Cabernet Sauvignon: Varietal of the Month

 

Probably the most famous of all the varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon is King of the grape world. It grows in practically every wine region and is noted for it’s concentrated flavors and ability to age gracefully for decades. Its hearty body and tight-knit finely grained tannins make it pair worthy with a variety of foods. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon from cooler sites, deliver wines of balance and harmony with great texture and characterized by rich black fruit flavors and minty herbal notes with long lasting tannins.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Cabernet Sauvignon you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

 

This 2018 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and made with certified organic grapes. In the glass it presents a minty and floral scent that deepens with notes of licorice, rhubarb, leather, eucalyptus and clove. On the palate it’s full black cherry, blackberry, olive, leather, mocha and cassis with a long minty finish. It’s bright, beautiful and balanced, with juicy flavors and classic fine grained tannins. Pair with Beef Empanadas.

 

ABV 14.0%

$34

 

Colagrossi 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

 

Soft, savory, and smooth with a bright finish, the 2018 Colagrossi Cabernet Sauvignon is a delight. On the nose you’ll find blackberry, vanilla, and graphite. On the palate, juicy black fruits and notes of tobacco, along with rhubarb and plum that culminate in a long spicy finish. Pair with Wild Porcini Mushroom Risotto.

 

ABV 14.7%

$55

Ehret 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bavarian Lion Vineyards, Knights Valley

 

The 2017 Ehret Cabernet Sauvignon from Knights Valley opens with a bright and bewitching nose with notes of blueberry, eucalyptus, fig, and black cherry. On the palate deep flavors of licorice black olive, and cassis merge with a soft smoky cedar note. Lovely balance of acid and tannin, with a long lingering spicy finish. Pair with Jason Robinson’s Tri-Tip. You can find the recipe on episode 149 of the Wine Road podcast.

 

ABV 15.0%

$75

 

 

Jordan 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

 

The Jordan 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is pure splendor in the glass. It smells so good, bright and aromatic with notes of black cherry, mocha, dusty cedar, mint, baking spice, and graphite. Lovely and lyrical it has classic structure and flavors of cassis, ripe black cherry and smooth silky tannins with hint of cedar and eucalyptus that slowly fades. Pair with pork loin and potatoes au gratin. Great age ability over the next decade or more. 

 

ABV 13.8%

$85

 

Longboard 2019 Rino Chaser, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

 

The Longboard, 2019 Rino Chaser, Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley is a delicious expression of texture and flavor. It’s chock-a-block with scents of boysenberry, cranberry, and mocha. On the palate lush flavors of cassis, mocha, sweet blackberry and mint with a savory note of warm vanilla. The fine-grained tannins are taut, long lasting and bright on the finish. Great overall balance and structure makes this a fine candidate for aging. Pair with Duck confit.

 

ABV 14.5% 

$50

 

Carol Shelton 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile Reserve, Rockpile Vineyard

 

Gorgeous, juicy and full-bodied the Carole Shelton 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile Reserve, will captivate you from the very first sip. On the nose, notes of cedar, cherry, fig, graphite, and tobacco. On the palate a wonderful rush of cassis, blackberry, black cherry and deep mocha, glide upon rails of long lingering tannins that slowly fade to a satisfying finish. Pair with Classic Cheese burger, rare! Or if you are local, pair with the Ruben sandwich from Troubadour sandwich shop in Healdsburg. 

 

ABV 14.8% 

$50

 

West 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ridge Block, Dry Creek Valley

 

Smooth and harmonious the West 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley offers a spicy bouquet on the nose with notes of mint, green bell pepper, eucalyptus, rhubarb, and baking spice. On the palate a silky mouth feel with flavors of juicy black cherry and blackberry along with clove, black olive, leather, mocha, and a tantalizing hint of tomato leaf. Finely textured tannins deliver a bright licorice and minty finish to this elegant and engaging wine. Pair with a lamb chops and chutney. 

