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Wines of the Week: California Bordeaux

The vintners of California have embraced the grape varieties of Bordeaux planting acres and acres of vineyards. Given their popularity amongst the wine drinking population, it's no surprise. Here's what our panel thought about a handful of recently tasted offerings.

Click on labels to enlarge

Yorkville Cellars 2012 "Richard the Lion-Heart" Blend
Winery: Yorkville Cellars
Grape(s): 50% Merlot, 35% Malbec, 9% Cabernet, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Carmenere, & 1% Cab Franc
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
40-45

Review:
Fragrances of currants, blackberries, plums, and earth greet the senses. The palate offers flavors of black currant and bramble fruit with accents of earth and baking spice. Supple tannins and robust fruit flavors make this wine a fine match for lamb chops.
Rating: 89

Mount Aukum 2009 "BDX" Blend
Winery: Mount Aukum
Grape(s): 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, & 30% Merlot
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
25-30

Review:
Notes of black cherries, blackberries, and plums meld with traces of sweet spice and cocoa on the nose. Flavors of cherry, bramble fruit, and plum unfold into suggestions of dark chocolate, coffee, and clove on the palate. An elegant wine with soft tannins, pair a bottle with a roast chicken. 371 cases were made.
Rating: 89

McGrail Vineyards 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: McGrail Vineyards
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
n/a

Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, cassis, and black cherries come together with traces of chocolate, toasty oak, and cinnamon on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of bramble fruit, cherry, and currant that wrap around notes of vanilla, sweet spice, and minerals. Supple with good structure, enjoy a bottle with a juicy steak now, or give it some time in the cellar. 1,926 cases were made.
Rating: 90

Midnight Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: Midnight Cellars
Grape(s): 80% Cabernet Sauvignon & 20% Merlot
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
40-45

Review:
Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and cassis interweave with traces of spring flowers and vanilla on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of black cherry, bramble fruit, and black currant that meld with traces of lavender, creamy oak, and white pepper. A smooth Cab with plush tannins, pair a bottle with a mushroom risotto. 470 cases were made.
Rating: 88

Midnight Cellars 2011 Malbec
Winery: Midnight Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Malbec
Region: Paso Robles

Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
35-40

Review:
Fragrances of blackberries, blueberries, and currants mingle with notes of earth, dark chocolate, and anise on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, currants, and black cherry combine with suggestions of minerals, tobacco, and dark chocolate on the palate. Dark and rich, enjoy a bottle with chicken mole. Only 98 cases produced.
Rating: 89

Liberty School 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: Liberty School
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
10-15

Review:
A bouquet of black cherries, currants, blackberries, and smoky oak greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of cherry, cassis, and blackberry that unfold into notes of dusty earth and spice. A supple wine with ample fruit, it's a rather approachable Cab.
Rating: 87

Liberty School 2012 Merlot
Winery: Liberty School
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Central Coast, Ca
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
10-15

Review:
Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and plums meld with suggestions of earth, rose petal, and vanilla on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry interweave with traces of minerals and vanilla on the palate. Rich and dark, this Merlot will match nicely with hamburgers. 13, 601 cases produced.
Rating: 88

Hearst Ranch 2011 Malbec
Winery: Hearst Ranch
Grape(s): 0% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 4% PetitVerdot
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
25-30

Review:
Aromatics of cherries, raspberries, and plums are accented by traces of clove and earth on the nose. Flavors of pomegranate and bramble fruit unfold into suggestions of sweet spice, herbs, cedar. Bright and smooth, it's a very approachable Malbec.
Rating: 89

Sierra Vista 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: Sierra Vista
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
25-30

Review:
Cherry, plum, and bramble fruit aromas meld with nuances of creamy oak and sweet spice on the nose. Flavors of blackberries, cherries, and plums emerge on that palate along with hints of toasty oak, minerals, and herbs. Bright yet supple, open a bottle with your favorite lamb dish. 150 cases were made.
Rating: 89

Note: Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their peak quality but will do so over the next few years

By Jason Barlow

Ratings Key:
96 — 100
Spectacular
92 — 95
Outstanding
89 — 91
Great
85 — 88
Good
81 — 84
Solid

 

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