There are many glorious grapes in the world of wine. However, in celebration of #cabernetday on September 1, this article recognizes Cabernet Sauvignon as king. In exploration of Cabernet Sauvignon I will review two wines from Flora Springs Winery in Napa Valley, and introduce you to a Bodacious wine from Jon Nathaniel Wines.
King: person or thing regarded as the finest or most important in its sphere or group
Cabernet Sauvignon is recognized as the king of wine grapes, though some Pinot Noir lovers may disagree. Why? Is it because of its home in Bordeaux that it is seen as supreme? Each of the 1855 First Growth Bordeaux extol the virtues of Cabernet. Is it because just about every warm weather grape region in the world successfully grows Cabernet? (The ease of growth cannot be said for Pinot Noir.) Or is it because no matter whether it is crafted into an elegantly restrained or big and jammy wine, Cabernet is the go to red wine for millions of wine lovers. If all of this is true then why the need for a designated #cabernetday? I have no idea but I am more than willing to celebrate Cabernet Sauvignon any day of the week!
Cabernet Sauvignon: Surprisingly this rock star varietal is not particularly old. It was created through a marriage of Cabernet Franc with Sauvignon Blanc in the 17th century in Southwestern France. It has a reputation of being fairly easy to cultivate, with grapes that are thick skinned thus less susceptible to disease, and vines that are high-yielding, hardy and typically bud later in the growing season, further making the grape resistant to frost, rot, insects and disease. Its classic characteristics produce wines that are full bodied with high tannins and round acidity, resulting in a great aging potential. Cabernet Sauvignon will grow in a variety of climates, soils and temperatures in varying longitudes and latitudes, each reflected in the aromas and flavors of the wine. Furthermore, the varietal drinks beautifully on its own and pairs very well with a large variety of other grapes. It is nice to have a king that gets along so well with others! Typical flavor profiles include black currant, black cherry, olives (either green or black), spice, fresh mint sprigs, and cedar notes. However, in warm climates the fruit notes tend to become jammy or syrupy and the fresh mint becomes more of a menthol.
Cronin Communications shared three delicious Cabernet Sauvignons with me to celebrate #CabernetDay. All opinions are my own.
Flora Springs 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine was crafted of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Malbec, and 2% Petite Verdot from grapes grown in some of Napa Valley’s most prestigious appellations including Rutherford and Oakville. It poured a deep ruby in the glass; black berries, black plums, and black raspberries fill the glass along with notes of cinnamon, cassis, black licorice, and a touch of tobacco; smooth on the palate with loads of spice notes and I swear I taste a hint of Rutherford dust; well-structured with fruitiness and earthiness balanced in round acidity and dusty tannins that leave a long, dry finish; This wine was aged for 18 months in 35% new small barrels consisting of 75% French oak and 25% American oak. SRP $40
Flora Springs 2013 Trilogy: This wine was a Bordeaux style blend crafted of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Verdot, and 6% Malbec from grapes grown on Flora Springs estate vineyards in Rutherford and Oakville. It poured an opaque ruby in the glass; brooding aromas of black cherry, black berries and black plums were joined by black licorice, cassis, spice notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, dark chocolate, espresso beans, dried tobacco, and damp underbrush; penetrating the palate with concentrated layers of flavors in a rich, dark, full body wine, mouth-coating tannins still lively in its youth, round acidity offers balance and structure, ripe fruit wrapped in pronounced earthiness; long, full finish that begs for another sip, an elegant yet big wine that will integrate well with proper aging for up to 10 years; Aged 22 months in 73% French oak and 27% American oak. SRP $80
Jon Nathaniel Wines 2013 Bodacious: This wine was crafted from 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Malbec, 6% Petite Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. This wine poured a sensual opaque rich ruby with deep purple hues into the glass; dark fruit notes of cherry, black berries, and plums are met with pomegranate and evened out with lots of spice, pepper, damp tobacco leaves, slight savory herbal notes, black licorice and a hint of vanilla; crushed velvet on the palate, kowabunga; rich and opulent, full body with layers of flavors and textures, surely a big wine yet truly balanced, well-structured acidity and tannins; age will increase its integration; long, juicy finish in a wine that is aptly named: Bodacious! Aged for 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels. SRP $60.
Great news! Pricing on 3-pack of above wines in gift box + Bodacious belt buckle is $180 online through September 1 ~ TOMORROW! Visit Flora Springs web site and order yours today!
Flora Spring winery is a legendary Napa Valley winery whose name is synonymous with high quality wines. For over 30 years the Komes and Garvey families have worked tirelessly using modern techniques and age old winemaking practices to create wonderful Napa Valley wines. They were the first to embrace night time harvesting and champion sustainable and organic practices to produce the highest quality wines while protecting the land for future generations. Today, third generation vintners Nat Komes and Sean Garvey are positioned to lead Flora Springs into the future.
What some may describe as passion we explain as obsession, this is our life and we are family.
Jon Nathaniel Wines is a dream project of the father/son team John and Nat Komes. It represents a return to their roots of small production wine without compromise, while also respecting tradition and honoring dearly departed son/brother Otto Komes, who cherished his wine growing family.
Jon Nathaniel is also fearless, willing to embrace innovative techniques and technology in pursuit of the pinnacle of wine quality. Perhaps most of all, Jon Nathaniel is a way for John and Nat to renew relationships, to share their most personal wines with friends, family and customers who seek authentic connection.
My Song Selection: I will confess a guilty pleasure with reviewing Napa Valley Cabernets, they pair so well with classic rock songs and I am a classic rock girl. These three wines are no exception! Certainly they get bigger as you move down the list of three but they all really rock in a way that is pleasing and timeless.
Don’t forget to order your own #CabernetDay gift back through tomorrow while supplies last. It is a great deal! You want these wines!
What wine will you be enjoying in celebration of #CabernetDay?
Get your own bottles of Flora Springs and Jon Nathaniel Wines and let me know what song you pair with them. Cheers!
