2003 Notre Vin Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

The color is a dark ruby/purple and the wine possesses a wonderful minerality to its blue and red fruits, which would normally suggest Cabernet Franc more than Cabernet Sauvignon. Pure, with good acidity and an attractive crunchiness, there is not a great deal of weight, but its delicacy and finesse suggest this 2003 will drink well for another 10-15 years. Produced by the well-known Bordeaux wine consultant Denis Malbec (who also is responsible for turning out the brilliant offerings at Kapcsandy Cellars in Yountville), this 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. A classic effort, it reveals abundant aromas of raspberries, blueberries and spring flowers. Even though Denis Malbec is more of a Medoc than Right Bank guy, this wine, despite its high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, leans more toward an Ausone-like style than one would expect from the blend. Tel. (707) 963-9606