Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Romania.  Deep garnet in color, flat, and opaque.  The nose has black cherries, cherries, and some cassis, along with some smoke.  There is a slight stewed raisin quality to the fruit which is intentional.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, cherries, some char, some black pepper and some raisin especially on the finish.  A resemblance to an Amarone with a bit less acidity.  This seems like it should drink well for the next eight to ten years.  It will work well with meats or fowl in a wine reduction sauce and would be nice at

This is a reasonably priced Australian 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries and black raspberries cedar with a streak of mint.  Full bodied.  On the palate, there are medium tannins, black raspberries, a touch of oak.  A bit sweet/ripe.  Long finish.  This drinks well now and should continue to do so for five to seven years.  It will work well on its own and also with wings or ribs (or a burger).  

Kagor is a fortified dessert wine made from cabernet sauvignon, saperavi and other grapes.  Usually fouund on-near the Black Sea coast of the former Russian Empire, primarily in Moldova and Crimea, though this one comes from Uzbekistan.  The name is a Russian version of Cahors from Southwest France.  Peter the Great was a fan of Cahors wines and started importing them in bulk. The Russian clergy, swayed by the deep color (Christ's blood), adopted Cahors for sacraments in 1733.

After learning more about his Jewish ancestry in Ukraine, Finger Lakes winemaker Bruce Schneider partnered with Chateau Chizay in western Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region to create Elijah’s Fifth Cup.

This is Moldova's most famous wine.  It was apparently Quenn Victoria's favorite and Queen Elizabeth gets a case every year.  Who knew?  If served blind, I would likely guess Bordeaux 5th growth or perhaps a Sonoma Cab (Beringer Knight's Valley Reserve?).  Not to slight Modova as it would never enter my guessing knowledge.  If there was a complaint that in a tasting of Moldovan wines, it is not exotic or unusual which is a bit un fair.  It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Saperavi 25%, Rara Neagra 5%.  It spends 18 months in French oak barrels.  Inky purple in color, ruby at the rim, o

Lupi mean wolves.  A very nice showing for this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Saperavi that was aged for a period of 10-12 months in 225l barrels and aged for at least 2 years in oak barrels from Krasnodar (Russia).  Purple in color, garnet at the rim.  The nose has black cherries with a hint of smoked tobacco ash.  Very interesting.  With air a bit of black coffee.  Medium to full bodies.  On the palate, black raspberries, cherries, a bit of dried currants and slight earthiness.  Strong backbone of acidity.  Long finish.  A really interesting wine with depth and complexity.  Tast

This is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petite Sirah.  It is a nice value in California Cabernet.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  Mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is dusty with cassis and a bit of coffee.  Medium to full bodied.  On the palate, black cherries, some cherry pie filling, but also some tart cherries.  With air, some dark chocolate and spices.  There is oak on this but that will integrate with time.  Nice finish.  This drinks great on its own and will work with bolder foods.  As it ages, it will be more

This is a blend of 35% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc.  It is certified organic.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  Mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries and slight char.  On the palate, medium to full bodied.  Raspberries and black raspberries.  Firm tannins.  Long finish.  This drinks easy with no bite.  Clean.  This drinks well now and should drink well for the next five to eight years.  Tasty on its own, this will work well with beef or pork dishes.   Really a tremendous value in organic wines.  

An excellent wine.  Deep purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is classic with cassis, baking spice, cedar and slight roasted herbs.  Full bodied.  On the palate, the cassis comes thru with cedar underneath.  Tannic but mellows with air.  Long finish.  This is drinking quite well and should continue to do so for another 12 to fifteen years.  It drinks great on its own and would also work with roasted brisket.