Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Alexander Mountain Estate, Alexander Valley, California, USA

This wine is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc with maturation taking place in French oak for 16 months (of which 76% is new oak) and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

This wine opened up with aromas of plumy-blackberry fruit, dried currants, bitter chocolate, savoury herbs, clove and smoky notes. On the mouthfeel, full-bodied, dry with rich and concentrated flavours, mild acidity and firm grainy tannins. Very good length on the finish with layered dark fruit, vanilla and peppery notes and noticeable tannins lingering. This is a wonderful full bodied well structured and complex California Cabernet which could be enjoyed today (I paired this wine with a BBQ steak) but should keep improving over the next 8-10 years. Strongly recommended, score 93 points.

Purchased December 8, 2012 LCBO Vintages new release (285098) at $49.95

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

 

This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, maturation taking place in a combination of French and American oak over a period of 16 months with alcohol coming in at 14%.

The hallmark of Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley have always been its aromatics. This 2009 vintage certainly does everything right, with aromas of blueberry, plum, cassis, cedar, toast, hint of pepper and light tobacco notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, well integrated flavours, balance acidity and soft velvet tannins. Very good length on the finish, very smooth with flavours of chocolate, cedar, tobacco and blueberry pie lingering. A very nice middle of the road California Cabernet, very elegant and stylish and at a good price. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased April 14, 2012 LCBO New Release (504427) at $27.95



 

Left over residual sugar, sometimes called sugar diamonds or sugar crystals.

Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, USA

From the superb 2007 California vintage, this young Cabernet Sauvignon has complex aromatics that reveals dark plums, blackberry, currents, tobacco leaf, mint and smoke. It is medium to full body, the palate has loads of energy and length with bold fruit flavours and firm tannins. The finish is long, with persistent tannins, cedar and rich fruit that lingers. I had originally purchased six bottles last December, after having given a few away, this was my remaining bottle and is unfortunately no longer available in our jurisdiction.  I would love to revisit this wine in 3-4 years as all the elements are here for this Cabernet to age beautifully. Great wine, love the aromatics.    


This wine was purchased December 11, 2010 LCBO New Release at $ 27.95