Recently we spent our Saturday attending a first ever major in-store event at Sunfish Cellars.  They had over 15 tables and over a 100 bottles of wine and beer open along with a cheese/charcuterie set with their vendors so their customers could come and sample.   At the same time they offered a huge wine sale.  The beauty of it all was that the event was FREE.

I sent a note out to the “Winers” group to see who wanted to go.  Silvia, Dwayne and Heather and Dave wanted to join.  Since the event started at 2pm I was certain it would be packed and I suggested we leave in time to arrive shortly after 2pm.

The weather was finally cooperating and it was fairly nice outside.  The parking lot was filling up and and many people were walking in.  We were greeted by the friendly Sunfish Cellars gang with a smile and an empty glass.

We proceeded to the first table to sample a few wines.  After a couple sips we decided to order a couple flat bread pizzas from their dining area as we figured we should have a small base before working our way through the numerous tasting tables.

Eventually we ventured up stairs to the other tables sampeling various wines.  We found many affordable wines that were really good.  Both Chris and I made notes on our tasting sheets for future reference.  We found ourselves by a table tasting a couple Alexander Valley wines.  While talking to one of the gals pouring wines she mentioned that one of the wine makers was there visiting customers.  This immediately sparked an interest and we headed over to talk to him.

We met Gordon Drake of William Gordan Winery.  We learned that Gordan is a Minnesota resident and travels to California every month for ten days or so.  He and his partner Bill Pesonen started the winery in the 1990s.  William Gordon Winery is the result of a shared passion for wine between the two of them.  Their grapes are grown on the eastern slopes of the north end of Alexander Valley in Sonoma County and have also been used for Geyser Peak, Silver Oak Alexander Valley, and Jordan Cabernet.

We started visiting about the areas we favor and mentioned that someday we hope to purchase a place in the valley.  We would like something in Sonoma valley such as Windsor or maybe even a bit north depending on the price.  Gordon told us he bought a nice place with some acreage north around Cloverdale, which is a bit north of Healdsburg.  It was clear we shared the same passion of wines and desire to live full time in the valley eventually.  He talked about the varieties they grow and produce.  One of Chris’ favorites is Syrah and he mentioned that they have a pretty good Petite Syrah that Sunfish Cellars happens to sell.  I purchased a bottle of the Pettite Syrah as well as an Alexander Vally Cabernet Sauvignon prior to leaving.

We found Gordon’s Cabernet Sauvignon quite impressive in quality and style.  The wine was a little smokey (which Chris loves) and as we were winding down our conversation we exchanged business cards.  We mentioned our upcoming trips and wondered if they had a tasting room.  Their tasting room is in Cloverdale so we will have to make a point to see them soon.

The next day Chris decide to prepare home made pizza.  I usually enjoy Italian wines with pizza but I wanted to try the Petite Syrah from William Gordon Winery instead.  As she started her prep work I decided to pull the cork and pour us a glass.  As you know Chris loves to have a glass of wine while she cooks.  And sometimes she even cooks with the wine!

Here are my tasting notes.

Sight

Deep color depth.  The color hue was dark purple to inky and was very clear.

Smell
The Petite Syrah was very aromatic before I swirled it in my glass.  The development was young and fruity, while I noted smoke, spice, black current and dark fruits.

Taste
This wine was not dry, but was a full bodied and the acidity was nice.  It was not tart or flabby and the tannins were medium to soft.  I could feel them in the middle of my palate and as time progressed they were felt more on the sides of my tongue.  The wine was very flavorful.  My initial flavors were mineral with spice and oak notes with a complex start and soft long finish.

abv: 14%  The alcohol content is lower than other Petite Syrah’s.  The higher Petite Syrahs sometimes have an alcohol nose that is not attractive.

How Much?  I paid $26.99 at Sunfish Cellars.

I rated the 2010 IL GORDUCCIO III Syrah from William Gordan Winery two glasses.

In Vino Veritas!

