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Tag Archives: Cali cab

Jettlynn Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

18 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by caspernick in Wine

≈ 1 Comment

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$17, 3 stars, 89 points, cabernet sauvignon, Cali cab, paso robles, paso robles cabernet sauvignon


I bought several variations of this winery’s offerings at my local Costco.  $17 for a Paso Cabernet, I had to try it!  I was a little concerned at first, the cork was very stained almost to the top.  My fears were later put to rest.  Bright purple color in the glass.  Blackberry and iodine nose which was very unique.  Interesting mix of raspberry and oregano with black fruits on my first sip.  Good acidity gives this wine structure while the tannins are subdued. It finishes with raspberry and cherry cola flavors.  Tasty and fun Cabernet that gets 89 points and 3 stars from me.  Check them out some time.  Salut….

The offending cork, turned out to be okay after all.

The offending cork, turned out to be okay after all.

jettlynn cabernet sauvignon

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Magistrate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

20 Monday Oct 2014

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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$13, 1 star, 83 points, cabernet sauvignon, Cali cab, california, cheap and nasty wine


This wine rounded out our trio of Sunday Cabs-with-Football.  I recognized the label right away when my friend poured us a taste.  I wrote my notes based on this bottle and just now looked up the previous vintage that I tasted.  Yup, I hated the Magistrate 2011 just as much as I disliked this offering.  Sorry, but candied plums and oak again make me realize that there are far too many nasty wines out there that are merely juice with oak chips and tannin powder.  This one in particular had a slightly lighter body with purple fruits and wild flowers with slight tannins and a hint of acidity.  83 points and 1 star.  Major pass, yet again for this $13 bottle.  Salut….

magistrate cabernet sauvignon

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Milestone Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

20 Monday Oct 2014

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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$9, 2 stars, 84 points, cabernet sauvignon, Cali cab, california


A very basic Cali Cab that we added to our Sunday afternoon football/wine tasting extravaganza.  This was brought by a friend. Candied plums and wood on the nose were kinda intriguing.  On my first taste I knew what I was in for-  Violets, plum and twizzlers on the initial attack with a heavy dose of oak.  I just wish they had toned down the wood, this wine just is not my style at all.  Mild tannins and a hint of acidity make up a very basic backbone to this casual drinker.  84 points and 2 stars for this $9 offering.  I think I would pass, there are many wines that suit my taste for the same price.  Salut….

milestone cabernet sauvignon

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Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

24 Thursday Oct 2013

Posted by caspernick in Wine

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

$55, 5 stars, 91 points, Cali cab, napa cabernet


I picked up some Swiss Chard as part of the Paleo ingredients for tonights dinner.  Moxie warned me that it would be bitter which gave me pause to think of a good pairing.  Turns out she was incorrect- the Chard was superb, crunchy, full flavored as well as balanced.  I de-stemmed the leafs, washed the bright red stalks and rinsed the rich green leaves.  Sauteing the thicker stalks and garlic in some European butter, I added the leafy parts right before serving.  It was a great new revelation in our quest for new foods to eat following the caveman diet.

Back to the wine….  I absolutely love the ’96 Burgess and think it is a well developed Cabernet that shows great evolution and firm structure.  I have built up a few bottles of various vintages, hoping for replicas.  Having tasted this particular vintage about two years ago, I was somewhat disappointed with its development and banished the remaining bottles  to the cellar.

With tonight’s menu, I felt I needed a fruity yet somewhat mature Cabernet to do battle with the potential bitterness awaiting us in the sauté pan.  I picked the Burgess as I felt it would fit the profile.  It worked, but it need not have bothered- as I mentioned the Chard was great and did not reflect the anticipated dryness.  The wine however showed great length and purity.  A young purple color in the glass followed by a gorgeous plum and black fruit nose gave way to a smooth tasting Cali Cab.  Dark fruits and cedar mixed with some leather and funk.  Seriously smooth tannins caress and the whole thing is on tip-toe, balanced impeccably.  I truly wonder how great this wine could be if given another 5 years, i’m guessing it will evolve like it’s big brother the 1996.  I am super stoked that I opened this wine and uncorked a monster in the bottle.   It is refined, yet powerful, fruity but svelte, satisfying and alluring.  I dig this wine.  I used to be so anti-Napa, but Burgess really opened my eyes (palate).  I have come to appreciate the longevity, finesse, fruitiness as well as the evolution of the better wineries.  For $55, you can still find this wine out there.  Not a bargain, it will reward you for many years to come as it is just starting its way towards the secondary life of tertiary flavors.  5 stars because I reckon this is a 91 point effort. Salut….

IMG_0049

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Dominus ’99

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by caspernick in Wine

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Cali cab


This is the wine I chose to celebrate my birthday with, the last of my case. A Cali Cab from the fabled Mouiex family, it certainly garners respect and good ratings from the pro’s. Asking price- currently up to $150 per. My opinion, skip it. It is neither blockbuster Napa Cab, or characteristic of a good Bordeaux, but something in the middle. Gentle tannins have kept this wine upright with good acidity holding it together. A pleasant nose gives way to a medium bodied palate of subdued fruit. No secondary flavors a la Old World, and no bright fruit that you would expect from its origin. It started out a little rustic, but opened up in 20 minutes, keep that in mind if you have some. I would say it could last another 5 years, but I can’t see any complexity building. 3 stars and 87 points, the pro’s all went 91…

20120425-171031.jpg

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