new Release Tasting Notes

2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Flying J’s Vineyard Napa Valley, Coombsville AVA
This wine checks off all the Cabernet Sauvignon boxes that make me proud - red currants, black plum, velvety tannin, a touch of earth, some nice, toasty oak - and then some. It has restraint, elegance and toned structure. Like all my vineyard designated wines it is 100% Cabernet sauvignon from one vineyard. It aged 28 months in Quintessence French oak barrels.  Open a bottle with friends; serve with  lamb , porchetta, roasted root vegetables, or even a not-too-sweet chocolate cake. Cellar up to 15 years.  49 cs. 

DBL Gold Sunset Inl’t Comp

2022 Cabernet Franc Carpenter Vineyard Napa Valley, St Helena AVA
I’m so smitten! Look for appealing aromas right off - light brown sugar, pie cherries, and fresh, woody herbs, like thyme. On the palate, we find pomegranate, sour cherry, with a silky texture, and a brambly, wild berry finale. We picked enough grapes to fill three Doreau Thierry Bordeaux barrels and aged the wine 28 months.  Serve this now with something meaty, a piece of hard cheese and crusty bread or even vegetarian Indian food.  You’ll be rewarded if you can wait up to 18 years with it in the cellar.  46 cs.

Gold LA Invitational Wine Comp

  
2022 Ben’s Blend Napa Valley AVA 

This is the best of both grapes, (1 barrel of Flying J’s Cabernet sauv & 1 barrel Carpenter Vineyard Cab Franc,) heady with aromatics of lavender water and sweet peas. A strong presence of sweet red fruit, plummy, tart and savory. Firm tannins but approachable and flavorful now. serve with something rich and smokey, like a steak, or something decadent, like pate with strong mustard, or soft, gooey camembert. Will age beautifully over next 15 years. 48 cs

DBL Gold /Best of Class Women’s Int’l Wine Comp