Tasting Room
Thanksgiving Gift for the Host - CabernetWINE OF THE WEEK
Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Oakville - Cabernet Sauvignon ($40)
Rich and ripe. Aromas and flavors of dark plum, black cherry, tobacco and spice. Hints of ripe strawberry. Full-bodied. Nice oak. Toasty finish.
2002 Sonoma County - Cabernet Sauvignon ($45)
A very appealing cabernet. Aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, sage and toasty oak. Good acid. Medium complexity.
2002 Reserve, Sonoma County - Cabernet Sauvignon ($45)
Complex and full-bodied. Rich, ripe and showy. Integrated tannins. Notes of black plum, boysenberry and chocolate.
2002 Private Reserve, Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon ($115)
Aromas and flavors of red plum, herbs, toasty oak, chocolate and spice. Medium complexity. Slightly earthy.
2003 Sonoma County - Cabernet Sauvignon ($64)
Rich, vibrant, cherry fruit. Complex, rich and showy. Full-bodied. Pronounced oak. Bold tannins. Even better with age.
2003 Marlstone, Alexander Valley, Alexander Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon ($50)
A good cab, with high-toned red plum fruit. Notes of herbs, toasty oak and spice. Slightly tannic.
2003 Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon ($20)
Flavors of sweet red cherry, camphor, leather, toasty oak and spice. Medium complexity. Ready to drink.
2002 Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon ($70)
Aromas and flavors of cherry, chocolate, toasty oak and spice. Medium complexity. Ready to drink.
2001 Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon ($65)
Complex and full-bodied. Notes of berry and dry cranberry. Nice finish. Slightly undermined by some off aromas.
2003 Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon ($70)
A lovely cab. Notes of cherry, boysenberry, cedar, hay and chocolate. Prominant oak. Good acidity. Chewy tannins.
2003 Sonoma County - Cabernet Sauvignon ($22)
Lovely. Aromas and flavors of red cherry, mint, cocoa, vanilla and coconut. Integrated tannins. Good acidity. Slightly tart.
TASTING PANEL: Stefen Soltysiak, director of education, Rodney Strong Vineyards; Larry Van Aalst, sommelier of Equus; Renay Santero, wine buyer of Oliver's markets; and Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik.
CRITERIA: The panel samples eight to 12 wines a week in a blind tasting. Wine of the Week is based on quality, value and availability and is not necessarily the top wine of the tasting. Price is suggested retail; actual price is often lower.You can reach Staff Writer Peg Melnik at 521-5310 or e-mail pmelnik@pressdemocrat.com