| Our Current Wine Recommendation |
|
Bonterra Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Mendocino, California. USA
Chosen by Vinopolis Wine Guide Edgar Ciceno Velasco
Having spent a year working in Bordeaux, I was very surprised when I first tasted this wine. It reminded so much of the Haut Medoc wines that I grew to love during my wonderful time there.
This wine is made from organically grown fruit. Which means that no artificial herbicides, fertilisers or fungicides have been used in the vineyard. The growers say that this gives the grapes a purer flavour and that this carries over to the flavours of the wine. Bonterra Vineyards, part of the Fetzer wine group are one of the largest producers of wines made in this way.
But let's start with the colour. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have especially thick skins, this means that they contain more colouring material giving a fuller colour to the wine. This wine is no exception a beautiful ruby and carmine colour with black depths leads onto a bouquet with some classic Cabernet green pepper notes which don't dominate or overpower the cassis and plum fruit elements. There is also a delicate oaky background, this surprised me as most American wines I have tried tend to have too much oak for my taste.
On the palate this wine is tannic and powerful, although the alcohol (even at a hefty 14%) is nicely discrete. Although this is a young wine I feel that it will age well over the next few years and the tannins will soften.
Once in the glass this wine changes, presenting a lovely smoky aroma and some liquorice flavours. I think that this wine would be perfect with good quality grilled or roasted meats. |
Book tickets for all our wine tours, masterclasses and tasting sessions
Before visiting Vinopolis please check our tour opening times and directions
Can't find the answer? Check our wine tour frequently asked questions |