 

ABV 13.5%

$55

 

 

Robert Young 2018 Scion, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

 

Bold and full bodied, the 2018 Robert Young Scion, Cabernet Sauvignon is a fine example of Sonoma meets Bordeaux in style. Classic notes of leather, mint, black cherry, mocha and cassis are on the nose. On the plate, plush flavors of fig, mocha, and black fruits, with clove and graphite. It opens softly and builds gradually with great structure and taut spicy tannins. Pair with filet mignon. Lovely to drink now or cellar for future enjoyment.  

ABV 14.7%

$72

 

 

Wine Road Podcast - What's New in Healdsburg with Talia Hart, CEO of Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce

Talia Hart, CEO Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce fills us in on everything that’s new, upcoming and happening in Healdsburg.

Wine of the Day: 2016 Selby Sangiovese
Book of the Day: Steven Spurrier: A Life in Wine
Fast Five: Pepperoni Bread from Bobby Terrano from F. Teldeschi Winery in Dry Creek

Wine Road Podcast- Kathy Harsbarger, Director DTC, Jeff Cohn Cellars

 

Episode 150 -- Kathy Harsbarger, Director DTC, Jeff Cohn Cellars tells us about the history of Jeff Cohn Cellars, the tasting room experience and what types of wine you may enjoy there. Our Wine of the Day is 2002 Jeff Cohn Cellars 2018 Maggie’s Vineyard Zinfandel. Fast Five Recipe, Spätzle from Chef Tom Mulligan at Spoonbar in Healdsburg. Book of the Day: On California From Napa to Nebbiolo.

Rosé: Style of the Month

 

Rosé season is here and the annual crop of new releases practically makes me giddy. I can almost hear Ethel Merman belting out “Curtain up! Light the lights! Honey, everything's coming up roses!” But of course I hear her sing Roses as Rosés. Okay, so maybe Rosé does not conjure up Ethel for you—but Rosé can certainly spark joy with it’s easy to drink style and playful pink color; full of summer fruit flavors and a crisp, refreshing finish. By the way, I drink Rosé year-round for a fresh burst of summertime, anytime. #ROSÉALLYEAR

 

Here are capsule reviews of Rosé you may find along the Wine Road. 

 

Acorn Alegría Vineyards 2021 Rosato Field Blend, RRV

 

Just reading the list of varieties in this Acorn field blend sets my expectations for a wine that will be both thrilling and delicious—and it is! Composed primarily of Syrah, Zinfandel, Dolcetto, and Sangiovese—the Acorn Rosato is nod to the Italian style of Rosé made from a range of indigenous Italian grapes. Initial aromas of pomegranate, strawberry and pink peppercorn are followed by notes of watermelon and fleshy ripe cherry. Balanced and complex, it’s full of juicy red fruit flavors, with a creamy raspberry finish. Pair with grilled chicken and warm goat cheese salad.

 

ABV 13%

$35

  

Baldassari 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, RRV

 

The Baldassari 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir is an intentional Rosé made with grapes harvested at a lower sugar rate in order to make a more delicate and lower alcohol wine. The color is the palest of pale, almost translucent. It’s a lovely balance of fruit and acid with notes of nectarine, strawberry, thyme and rose hips on the nose. On the palate, crisp favors of pink grapefruit, lime zest, and coriander predominate, with a distinct creamy peach note. The long dry finish is clean and bright with a touch of saline and rosewater. Pair with grilled shrimp and pineapple fried rice. 

 

ABV 12.9%

$28

 

Balletto 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, RRV

 

Fermented in stainless steel, the Balletto Rosé of Pinot Noir is exceedingly crisp and bright. Pale pink in color, it opens with a delightful bouquet of crushed rose petals, carnation and strawberry-lime. Great acidity and balance with a marvelous texture and zingy flavors of watermelon, white peach, Rainier cherry and nectarine. Dry and precise with a steely finish and a lingering note of pink peppercorn and orange zest. Pair with spicy sushi tuna rolls. 

 

ABA 13.3%

$22

 

Jeff Cohn Cellars 2017 Iris Brut Rosé Sparkling, Sonoma County

 

The Jeff Cohn Cellars Brut Rosé is made Méthode Traditionnelle with 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre. In the glass the color sparkles like a pink tutu made of tulle and taffeta with a rush of bubbles that race to the top. The creamy body floats across the palate with delicate flavors of cherry, raspberry cream and wild strawberry. Refreshing and celebratory—pair with truffle popcorn or blinis with crème fraiche and smoked salmon.

