15
Jul
2021
- Details
-
Category: Lost & Found / Taste it Again
(December 26, 2020) ... This has got to be some of the first wine under the 2027 label, not the first winemaker Kevin Panagapka has made, but under his own brand I believe this might be. Upon first crack-of-the-cap the wine seemed a little thin; but it does start to open ... slowly. First fruits to spear were some spiced-cranberries and red currants ... I decided at this point to put a little chill on the wine to liven it up ... Now it really popped. Vibrant red fruit, touch of sour cherry, spiced-cranberry, the acidity is totally on-point (pretty much what you'd expect from a year like 2009) and it helps to freshen the whole experience up ... there's also just a touch of tannins. This was a really good bottle of wine and it keeps getting better the more it opened and the more I sip. Is this at its peak? Not sure, but I wouldn't want it any other way so I'd crack it now and start enjoying.
Bottom Line: This one if a total gem.
12
Mar
2021
- Details
-
Category: Lost & Found / Taste it Again
(October 3, 2020) ... How's this for a blast from the past? Made from dried Cabernet Sauvignon, which Cave Spring no longer grows ... the alcohol is 14%, which is pretty respectable for a dried grape wine (especially when they can get up to 16-17%). Very leathery and smoky with dried black cherry, rich tannins and even some notes of dates, raisins and figs.
I also decided to pull out the decanter for this one (a rarity for me) just to do a half bottle test (half into the decanter, half natural aging) ... decanted it became very silky, sure it was smoky and tobacco laced, but there was an undercurrent of herbal and menthol - strange but not unappealing. Then I gave a nod to my friend Dave (who plays mixologist at the end of most nights he opens up many bottles) and blended both the decanted and un-decanted versions: alcohol showed through, but there was also some black cherry and cassis / kirsch-like notes ... it suddenly became a better bottle because it had structure and yet retained some character ... bottom line: decant half the bottle and then pour equal amounts from both the decanted and the bottled. Not sure how much more time this wine has but I'd say a few at most.
