Before I even delve into this wine, can we talk about the label of the bottle? It is so cleverly designed and screams 50's nostalgia----I'm kind of obsessed. What can I say, I'm a sucker for all things vintage. Like a surprise postcard from a traveling friend, this wine found its way to me thanks to my friends over at 3 Keys Distributing. I've never been one to fawn over California Cabs (I know, blasphemous!), but this gem is worth all the hype I can muster. The brilliant packaging is just the beginning with this textbook Cabernet Sauvignon from Greetings Wine Company (GWC). This producer has literally packaged the beauty of Napa Valley into a bottle and given you a first class ticket to the AVA without ever stepping outside your home. Well, except to go buy the bottle of course!
Greetings Wine Company has a focus on the best interpretations, dare I say quintessential examples, of the specific AVA (American Viticultural Area) in which the wine is produced. Wine is more than just the glass in front of you. There is always a story that unfolds as you sip, swirl, and sniff. The story of the people who grew the grapes, the weather patterns of that growing season & the deafening cry of the terroir all play into what you are tasting. This Cabernet Sauvignon represents the beast that is Napa Valley, a world renowned region for wine production in California. You would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't heard of Napa. It is because of the Stag's Leap District within Napa that America won the Judgement of Paris in 1976 (a wine competition featuring the best of the best wines from around the world) and proved that we could hold a candle to the wines of the Old World countries. The region of Napa is surrounded by mountain ranges (the Mayacamas to the west & the Vaca mountain range to the east), and with rich, nutrient dense soils littered with remnants of the region's volcanic past. Cabernet Sauvignon has done incredibly well it this region; truly the flagship grape of Napa Valley, for sure.
Cabernet Sauvignon has an interesting history that we can delve into another time, but I'll touch on the basics & how it translates into Greetings Wine Company's wine. This grape is actually a hybrid combination of two other grapes, Cabernet Franc & Sauvignon Blanc, that occurred by chance in the 17th century. Unlike both of those grape varietals, you rarely see a100% Cabernet Sauvignon based wine. It's history of being blended with other varietals stems all the way to its roots in Bordeaux, where it is part of the famous Bordeaux blend. It is, however, always the dominant varietal. It is a powerfully structured, bold wine that ages beautifully and is the perfect partner to French Oak barrels. Taking this wine from GWC as an example: the wine is 79% Cab. Sauv., 17% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot & 2% Cabernet Franc. The big boy Cabernet Sauvignon is supported by the fruitiness of Merlot, the spice of Petit Verdot & the aromatic bouquet of Cabernet Franc. Add that to 16 months in French Oak barrels, and you achieve a wine that is both elegant & intense.
I found myself searching the glass for hours for new aromas & tasting it constantly (technically drinking, cause the whole bottle is gone now). It is laced with overtones of black currant & scents of a warm spice box. The palate is an subtly intense fruit bomb of cherry and figs, and a charming finish. I couldn't recommend this wine more as one for you to experience for yourself. Be on the look-out for it next time your walking up & down the aisles of your favorite wine store. Let me know if the label strikes you as hard as it did me, ha!
On a serious note: can someone please turn the label into a legit line of postcards?!