There is an old saying that if you want to make a small fortune with a winery it’s simple: just start with a big fortune. Famed film director Francis Ford Coppola should have no problem there! But in all seriousness, one huge advantage that such wealth brings to a relatively new wine venture is the ability to spare no expense in sourcing the finest grapes from the best vineyards and putting together a great winemaking team. While this may not guarantee success, when it all comes together, the result is immediately apparent in the quality of the finished wine. The 2007 Francis Ford Coppola Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the Strasser Vineyard in Knight’s Valley, is a perfect example of such a wine.
The 2007 Coppola Reserve Cab is deep red in color, with a purple core. The nose is still tight on this young Cabernet, but a quick swirl reveals layers of red fruit accompanied by plum and herbal notes. Sourced from the warm Knight’s Valley appellation, this Cab is packed with blackberry and currant flavors, with the hotter growing climate ripening out all but the slightest hint Cabernet’s signature capsicum flavors. This is definitely a full-bodied wine, but impeccably balanced, with good acidity and super smooth tannins that linger on the finish, giving an impression of coffee bean ice cream. This is drinking well today, but will clearly open up over the next several years of cellaring. Right now it is a perfect match for grilled red meat, but as it ages and the fruit subsides it should pair beautifully with more subtle dishes, perhaps featuring mushrooms or game. A wonderful expression of California Cabernet!
Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5%
Aged: 20 months in French oak; 60% new oak.
93 Points
Layers of blackberry and dark cherry with subtle hints of cedar, cocoa, and toasted oak. Rich and concentrated, it is supported by fine tannins and fresh acidity that bring balance and length to the finish. Approachable today, it also has the structure to reward additional time in the cellar.
95 Point Vintage
Opens with explosive aromatics of cassis, black plum, and sweet tobacco leaf, layered with warm baking spices (cinnamon and cardamom) and a light, complex ferrous mineral note. The Palate and mouthfeel is broad and sumptuous, bursting with flavors of juicy cherry pie, dark raspberry, and boysenberry compote.
The Finish carries a luxurious, savory presence showing undertones of leather, mocha, and milk chocolate, framed by supple, superfine tannins that melt into a long, polished finish.
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