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Twitter: @BillsWineWander

While shopping at our Maple Grove Costco recently I came across a rack of wine with the 2010 Kirkland Signature Series Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon.  I had an idea who the producer was so I grabbed the bottle and read the back.  As luck would have it the wine makers were Zach Long and Marco Digiulio.  Long is currently the wine maker for Kunde Estate and Marco has personal interests with Vintage Wine Estates, Bin to Bottle, Lookout Ridge and Marco DiGiulio Wines.

I saw two things going for this wine; The first were the wine makers and the final was the region in Napa.  The Oakville American Viticultural Area (AVA for short)  is renown for world class Cabernet Sauvignons.  I can name numerous wineries in the Oakville.  Some of my favorites are Cosentino Winery, Girard, Cardinal, and Nickle and Nickle.  For a complete list of Oakville AVA wineries click here.

More on the Oakville American Viticultural Area.
Located in the heart of Napa Valley, the Oakville AVA is an officially demarcated two-mile-wide swath of Napa Valley that extends to 600 feet in elevation up the base of the Vaca Mountains to the east and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west.  Within this small district you will find the greatest concentration of Napa Valley’s preeminent producers of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Oakville district of Napa Valley is so influential that a simple recitation of prominent Oakville winegrowers, from pioneers Robert Mondavi and Joseph Heitz to powerhouse brands Groth, Far Niente, Opus One and Joseph Phelps, through “cult Cabernet” producers Dalla Valle, Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle, tells the condensed story of Napa Valley wine.

Napa Valley’s diverse, well-drained soils, sun-drenched summers and cool, dry falls make much of Napa Valley a superior place to grow Cabernet Sauvignon.  All wine grapes are finicky in their own quirky ways, and minute differences can be the reason between good wines and great ones.  When it comes to growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville isn’t too hot; it isn’t too cold. It’s just right. That’s why Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville so perfectly expresses the essential qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon in deep, complex wines with the structural integrity of acid and tannin that preserves the best wines for decades.

So back to the bottle of wine.  Once I discovered the wine makers and the wine making region I knew I had to pick up a few bottles.

Once Chris and I were home I took a picture to post on the BillsWineWandering Facebook page because I wanted to share my finding with my friends right away, so they too could take advantage of this great value!  As soon as I posted, our friend Laura thanked me and I’m sure she was on her way to Costco to pick a few bottles!

I opened a bottle on Sunday so I could rate the wine.

Sight
Medium color depth.  Nice garnet color.

Smell
Moderate to aromatic.  Very young.  Aromas of red fruit, blueberry, oak and caramel.  I was surprised how great it smelled.

Taste
Slightly dry.  It was full bodied and my initial taste was slightly tart.  The tannins were medium and were felt in my mid palate.  This Cabernet was flavorful with a long finish.  We noted blueberry, blackberry and oak.

abv: 14.9%

How much: $18.99.  Yes that is right.  If you have room in your cellar, I recommend buying a case.  This wine can be shared with novice wine drinkers and friends with a more distinguished palate.  With a low price you will not feel like you broke the bank opening a few bottles to share!

I rated the Kirkland Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon four glasses. This wine is good and for the price it is great!

Every time I am at Costco I look for wines from Zach Long or Marco DiGiuli.  If you see a Kirkland wine with no wine makers name look for the producer.  If the producer is D.C. FLYNT M.W. SELECTIONS the odds are pretty good that either of these men could be the wine makers so long as it is a California wine.  If not, the wines have been of good quality and are worth buying a bottle to at least check.

In Vino Veritas!

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Twitter: @BillsWineWander

Our daughter Michelle turned 21 on Thursday, April 4th.  Time really flies and every day I try more and more to enjoy the life given to me.  I still remember that warm April Saturday!  Earlier that day I was raking the boulevard, trying to get rid of all of the winter debris that was pushed from the winter plows.  I was tired and just laid on the couch.  Chris was in the basement changing a load of laundry and said “My water broke!  Its time.”  Two minutes later she began having labor pains.

