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
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.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
93 Points
Depth, balance and big flavors. The nose evokes black cherry pie, licorice, plums, vanilla, and notes of chocolate. On the palate, it bursts with cassis, red currants, toasted walnuts, and chocolate. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
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.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
