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Cabernet Sauvignon
‘Red, red wine…Go to my head…Red, red wine you make me feel so grand…
I feel a million dollars when your just in my hand…’
If the UB 40’s have it right the same can be said for the red, red wine featured in this month’s WineWomenOnline winesip, the very distinct and robust Cabernet Sauvignon! Cabernet is known as one of the world's finest red wines, with its depth of complexity and richness of flavor. Cabernet is grown all over the world; however, it is the dominant grape in the Bordeaux region of France and has spread to every other major growing region.
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape produces distinctive wines that are typically tannic when young and can have long aging potential. The average aging potential for Cabernet is 5 to 10 years in order to achieve peak flavor. It is usually blended with other grape varietals[i] to make wines with increased complexity. A Cabernet of substance takes at least 3-4 years in order to achieve balance and show its true character, it’s all about the fruit here. Cabernets of distinction from such fine estates as Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, or Marguax may take 20-30 years to show the essence of their breeding generally speaking.The Cabernet paradox - you don’t want to wait 20-30 years to drink the wine you just purchased. WineWomenOnline suggests looking to Washington State as an avenue for more affordable Cabs that can be enjoyed reasonably young and are reasonably priced.
Did you know… “Washington’s first wine grapes were planted in 1825. By 1910, wine grapes were growing in most areas of the state, following the path of early settlers. Initially, it was French, German and Italian immigrants who pioneered the earliest plantings.” (www.winesnw.com)
1934, its history dates back to just after the repeal of prohibition. The wines from Chateau Ste. Michelle offer Cabernets at a fraction of the price of California in most cases. A few of the better offerings at Chateau Ste. Michelle are Cold Creek Vineyard or Canoe Ridge at about $20.00-$25.00 a bottle. The Cold Creek Vineyard will be the more intense of the two with concentrated aromas of pomegranate and chocolate while the Canoe Ridge is more subtle and will not hit you over the head with intensity. Other Washington State wines to consider are DeLille Cellars and Matthews Cellars. These are smaller more crafted boutique wineries and if not found in local wine shops you can order direct from the winery. They do tend to be a bit pricier at $30-$45 a bottle; however, they are worth the extra expense.
All in all, Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect wine for the season, the weather is turning a bit cooler, leaves are falling from the trees, it is time to rejoice and enjoy the bounty that the fall harvest brings and that includes the fruit of the vine.
Created: 9/15/2007 Edited: 10/3/2007