I was first dragging my feet and thought maybe she was over reacting; but then another labor pain followed just two minutes later.  By the time we left the house it was around 3:30pm.  On the drive to the hospital I was becoming nervous.  The labor pains were consistent and frequent and I was not ready to deliver a baby in the car that day!  I drove really fast and ushered her in the emergency room.  Moments latter, the nurse had her in a wheel chair heading to the room just as fast as she could maneuver it.  I think it was 5:05pm and our Michelle was born beautiful and healthy.

For a birthday celebration, we were taking her out to dinner.  I suggested that Michelle and her boy friend Jake to be at our house by 4:00pm for happy hour.  I wanted to have a glass of wine before leaving and had grabbed a bottle of Gary’s 2004 Smith Wooton Cabernet Franc from Gallagher’s Vineyard.  I was a bit hungry Chris assembled a small cheese and cracker plate.  I pulled the cork and rated the wine before the kids arrived.

The kids arrived promptly at 4:00pm along with their friends Jenna and Brandon.  I offered them each a glass of wine, but only Jake had a glass while the girls and Brandon declined.  Apparently, Brandon had “too much fun” the night before at Michelle’s original birthday outing and was still feeling green.  The Cabernet Franc paired really well with the Wheat Thins and soft Garlic cheese spread.

Sight
Medium color depth with a nice ruby to garnet hue.  The meniscus is showing some age.

Smell
Very aromatic and still has a fruity nose.  Some of the aromas where Oak, caramel, ripe red fruit and green pepper.  There were some slight floral hints too.

Taste
Velvety, smooth, and flavorful.  The Cabernet Franc was not dry at all.  It was medium to full bodied.  The acidity was good.  I noted tannins but they were soft.   We could taste dark ripe fruit, spice and earthy.  The finish was long but enjoyable.

abv: 14.5%

How much?  It was part of a past wine club shipment and  I think it was around $35.00.

As the Cabernet Franc sat open, it became even more enjoyable.  I left the bottle open on the counter while we were out eating and I am sure glad I had.  Even an hour after we returned it was great.  Once I finished the last drop, I was left wanting more!

I rated the 2004 Smith Wooton Cabernet Franc four glasses.

In Vino Veritas!

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Twitter: @BillsWineWander

303-652-0777
www.colterra.com
210 Franklin St.
Niwot, CO

Neighborhood: Northwest Metro
Cuisine: Italian.“Fresh, Local, Lively” The menu is inspired by the classics of southern France and northern Italy.
Cost: $$$ (average entree $16-$25)

Hours:
LUNCH Monday – Friday 11 to 2
DINNER Monday – Thursday 5 to 9; Friday – Saturday 5 to 10; Sunday 5 to 8
BRUNCH Saturday and Sunday 10 to 2

HAPPY HOUR: Monday – Sunday 4 to 6:30

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Handicap accessible: Yes
Free parking: Yes
Vegetarian options: Yes
Kid friendly: No
Liquor served: Yes
Wine List: “Interesting” The offerings are not well known by Bill. There is a variety of wines offered that are local; some from Italy, France, Spain, Oregon, CA, Washington area, and more. They do have a “Captains” or “Reserve” list.
Outdoor seating: Yes
Reservations: accepted & online
Splitting fee: $3

Unique: Offering Reservation only Wine Dinners and Cooking and Cocktail Courses.

Colterra welcomes you with an authentic simple charm that evokes relaxation.I’m always thrilled when restaurants make it a high priority to source their food from local farms and ranches.Their website reads: “In the kitchen we work together with local farmers to harvest and use the freshest produce, in season and in full flavor.”

It’s a homey place housed in a vintage residence. We were greeted by a friendly gal who was also our server.She was very efficient.She asked right away if we had any issues with Gluten, which is apparently a big deal around there.Our dinners were considered small plates from the menu, but were plenty! Other servers stopped by our table to greet us and make sure all of our needs were met.

Complimentary: Fresh warm bread and butter.Replenished.

We started off with:

I ordered the Colterra Beet Salad – roasted local organic beets, shaved fennel, buttered walnuts, local chèvre, sweet herbs, cider vinaigrette ($12)

This was a simple and delicious salad. The slight hint of licorice from the shaved fennel complimented the earthiness of the beets, but I wished I had a bit more greens. The portion was reasonable, but the price for the salads seemed a bit steep.

