plum, and a potent 14% alcohol.
Paired fine with our hamburger pizza.

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Kris Dellle Venezie 2017 Pinot Grigio, (DOC)

Kris Dellle Venezie 2017 Pinot Grigio, (DOC), $10.99-$11.99, 87 points, poured a light brass color brightening to a water clear midway to the edge of the bowl.
The nose was dominated by sweet apple with a hint of mint.
Appropriately light and acidic with good, though a bit indistinct, flavors of melon rind, kiwi, and lime.
Finished fair on the fading palate, a light ginger note, and an easy off dry 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my lemon-pepper roast chicken.

Italian Pinot Grigio Vendemmia (Vintage) 2017 Has Finally Begun To Trickle Into New Hampshire! Yea!

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