Returning customers probably know that we here at Wine Heist get pretty excited about “mountain” cabernet, sourced from high elevation vineyards throughout California. Today’s offering comes from the Santa Cruz Mountains above San Francisco Bay. Home to Ridge’s famed Monte Bello vineyard, and pioneers like Martin Ray and David Bruce, this area has always attracted vintners looking from something a little different, and that is exactly what we are serving up today. How often do you find mountain cab, with a little bit of bottle age, stored perfectly by the winery, for under $30?
The 2002 Cooper-Garrod George’s Vineyard is sourced from a tiny parcel of their estate vineyards planted over 30 year ago, using cuttings from some of the first cabernet grown in California. Purple in color, it is just starting to show a little garnet on the rim, hinting that its youthful stage is ending. The nose is stunningly complex, showing some plum and blackberry, but dominated by secondary aromas of earth, ginger, potpourri, graphite and an unusual but very pleasant gamey note. This is the kind of nose that is only possible once a wine has sat in bottle and had a chance to evolve. The palate echoes the plum and earth, with a touch of blueberry. It is perfectly integrated, with a wonderfully silky texture, nice acidity, good structure, and rounded tannins. The finish is all plum and spice, and goes on and on.
Besides its age, the other key to this wine is its alcohol level. At just 12.6%, there is a soft, supple elegance to this wine, something that seems to get lost as wines creep up over 15% alcohol. Once again, this is possible thanks to the climate in this high-elevation vineyard, where sun is abundant, but cool nights prevent over-ripeness. The result is a wine that is intense without being overpowering, and that is perfect for the dinner table. Filet mignon, Cornish hen, pumpkin soup… the possibilities are endless. Although this will probably hold for several years, it seems to be in its prime drinking window right now, with its secondary aromas still accompanied by a healthy dose of dark fruit. Don’t pass up this chance to pick up some perfectly aged mountain cab at an incredible price!
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
