Recanati 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.99-$16.99, 89 points, appeared deep opaque pomegranate trending crushed black currant red toward the clear glass rim.
Subtle aromatics of bay leaf and floral earth were complimented with orange rind (unusual and interesting).
Medium body carried a wooly tart pomegranate flavor along with the subtle aroma, a hint of tobacco, and mint.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a tad astringent, and with just a kiss of the 14% alcohol.
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For those who haven't enjoyed Adam Sandler's jovial and boisterous song, here's a link to one of the famous souls that lived a good part of his life in my home town of Manchester, NH and attended my Alma Mata: Central High School.
Also, I want to thank him for many of the humanitarian things he does that few know about!
Adam Sandler Chanukah Song
Bodega Catena Zapata High Mountain Vines Mendoza 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.29-$18.99, 89+ points, bright fresh crushed black fruit color, dense at the core with a transparent ring at the glass wall.
The profuse floral black currant nose with hints of sweet cooking spices pleases.
The near full body carried good acidity with rather strident and accelerating tannin.
The flavor profile mirrors the nose with considerable tobacco notes.
Finished long on tannin, spice, some warmth with the 13.5% alcohol, and just a hint of eucalyptus.
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Ramey Wine Cellars 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, $36.71-$47.99, 93 points, appeared consistent with other California Cabernets in this series, and the Ramey too was black at the core trending a deep fruity purple/red toward the transparent rim.
Beautiful bouquet of warm earth, spiced plum, cinnamon, anise and sweet blackberry just maybe was the best I've experienced this year.
Near full body carried good acidity with moderate fine tannin building in intensity into the finish.
Juicy blackberry and boysenberry with anise and coffee notes were deliciously well balanced and integrated with the 14.5% alcohol; all of which was carried into the long finish with hints of spice and tobacco.
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Mitolo Jester McLaren Vale 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $18.69-$21.99, 89 points, began clear around the glass rim trending deep pomegranate and black berry red toward an opaque core.
A reticent sweet black grape and sea breeze aroma had just a hint of cedar.
Monster tannin and good acidity combined with the 14.5% alcohol to give an impactful experience.
Near full body with some astringency and sufficient black fruit managed a good overall flavor.
Finished with the trailing palate, tannin, spice notes, and some heat.
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Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $33,65-$54.99, 90 points, appeared opaque trending dark ruby toward a nearly creamy purple/red up to the clear rim.
The reticent aroma of subtle red and black cherry needed considerable teasing.
Medium-plus body carried fair acid and moderate, but persistent and accelerating tannin.
More an easy drinking boysenberry flavor than big currant, but subtle licorice lead toward a more powerful finish of spice, tobacco, and eucalyptus, with just a hint of the well integrated 13.5% alcohol.
I can understand why some, with just a cursory tasting, would not be enamored with this less than fruity red wine, but with the delicious flavors, good texture, and complex finish, Artemis grew on me, and as where many other Cabernets would decline in my judgment while getting acquainted, this one increased with the time I spent drinking it (caveat emptor-WS-83 points).
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English Wine Producers headlines this post with: "Nine Most Popular Varieties of Wine" (In England), and began with #1: Cabernet Sauvignon.
Since I have a number of UK visitors, This Cab. is for you!
After visiting a dozen Liverpool restaurants (on-line) and going through their red-wine lists, I have discovered that you're not likely to find very many Cabernet Sauvignon wines in Great Britain from the United States*? I understand that a small sample will have its anomalies, but this is not intended to be science, rather a respectful observation.
Surprisingly, I did discover just how popular Chilean and South African Cabernet Sauvignon are in Liverpool.
A short list of US Cabs consisted of Ridge, Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Clos Du Val, Opus One, and Bogle.
Since I'm tasting Cabernet Sauvignon and a few Bordeaux Red Wines (Under-whelming variety for the French wine drinking Brits) for Christmas wine gifting, I thought I'd try and include some of those US Cabs that might be interesting to our friends "across the pond".
* Gordon Ramsay of London (Menu PDF) 4.7***** has 36 amazing pages, with one (pg. 29) dedicated to North American wines, with precious few Cabernets.
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Ridge Estate 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon,
$25.19-$42.99, 91 points, appeared black at the core trending a deep fruity purple/red toward the transparent rim.
Violets and cedar dominated the aroma with hints of soft and enticing coffee and clove.
Mouth-watering acidity and dynamic, yet supportive tannin lent vibrancy to the Estate's black currant and blackberry fruit carried along with its aromatic notes.
Ridge Estate 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is a near full-bodied red wine that will appeal specifically to those that appreciate a high floral flavor profile.
Finished fair on a trailing palate with tart pomegranate and a well integrated 13% alcohol.
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