With our 24"of snow in the last week we had plenty of time to drink and reflect on several of the new 2007 Cabernet's that are being release in droves. Some are still a little tight and green while some are lush a ready for the palette now.
LADERA, 2007 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET was one that we tried in the truck while being pulled from a rope. Redneck snow skiing at it's best. But at least we did it with a great bottle of wine from our buddy Dan Stotesbury better known as Ladera Dan. I was so in love with the 2006 that when Dan said that the 2007 was going to be even better. I sorta of scoffed. It is still a little tight and requires a little opening up to get to its full potential but was extremely delicious and well built with it's core of red fruits and good wood integration.
ARTESA, 2005 CARNEROS, PINOT NOIR These guys have been making wine for some 300 years. They are the Cordoniu family of Spanish Cava fame and lineage. Soft, supple and elegant. Slight hint of saddle leather on this baby. Violets, strawberry and floral notes stream from the glass. This one we consumed with Grilled Lamb Chops with jalapeno jelly. Amazing
SCHUTZ-OLES 2004 PETITE SYRAH - Just at it's peak and really ready to drink now. HUGE. HUGE. HUGE. Teeth stainer from the acid induced makers. Talking about Velveeta Melting in the microwave. Maybe I should have bypassed the U of A and did UC Davis.
The three of us endured the blizzard of 2011 in style with some great bottles of wine. I should say 4 because Duke was by far the entertainment of the trifecta of snow, food and libations. Should have been there. We even taught Michael how to play bones. Quite amazing. Jordan does run with his arms outstrectched in his sleep. The thing you learn when holed up for three days.
Mark Hatwig
Posted by Mark Hatwig at 9:46 AM 0 comments
