Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

When I saw this at a really good price, I called my dad and asked if he wanted to split a case. We've both been enjoying it since--while the bottle's presentation is nothing spectacular, it has all the trademarks of a wonderful cab. The nose is pretty tight, but it gives off sublte nuances at a warmer temperature (60-65). It is dry, and there's a chalky and earthy quality to the finish and aftertaste. When I think of good cabs, I think of plenty of "bite" without seeming overbearing or like its flavors are over-run by alcohol. There's a little element of spice in there: could be cassis, black licorice, or cumin, too. A great cab to kick back with, and easily a stand-alone or a share-with-food wine!

Presentation: **

Nose: ***

Complexity: *****

Value: *****

Overall: ****

2006 Los Vascos Cabernet (Colchagua Valley)

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) is involved of this production of this Chilean Cab, and whatever they're doing simply works. This is a "new world" style of Cab, with lots of flavor. It's not as terse as some Cabs, but certainly has its share of tannins and strength. I'd found a bottle of the exact same wine from the 2007 far too gentle, but found the 2006 bottling to be more middle-of-the-road in terms of the muscular nature of cabs. The standout point for me was in the complexity of it's flavor. It had a kind of spice--not a traditional pepper, and not exactly the eucalyptus-type spice you can find in a lot of Chilean Carmenere, but something more subtle and delightful. Hard to pin down, which perhaps is the trademark of what makes complexity in wine so delightful. This was a cab I felt truly at home with, especially in terms of its proportionality of dryness, spice, and flavor.

Presentation: ****

Nose: ***

Complexity: ****

Value: ****

Overall: ****

Clos Du Val Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

In the cellar, I'd noticed a fair amount of sediment forming in this 375ml bottle, and decided it was time to open it. The flavors were very much in tact, and it showcased classic Napa cab bouquet and terroir, along with some spice and an especially delightful--if slight--scent of cedar. We tried it alongside a Geyser Peak cabernet, from Alexander Valley, and both the body and the nose of this latter wine paled in comparison to the Clos Du Val.

Presentation: ****

Nose: *****

Complexity: ****

Value: ***

Overall: ****

Dos Cabezas "El Norte" 2006

When I saw this unique bottle of Dos Cabezas at Total Wine and More while visiting my family in Arizona this spring, I couldn't resist picking up a bottle of this red blend for about $20. Having spent a brief time volunteering in Cochise County, I was curious what kind of quality the wine would have, especially given the arid conditions particularly near the border and around Bisbee. It blends Granache, Petit Sirah, Syrah, and Mourvedre in unspecified amounts, and I think the chalky dry flavors that come out of Spanish Granache are particularly apparent here. The nose is subtle, but the flavors linger long after a sip, and include anise, dried herbs, and leather. This wine scores high points, particularly for it's complexity and presentation. Nicely done, Dos Cabezas!

Presentation: ****

Nose: ***

Complexity: *****

Value: ***

Overall: ****

2006 Duxoup "Frediani Vineyard" Charbono

This Charbono--a varietal that makes up only a tiny fraction of a percent of grapes grown in America--was enjoyable but failed to delight. Right away there was signature napa terroir, and I was glad to see it was a single vineyard Charbono, but overall the wine had a thin and straightforward taste, which was a bit dusty. Without enough big flavors or complexity, it's low alcohol content (12.5%) left the overall experience of the wine to be average at best. This, to be fair, follows an evening enjoying one of the most delightful August Briggs wines I've ever had--a 2007 Zinfandel. So there may have been some lingering sense that this was not the same caliber of bottle...but as spanish speakers say...asi es la vida!

Presentation: **

Nose: ***

Complexity: *

Value: *

Overall: **

Cycles Gladiator 2007 Syrah

Presentation: ****

Nose: ***

Complexity: ****

Value: ****

Overall: ****

I truly thought I was over Syrah/Shiraz completely until I had a bottle of this a few weeks ago on a hot summer night. I cooled it down and drank it at about 55 or 60 degrees and it was a true delight. While I'd overlooked it in the past (at room temperature) it showcased it's best side when cooled. With flavors of cedar, spice box, and aromatic pipe tobacco--and a inky color to boot--this wine's a true winner.

2005 Old Vines Mas Donis Barrica Granacha

This 85% Grenache/15% Syrah had a vine-like, bramble-type flavor, which was striking at first pour. The more time I gave it, though, the better I liked it, as flavors of earth, pebbles and brick came forward. Even after a few days of refrigeration (I had to part ways with this bottle for an out-of-town triathlon) it maintained a great deal of its flavor, though the nose wasn't as apparent. I tend to enjoy spicy thai food and even spicier salsas, so this was just my cup of tea...even if it took me a glass and a half to get used to it. If you like spicy California Zinfandels and don't mind something with a bit of muscle, this might be a good wine to try. It retails at $13-15 a bottle.

Presentation: ****
Nose: ****
Complexity: ****
Value: ***

Overall: ****