Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog

Oct 072011
 
2006 Cooper-Garrod Cabernet Sauvignon, George’s Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 91

A truly satisfying Santa Cruz Cabernet from Cooper-Garrod. Round and full flavors of back cherry, blackberry, ripe plum, dark spice with notes of saddle leather and cedar. Enough supple tannins to add a good backbone. Decanting for about 30 minutes helped the wine to reach full potential.

 

Oct 072011
 
2009 Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA, $29 – Rating 90

A year ago I had the chance to chat with Dolores Cakebread (wife of founder Jack Cakebread). She asked if I’d had her Sauvignon Blanc because it was “one of the best.” I finally had some a year later and Dolores was right. Cakebread Cellars offers a lovely example of Napa Sauvignon Blanc with crisp yet rich flavors of soft red apple, citrus, honeydew melon, fig and vanilla. Aging in neutral oak barrels and blending with 4% Sauvignon Musque and 5% Semillon adds just enough richness and texture.

 

Oct 072011
 
2007 Wyndham Estate Bin 444 Cabernet Sauvignon, South Eastern Australia, $9 (S) – Rating 88

Looking for a well priced go-to Cabernet? This offering from Wyndham Estate is full of the Cabernet flavors we love like dark cherry, black currant, chocolate oaky smoke. Soft tannins compliment the rich fruit. Sure to be a crowd pleaser  at your next gathering.

Oct 072011
 
2010 William and Chris Vineyards Artist Blend, Red Wine Blend, Texas, $34 – Rating 90

William and Chris Vineyards continues to prove why they are among the best in Texas. This blend of Tempranillo, Mourvedre, Cab Franc, Merlot from Lost Draw Vineyards in Brownfield, TX is a light to medium bodied red with flavors of dark cherry, plum, soft leather and a touch of smoke. An easy drinker, the flavors and complexity are enhanced by the supple tannins.

Oct 072011
 
2009 Francis Ford Coppola Winery Chardonnay, Rosso & Bianco Collection, Unoaked Chardonnay, CA, $11 (S) – Rating 89

An excellent Chardonnay and an exquisite price. A surprisingly rich and round mouth-feel for an un-oaked and no malo wine. Rich flavors of apple, fig, citrus, honeycomb and ripe mango. Clean and crisp enough to please and un-oaked palate while still providing enough depth for those who prefer a little barrel aging.