Showkett Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 – Napa Valley, California
Cost: $49.99/Bottle
A georgeous weekend, we dined outdoors with a lovely bottle of cabernet sauvignon from Showkett Vineyards, which, as not too many know, is a neighboring vineyard literally a stone’s throw from the famous Screaming Eagle vineyards. Having visited the winery perhaps about 12 years ago, I do recall this was one of the highlights of my trip, and it’s quite nice to pick up a bottle of this hidden gem if/when I see it on a store shelf. The cabernet is the hallmark of this winery, and the 2005 appears to be an outstanding effort, with notes of blackcherry, cassis, a touch of sage, smoke and vanilla, and— with a bit of airing and swirling, a rather enjoyable confectionary sugar powder that also emerges. In the mouth, very balanced, good persistence of fruit backed by polished tannins, and a nice cherry-vanilla lingering finish. It’s forward in that you can enjoy today, but give this a couple of years resting for maximum peak enjoyment.
Rating: 92
Karl Lawrence – Aldin Chardonnay 2007 – Napa Valley California
Cost: $25/Bottle
This is a nice summer-like chardonnay… with its fine notes of buttery oak laced white wine seemingly loaded with pear, honeysuckle and tangerine oil on both aroma and flavor. Has good acid levels and becomes nice and creamy on the palate. Full bodied, full flavored, and rich from mid to back palate.
Rating: 90
Tags: CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CELLAR NOTES, CHARDONNAY, WINE
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