THE RED WHALE California Cabernet Tasting

Alek's house
Tasted Thursday, January 17, 2013 by Bradford with 324 views

Introduction

An eclectic assortment of cabs, which showed the grape in many different guises. Overall, we were pleased with the different expressions at this price point (mostly around $20 and under).

Flight 1 (6 Notes)

  • 2007 Snows Lake Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon One 86 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Red Hills Lake County

    The fruit on this nose is a bit reticent, showing mostly rubber. The 15.5% alc shows through on the palate, but it is not unpleasant. Dark fruits transition into firm tannins. There is a pleasing rusticity here, but it lacks balance and complexity. At $16, though, I'm not complaining.

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  • 2011 Ramsay Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Points

    USA, California, North Coast

    A nice medium ruby color betokens the charm of the cabernet. Red fruit (cranberry) and dried herbs on the nose. There is something pinot-like about the weight of this wine, which displays soft tannins that close out a very drinkable but not very "compelling" wine--which is a good thing. You can taste the location (Mendo and Lake) and vintage in this wine. Well done.

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  • 2009 John Robert Eppler (JRE Wines) Cabernet Sauvignon Todd Ranch 89 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

    A pronounced note of Ethiopian coffee bean (read: blueberry) combines with dying lilac and something savory. On the palate, the fruit is buried under earthiness and a pretty serious wall of tannins, which coat and linger... This wine is super young.

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  • 2009 Terra Valentine Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    Smoky black currant on the nose. Smells "classic" and, within the context of Napa, Bordelaise in style. The wine is quite young and will certainly develop in the bottle for a couple years. Before the well-handled but fairly aggressive tannins set in, one can taste a very pure black currant combined with something like pencil lead.

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  • 2007 Viano Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 86 Points

    USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Contra Costa County

    Menthol on the nose, bit of red fruit. The palate is all cherry ludens. Not super exciting, but perfectly drinkable and a great deal. I like these guys.

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  • 2010 Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon Margarita Vineyard 89 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    Beautiful, shimmering dark color. Smells a bit hot, intense and ripe. There is an intriguing density on the nose. Well-balanced with structure provided by acid, soft tannins. The palate has sweet currant and blackberry. This is new world in style, but well-executed.

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