Wine of the Day: 2010 Aiken Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2010 Aiken Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

WINERY:
AIKEN WINES, St. Helena, California

DESCRIPTION:
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned worldwide and I believe Oakville Ranch is one of the best vineyards in the appellation. The fruit in 2010 ripened perfectly and was harvested on October 19 before any rain had fallen. The wine has deep, dark color, fully ripe tannins and refreshing acidity. It displays aromas and flavors of ripe black cherries, cassis and mocha. The texture is lush with integrated tannins and a long lingering finish. Although it is drinking beautifully now, this wine will age for many years to come.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Wine of the Day: 2008 Cain Concept - The Benchland

2008 Cain Concept - The Benchland

WINERY:
The Cain Vineyard, Saint Helena, California

DESCRIPTION:
Cain Concept—The Benchland is Cabernet Sauvignon from the classical “benchlands” of the Napa Valley. Cabernet grown on the eastern and western benches of Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena has defined the greatness of the Napa Valley for more than 100 years. In the Cain way, we blend using Cabernet Franc and Merlot to add nuance, structure, and length to the finish.

2008 was characterized by low yield—especially in the Cabernet Sauvignon, giving us a tight and concentrated core on which we were able to build with the complementary varieties of our blend. Other than low yields, there were no real issues. It was a typically warm and mellow growing season in the Napa Valley—no wonder the wines from this valley are so easy to love!

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.