 

ABV 12.79%

$60

 

Martinelli 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

 

The Martinelli Rosé of Pinot Noir is a pretty pale rose color with a slight blue undertone. On the nose, wonderful aromas of rhubarb, strawberry, candied violet, cotton candy and rosewater. Juicy flavors of pomegranate, cranberry and a touch of orange peel are crisp and refreshing. The long clean finish is dry with notes of crushed rocks and a spicy pink peppercorn note at the end. Pair with Salmon cakes and Panzanella salad.

 

ABV 14.9%

$28

 

Martorana Family Winery 2021 Rosé of Zinfandel, DCV

 

The Martorana Rosé of Zinfandel has a classic pale pink color with a slight tinge of onionskin orange. A profusion of aromas fill the glass including candied ginger, orange peel, dried strawberry and crushed rose petals. Well-balanced and juicy it has flavors of gooseberry, watermelon, cherry, and a hint of cantaloupe. The steely finish presents notes of creamy peach and nectarine. Pair with baked goat cheese salad and prosciutto wrapped figs.

 

ABV 13%

$28

 

Pedroncelli 2021 Rosé of Zinfandel, DCV

 

The Pedroncelli Rosé of Zinfandel has a captivating medium pink hue reminiscent of watermelon juice. On the nose a bouquet of rose petals, honeydew, and strawberry with a base note of peach and vanilla. Great balance of fruit and acidity deliver flavors of watermelon, thyme and raspberry. The bright crisp finish has a mineral quality like wet slate and a lingering note of spicy coriander. Pair with barbecued spare ribs.

 

ABV 13.9%

$22

 

Carole Shelton, Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé, Mendocino County

 

Oh my, one sip and it makes you wonder, what came first—The Troggs song Wild Thing, or Carole Shelton’s Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé? In any event this luscious Rosé made with Carignane and Zinfandel grapes, has a brilliant ruby pink color and is bursting with aromas of brambles, cherry, wild strawberry, bright raspberry and hibiscus. Zesty with great acidity and body, it pulses with fresh flavors of watermelon, red grapefruit, and orange creamsicle. The finish is dry crisp with a refreshing minerality. Wild Thing, I think I love you! Pair with your favorite old vinyl records and Chinese Chicken Salad.

 

ABV 13.5%

$18

 

Podcast Milestone -- 6 Years. 150 + Episodes. 3 Taste Awards!

6 years. 150 + episodes. 3 Taste Awards. And inducted into the Taste Award Hall of Fame. 

Six years ago this month I pitched the idea to Beth that the Wine Road should have a podcast. We started out recording in the warehouse and settled on a schedule of posting a show every other week. Our audience grew and we started recording episodes at Threshold studios with our sound engineer Richard Ross. 

Anyone who has a podcast knows how much work it is to consistently record and post—be it every week, every two weeks or even once a month. 

Most podcasts run out of steam after a few months. It’s easy to start a podcast it’s hard to keep it going. I’m proud to say we’re going strong and heading into our 7th year. 

Thanks to Beth Costa for believing in my crazy ideas, to Richard for making us sound so good and to our amazing sponsor Ron Rubin Winery for their generous support. And most of all cheers all our listeners! 

Wine Road Podcast-- Dan Teldeschi, Owner F. Teldeschi Wines with Bobby Terrano

Dan Teldeschi and Bobby Terrano join us for a fun filled conversation about the wines of F.Teldeschi and how they both came to be in the wine business. Wine of the Day 2002 F.Teldeschi Petite Sirah.
Fast Five recipe: Barbecued Tri-Tip from Jason Robinson of Ehret Family Winery

 

Wine Road Podcast -- Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience with Karissa Kruse, President Sonoma County Winegrowers

 

 

Karissa Kruse, President Sonoma County Winegrowers joins us to tell us all about the Healdsburg Food and Wine Experience May 20-22, 2022. Wine of the Day CAST Blanc de Noirs Sparkling. Fast Five Recipe: Apple Cider Pulled Chicken from Elizabeth at Dutton Estate Winery.