Violets and a slightly gamey mustiness, as well as the brick-red color, show a wine that aged gracefully. There is still black fruit but it does not overwhelm the more delicate floral flavors. This is a nice example of Margaret-read more-
When it comes to Australian wines most people think of densely fruity, spicy Shiraz, or robust, oaky Chardonnay from the country’s well-known wine regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. At the southwest tip of the continent, however, lies the-read more-
Ahhh rose: A wonderful wine driven to exile in many domestic markets due to its striking visual similarity to the much sweeter White Zinfandel wines. That being said, it’s probably true that even if white zin were actually white, Rose-read more-
A fantastic wine that will beat the pants off of Cali Cabs with significant price multiples. A strident example of a wine achieving balance between fruit and earth and short-term drinkability versus long-term cellaring. The complex nose of blackberry, dusty-read more-
The dense, dark garnet color was enlivened in the nose by fresh garden herbs, forest leaves and a black and red fruit complexity, complemented by the more savory loam, anise and truffle notes. The palate is where the complexity of-read more-
Tannic and tight, this still seems young. There is a lot of black fruit, and espresso and dark chocolate are trying to peek out from behind the leather and stems. Tannins and acid seem to be in balance, so put-read more-
Rich but well-balanced dark fruit, an acid spine the gobs of fruit could hang from in comfort. It drew oohs and ahs from the crowd. WHO: Star Lane Vineyard WHAT: Cabernet Sauvignon WHERE: Santa Ynez Valley, California WHEN: 2005 HOW-read more-
The Sylvia Plath of California Cabernet, lots of brooding dark fruit on the nose. Slightly gamey and brash. Lots of self-loathing. WHO: Swanson Vineyards WHAT: Cabernet Sauvignon WHERE: Oakville AVA, Napa, California WHEN: 2005 HOW MUCH: $75