Bill chose the Warm Almond Crusted Goat Cheese Salad – local organic greens, radiccio, local squash, balsamic vinaigrette ($13)

It was a decent salad, but neither Bill or I would likely order it again. I wasn’t sure it was an almond coating on the goat cheese, because there simply wasn’t a lot of added flavor. Perhaps if they had toasted them before crushing them, it might have helped. The radishes were mild and the peas a sweetness on top of the bitter and spicy radiccio. The balsamic vinaigrette was on spot.

Entree:
Ahi Tuna Steak – garlic & olive oil crushed potatoes, organic spinach, balsamic brown butter ($18)

This was a perfectly prepared tuna. The steak melted in your mouth and the potatoes were delightful. We were alright with the fact that they served Asparagus instead of the spinach listed on the menu, but there was no mention of the substitute from our server. The crispy potato strings added a cute crunch, but weren’t necessary and although we truly enjoyed the flavor of the reduced balsamic, there was way too much of it over powering the dish. We were glad it was on the bottom so that we could eat around it.

Duck Confit Gnocchi – hazel dell mushrooms, tomato, mozzarella, organic chard, truffle madiera emulsion, parmigiano ($17)

This dish was rich and delicious! I am a huge fan of Gnocchi and though this was a very filling type, the shredded duck was very flavorful. The cool bites of the mozzarella were tasty, but took a little getting used to the contrast.

We were glad to have shared our meals, because one person completing that entire portion would have been “stuffed”.

Desert:

Dark Chocolate Caramel SALT Tart – coffee cocoa nib ice cream ($8)

We enjoyed the ice cream at the restaurant while settling our stomachs, but we were so full from our meal that we had to take our tart to go. We split the tart the next day at room temperature and it was honestly one of the tastiest deserts that I’ve enjoyed! The crust had just the right firmness with the center rich and creamy. The salt worked perfectly with the rich, dark chocolate!

Bon appetit!

Food ratings:

One Fork = I would probably not eat here again, because the food is hit and miss

Two Forks = A worthy addition to its neighborhood with consistency in its food.

Three Forks = A Value.  Merits a drive if you’re looking for this type of food

Four Forks = Defines excellence in local dining.  Worth the investment

Five Forks = Sets the standard for fine dining in the region and consistently provides superior quality dining

Restaurant Pricing:

The price code represents a typical full- course meal for one person, excluding drinks

$ = $15 and less – Cheap eats
$$ = $25 and less – Moderately priced
$$$ = $50 and less – Higher priced
$$$$ = $75 and less – Fine dining
$$$$$ = more than $75 – Expensive

We finally hit our fist 50° day and it is already the end of March.  The winter has been long and any sign of spring is welcomed!

Kevin and Liz are in town so they could spend time with her family over Easter weekend.  A few weeks back when I heard they were coming out we decided to meet up for dinner.  We also invited Jon and Laura.  Once all confirmed I called Bar La Grassa (Minneapolis warehouse area) for reservations.  If you have not eaten there I truly recommend it as the food is excellent and a great value!

Our dinner was schedule for Thursday and after I finished my last meeting that day, I headed to the kitchen to see Chris.  As luck would have it, it was after 5:00pm and she had a grin on here face as she had just opened a bottle of wine.  She told me she was hoping to surprise me but I came into the kitchen too soon.  In her hand was a bottle of 2010 Croze Chardonnay of Gary’s.  Chris had pulled the cork and was pouring us both a glass.

We started talking about of day and then discussed what we were planning on eating out.  Chris favors the home made GNOCCHI with CAULIFLOWER and ORANGE they make and was thinking I would order the CAVATELLI with BRAISED RABBIT.  The Chardonnay was tasting really good so I grabbed my tasting sheet and proceeded to take some notes.

Prior to drinking our Chardonnay Chris cut up a small cheese platter to pair with the wine.

Sight
A very nice Gold hue with a slightly pale color depth.

Smell
The 2010 Croze Chardonnay was very aromatic and fruity.  We could smell green apple, pears, and pineapple.

