Today, let’s analyze the results of the “Thralls Throwdown” of California Cabs, and take a look at the tasters ability to identify the inexpensive vs. expensive wines and break down the tasting notes. Here are the contenders again, with results:
Underdogs <= $15
2006 Avalon Napa Valley ($15) — Everyone was able to determine this was a cheaper wine. It had some perfumey, synthetic and alcohol aromas. Tasters felt is seemed light for a Cab, but did present some decent tannins, slight vanilla/toffy and seemed to improve a bit after being open for a while.
2006 Bonterra Mendocino County ($15) — Most were fooled as only 20% correctly identified this as an inexpensive vino. Even though this wasn’t the “winner” of the tasting, I’d say this was the “value wine” of the night. Had cedar, spice, and dark berries on the nose based on some of the tasters’ notes while the taste produced black cherry, currant and spice.
2005 Chateau St. Michelle Indian Wells ($12) — Most were able to correctly determine this was a cheaper wine as only one felt it should’ve cost more. Had an inky color to it as well as an enticing, mellow nose. The taste produced a great mouthfeel throughout, great tannins and long spice finish.
Heavyweights >= $30
2004 Joseph Phelps ($42) — Everyone correctly ID’d this one as an expensive wine and it turned out to be everyone’s favorite as the WOTN (wine of the nite!). Overall, I’d say this wine could be considered a “value” as well since the price is not astronomical for the wonderful characteristics this wine displayed. It had the characteristic dark ruby color we were expecting and produced some caramel, toffy, tomato, a bit musty yet elegant nose. The taste followed suit with some black fruit, chewy tannin, vanilla, and finished well.
2004 Seavey Napa Valley ($90) — Only one taster was fooled into thinking this was an inexpensive wine, mostly living up to expectations. There was some light cedar, violet, oak (finally! according to one taster) on the nose followed by big tannin making you lick your teeth, chewiness and long finish. After compiling the notes, this really sounds like a great wine, which it was. But, when compared to the Joseph Phelps, everyone agreed the JP provided some complexities and provided an overall better tasting experience.
2005 Amizetta “Complexity” ($35) — Like Bonterra (but from the opposite, and not so flattering perspective), this one really fooled nearly everyone but one taster in thinking it was an inexpensive wine. The nose exposed a shower curtain, synthetic aroma that was hard to shake. I think this really got this wine off to a bad start and it was hard for the taste to recover: the tannins were strong like bull, but seemed young to some, and was a like a nervous first date: playing hard to get.
Ed – Excellent posts! And excellent hosts, the tasting was a blast. The format of blind tasting a specific varietal from a specific region was great. It allowed a better focus for comparison. And it brought Cabernet back into the limelight.
Your posts inspired me to imbibe more Cabernet and grill some filet again tonight (with mashed potatoes, grilled zucchini and sweet onions). Why not??? The cabs were great last weekend and we opened a bottle of the Bonterra this evening. I like to cook with wine, sometimes I even put it in the food. That’s an old quote but I find it to be true – I enjoy a glass (or so) while cooking. The Bonterra was hot at first but that became muted as it opened and dinner was served. Chris and I both enjoyed it and agreed with your “value wine” notes.
Here are 5 more of my favorites quotes about wine:
“In anger, in wine, and in a child, there is truth.”
“If wine is getting in the way of your work, get rid of the work.”
“He who loves not wine, women and song remains a fool his whole life long”
“God made Cabernet Sauvignon, whereas the Devil made Pinot Noir.”
“Wine improves with age. The older I get, the better I like it. “