This past Friday I hosted a small get-together that grew into a very fun wine tasting event for 40. Initially just planned as a gathering of some friends and acquaintances, it grew into a chance to showcase and compare some interesting Cabernet Sauvignons with fellow wine lovers.
The 2009 Jack’s Masterpiece from Hall Winery was a clear favorite among my Cabernet Sauvignons
The clear winner in the ‘formal’ tasting was the 2009 Jack’s Masterpiece from Hall Winery in Napa. It went up against some other truly excellent Cabs, but it was unanimous among those of us doing the comparing that this one took the prize. It has an amazingly smooth, rich, velvety texture and taste, and even compared to some other very fine Hall labels (Kathryn Hall, Hall Diamond Mountain District, and Hall Bergfeld), this one came out on top unanimously. The story behind the label is amazing…you can learn much more about it here.
For a lower priced alternative, the 2007 Trahan Winery (also Napa) Cabernet held up extremely well, as I find all Trahan labels do. There’s something about the wines from Trahan that I just love…everything from their Cab to their Merlot to their Sadie’s Red blend is just wonderfully smooth and tasty. Just 325 cases of that Trahan Cabernet were produced, so you’d best get yours now if you’re interested.
The Lucas Winery Late Harvest Zinfandel, paired with dark chocolate, is divine.
The winner from the couple of Central Valley Cabs that were included was the very bold and aptly named 2006 Rapture from Michael David Winery. I held onto this one for a few years and decanted it Friday. It was well worth the wait! In an area famous for its Zinfandels, this is one hearty and worthwhile Cabernet.
Plenty of other wines were poured as well. One clear favorite outside the Cab category was the Concannon Vineyard (Livermore) Petit Verdot. Everyone who tasted it simply loved it, even over another my personal favorite, the 2007 Trahan Petit Verdot.
And finally, the Lucas Winery (Lodi) 2007 Late Harvest Zinfandel was a huge hit with the dessert wine tasters, each of whom enjoyed it paired with a square of a 62% dark chocolate bar with Hickory-smoked uncured bacon and Alderwood smoked salt. Tough to beat that combo!
While the tasting was a blast, the fun time with friends new and old was all the better. What I envisioned as a one-time or maybe even annual event just might become something more…I’m already looking at dates in January for a next opportunity. There’s a terrific group of Pinot Noirs still sitting in my kitchen that we didn’t even get to on Friday!
