Fairly closed on the nose with hints of blueberry present. The flavors are a mix of blackberry, blueberry, and plumb. The tannins are tight and grip all the way through the finish and then some. I would call this wine “rustic” in the sense that it’s a particular style of PS that is not as popular as some others in the price range, but good nonetheless.
2004 Delectus Cabernet Sauvignon Sacrashe Vineyard, Napa Valley
The color is a dark purple all the way to the rim. The nose opens with an interesting mix of mint, currant and blackberry with a touch of chocolate. The currant, blackberry and chocolate continue on through the palate with some red cherry added to the mix. The finish is medium to long in length with the tannins well integrated. Another excellent effort from this producer.
2005 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, Paso Robles
The color was a dark purple that turns crimson at the rim. Soft nose of blueberry and cassis and a little must. The flavors are currant, cherry and vanilla. The finish is medium length with the tannins lingering after. This wine is not bad for the price and has no flaws but it does leave you looking for something. It’s easy to drink and enjoyable for a weekday dinner.
2006 DuMOL Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
The nose is a little muted at this point because of the wines youth. It does give off hints of honeysuckle, red berry and mineral. The berry and flower scents hang on through the palate and pick up just a touch of tannins on the finish that lingers. Another great effort from this producer.
2006 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard
Nice dark garnet color. The nose does not give much away at this point. Flavors of strawberry and red cherry. The wine is a little tight with some tannins lingering on the finish. This wine needs more time in the bottle to reach it’s full potential. There are other Pinot Nior’s in this price range ($46.00) that are better.
2005 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor
The color is a very deep purple that fades a little toward the rim. Because this wine is so young the nose is a bit closed right now but it does give some hints of black fruit and spice box. The flavors are a harmonious mix of currant, tobacco, and plumb. The finish is tannic now and full of cedar but will soften over time. Overall this wine is very complex, very well put together and may be the best Don Melchor ever. It needs additional bottle time so resist the temptation and lay this one down for at least a year. Exceptional!
2005 Concha y Toro Merlot Marqués de Casa Concha
Very dark purple that looks very extracted. The nose it still a bit closed but hints of mocha and black fruit are there. Blueberry, black cherry and plumb are the most forward flavors. The fruit are wrapped in a smokey package that gives a hint of tar on the long finish. Another very good vintage for this consistent producer of affordable wines. From Chile.
2005 Five Star Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley Washington
The color of this wine is very dark purple. The nose gives aromas of red fruit and spice box. The flavor profile is forward but not out of balance and consists of cherry, currant, and plumb that turns a little spicy at the end. The tannins are well integrated and round. This wine is well put together and complex. It will only improve in the cellar for the next few years.
