Some days it’s difficult to see the forest through the trees. Such seems to be the current state of affairs with California Cabernet. Visualize it as such – first, you have the majestic Redwoods, Sequoias (yes, I know they grow in different areas, but work with me here) and Sugar pines (tallest pine in California, by the way.) These I liken to the cult wines of California, those which are exceptional and excellent in their own right. However, they tend to overshadow the saplings of the wine world; those healthy, stalwart and indigenous workhorses that strive to gain your attention and show you that it’s not only a score and a sexy outfit that define quality and deliciousness.
For an idea of what you should be paying attention to, I’ve put together a list of wines that may not have wowed the usual suspects (the Anointed 3 of critics), but then again, when are they always at 100%? As we all know, it’s a specific and static place in time the way a score is given – who knows, that day a critic may have not been on top of his game, had it in for a particular wine, fought with his/her significant other or just had a bad palate day.
Here is what I think those that truly love/loved great classic cab/proprietary blends (the way we remember the Montelena, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, pre-1987 BV Reserve, etc.) are going to enjoy. They may not have made the grade in certain journals, but I’ve tasted them multiple times and truly believe they will please you immensely. And I’ve thrown in one Bordeaux that, if you do not buy, you will kick yourself from here throughout eternity…Enjoy my saplings!
Wing Canyon 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (VF 94)
Erba 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (VF 93)
Source 2004 Heritage Sites Red (VF 92-94)
Source 2004 Paramount Red (VF 94)
Almus 7 2003 – Cuvee Kemiji & Portray (VF 96)
Pagodes de Cos 2003 (VF 91)
