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!
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97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Deep garnet in color, with enticing aromas of brandied cherry, lavender, and forest floor. The palate is juicy and engaging with blueberries coursing through with depth and keeps you running back for more. Pure and balanced with perfect levels of acidity with notes of salted caramel, and cocoa. It's ripe silky tannins lead to a long supple finish that just keeps on giving.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
This golden-hued wine sings with a cornucopia of rich fruit balanced by high-toned, vibrant acidity. It opens with concentrated aromas of Asian pear, Gravenstein apple, and honeysuckle interspersed with mineral notes of wet river rock. Fresh flavors of White peach and Asian pear mingle on the palate with a touch of lemon zest and ripe stone fruits, boasting a beautifully creamy texture and vibrant finish.
