Community Tasting Note

forceberry wrote:

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 - The first vintage of Paleo that was a Bordeaux blend; this was 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. 13,5% alcohol. Tasted alongside most of the Paleo vintages from 2013 to 1993.

Pretty lightly translucent dark cherry red color, still surprisingly youthful for the age. Ripe, yet still quite dry and savory nose with aromas of blackcurrants, some savory wood, light leafy tones, a little bit of ripe red cherry and hints of aged Bordeax like tobacco and cigar box. The wine is dry, firm and structured on the palate with moderately full body and flavors of fresh blackcurrants, sour cherries, some spicy bitterness, light meaty or even gamey character and a hint of tobacco and savory wood. The mouthfeel is still pretty robust with high acidity and ample, assertive tannins. The finish is equally robust, dry and grippy, but the juicy, vibrant and persistent flavors of sour cherries, fresh blackcurrants, some roasted spices and hints of leafy and earthy tones keep the aftertaste very balanced and harmonious.

A very impressive, imposing and structured Bordeaux blend that still feels remarkably youthful and powerful, even after 17 years after the vintage. Overall this is a lot more tightly-wound, structured and even somewhat aggressive if compared to the Cabernet Franc wines that followed this vintage. A wine that would perform flawlessly if put as a ringer among Bordeaux left-bankers in a blind tasting. It will take many more years for the wine to reach its apogee and resolve its tight-grained structure. Expect the score go further up with age. Very highly recommended.

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