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
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
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.
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.
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.
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.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
