Limited Availability!– Only 138 Cases Produced
Everyone knows not to judge a book by its cover, but what about a wine? When samples arrived in the mail from Kasuari, I have to admit I was excited to try them because of the beautiful label and packaging. But of course, the proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the juice, so I was even more excited once I actually tasted the wine and found out that Kasuari is making a stunningly balanced, complex wine that if anything may exceed the beauty of its package. This small, new producer is definitely one to watch.
The 2006 Kasuari Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the Parady Vineyard at over 1000 feet in elevation, is medium purple in color with a garnet rim. The nose features lively currant, vanilla, licorice and graphite notes. The palate is classic Cabernet with blackcurrant, cherry, spice, and tobacco leaf, with nice acid to provide lift. Fresh and lively, with impeccable balance, this wine exudes class and pedigree, and easily justifies its $60 price. Of course, that if you aren't a WineHeist customer. If you are, you can stock your cellar with this age-worthy Cabernet at just $44, and enjoy it over the next decade. While this is drinking beautifully now, it should only improve in the cellar, and definitely fall into the "collectible" category. Don't miss out on this stunning deal!
Appellation: Napa Valley
Average elevation: 1150 feet
Varietal composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvest Date: October 25, 2006.
Sugar at harvest: 25.7 Brix
Wine Acidity: 6.7 g/L
pH: 3.68
Alcohol: 13.9%
Aged: 24 Months in French Oak Barrels from Nevers Forest, 50% New
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.
