Laurel Cellars – Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 – Alexander Valley, California
Cost: $12.99/bottle (on sale)
This wine is dark plum in color, medium-bodied and silky. The aromas are one dimensional, with notes of toasted oak, herbs, green leaves, vanilla extract and some berry fruit. In the mouth, simple and rather oaky fruit through and through, with some green spices. For $12.99, I couldn’t expect that it would be great, but it’s decent. A repeat purchase for me… probably… maybe… not sure yet.. I bought this because some great fruit and wine come from Alexander Valley, but it is quite oaky (I do have a good tolerance for oak, however).
Rating: 84
Justin – Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 – Paso Robles, California
Cost: $28.99/bottle
Justin vineyards in Paso Robles, located midway between Monterey and LA, certainly had one of their finest vintages in 2006. After getting overwhelmed by the 2006 Isosceles (their flagship wine), and then an impressive Justin Orphan (their leftover grapes wine), this cabernet is in no way middle of the road in quality. This one is just a touch under the Isosceles in the yum factor of yumminess. Beautiful notes of black cherry, blueberry, toasted oak, coconut and bittersweet chocolate are enjoyable to sniff and taste. It’s moderately full bodied and with firm tannins, but it comes across as harmonious with the levels of alcohol, fruit and sweetness. It’s a dry wine, make no mistake about it— but it’s quite flavorful and delicious. I’m picking up a case of this stuff, it tastes a lot better than most cabernet costing twice or three times this. Great value.
Rating: 93
Tags: CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CELLAR NOTES, WINE
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