We discovered Elizabeth Spencer last Thanksgiving weekend. Our friend Chantal had left another high-end winery and began working at Elizabeth Spencer some time ago.
If you were wondering where this tasting room is located, it’s right across the street from Rutherford Grill. It is a small brick building with additional tasting space on the patio outside. Each time we visited, we were greeted by friendly hospitality people. It is surely worth a trip.
The other night Chris decided to make Tilapia and my favorite green salad with homemade red-berry and balsamic dressing. The salad has feta and the dressing is pretty bold which I like. I needed to pair it with a wine that could handle the acidity.
It’s been a few months since we have drunk an Elizabeth Spencer wine so I knew as I wandered down to my cellar that it was going to be my choice. I had a few different bottles to choose from, but I was not sure which one to grab. As I was reviewing the bottles I chose 2007 The Guardian.
2007 The Guardian is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The total production of The Guardian was ten barrels as noted on the front label. I also reviewed the summary on their website and they noted ten barrels as well.
Here are my tasting notes.
The Guardian Cabernet Sauvignon color depth was deep, its hue was a dark Garnet. For the most part, it had no sediment. It did notice some within the neck of the bottle as I pulled the cork.
As we smelled The Guardian, it was very aromatic. You could tell this was still a young Cabernet Sauvignon. Some of the aromas I noted were Bing Cherry and red fruit. It was time to taste.
As we took our first sips, it was a little dry. The Guardian is definitely a full-bodied Cab. The acidity was lively and it was a very flavorful wine. The tannins were medium to high and were felt in my front to mid palate. Some of the flavors noted were plum and a slight hint of spice. The finish was long and nice.
This is a very balanced Cabernet Sauvignon!
After our dinner, we decided to have a few slices of Manchego Cheese to finish off the meal. The Manchego paired beautifully with The Guardian. What a great after dinner desert!
At the end of our final glass, Chris somehow ended up with all of the sediment! Since I had none in my glass, the sediment must have been in the neck bottle when I first poured our glasses.
Once final observation: I noticed bumps on the back label that looked like braille. I am not sure if this is a coincidence or it really is braille.
Both Chris and I rated The Guardian Cabernet Sauvignon four glasses.
Life is too short to drink crappy wine. Expand your palate and keep trying.
Facebook.com/BillsWineWandering
@BillsWineWander