Taste
It was full bodied and the acidity was good.  The Chardonnay was very flavorful and when we tasted it, it initially started out crisp with a soft and buttery finish.  I could taste Green apple and the finish was long and pleasurable.  The Rosemary Goat Cheese paired perfectly with the buttery finish of the Chardonnay.

abv: 13.5%

How much? $25 retail.

We finished our glass of wine and I inserted the wine stopper while pumping all of the air out.  I placed the bottle back into the wine cooler and it was time to head out to dinner.  We enjoyed the remaining glass of wine left in the bottle prior to Friday’s dinner and it was still excellent the second day!

I rated the 2010 Croze Chardonnay three glasses.  Chris argued her case and felt it was more like four glasses.

While we were enjoying the wine I had to read the side of the bottle.  There was a note about the wine and where it came from.  I quote “Croze Chardonnay comes from the Simone Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District.  This 10 acre, mid-valley vineyard produces full bodied, luscious wine with a delicate buttery finish.  Winemaker Gary Wooton produced only 4 barrels of this special wine.”  I do agree the wine is special!

There is an upcoming Croze and Smith Wooton wine dinner at Nectar in  May.  We are looking forward to Chef Kevin’s wine and food pairing.  It will be nice to see Gary too!

In Vino Veritas!

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Twitter: @BillsWineWander

 

During a recent trip to California Chris had the opportunity to visit my Uncle Ron who lives in Brentwood not too far away from where I was working.  To read more here is the blog post 2008 Cline Cellars Heritage Zinfandel.

Another wine that Ron gave Chris as a gift for home was the 2011 Cline Oakley Eighty Two White wine.

Recently when Chris was making a yummy seafood risotto with shrimp and lobster claws, I wanted to pair the risotto with a light white wine.  Wandering through my cooler I came across the Oakley Eighty Two.  I was not familiar with this white blend so I read the back label on the bottle.

It read: OAKLEY is home to some of California’s oldest and rarest grapevines known to produce intense, aromatic wine.  Oakley Eighty-Two is delicious alone or with chicken, fish or salad.  Serve slightly chilled to enhance the wines’s citrus and peach notes.

I also discovered on the back label was a black note “What the heck is 82?”  Look inside.  The label was designed to be pulled apart with additional information. I struggled trying to pull the label and accidentally tore it.

After a little more finesse, I was able to separate the label.

Sight
The color depth was thin with a slightly clear to amber hue.

Smell
Very aromatic and fruity.  I could smell citrus and peach.

Taste
Sweet and light bodied.  The Eighty Two was slight tart.  The flavors were peach, grapefruit,  slightly buttery and it was crisp.  The finish was nice and long and could be felt on the rough of my mouth.

abv: 14%

Both Chris and I enjoyed the Cline Oakley Eighty Two and it paired very well with the seafood risotto.  Thank you Uncle Ron for yet another fine wine!

I rated the 2011 Cline Oakley Eighty Two three glasses.

In Vino Veritas!

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Twitter: @BillsWineWander

Chris was recently feeling like preparing “Surf and Turf” for dinner.  She pulled a nice lobster tail from the freezer as well as a beautiful fillet steak.  We often share our meals so one tail and a single steak would do.

Chris had started preparing dinner and she wanted to enjoy a nice bottle of wine with our meal.  I wandered down to the cellar to see what we had.  As I came across a bottle of 2007 Bremer Family Winery Claret, I recalled our visit last February with Nick and Bri when they became engaged.

The Bremer Family Winery at Deer Creek is located on the slopes of Howell Mountain in the Napa Valley.  Originally built in 1891, the property features an original construction stone winery and cellar built into the side of the mountain.  We were fortunate to be able to take a tour while we were at the tasting.  The cellar is not complete built, but is already fully functional including a shipping location by one of the entrances.  They also manufacture their own wooden crates, which I think that is a nice touch and makes shipments more personal.

We are scheduled for another tasting with friends while in Napa again this coming May.  There is a great site for a picnic and the views are beautiful.

Chris and I by the old truck near the entrance.

Nick and I standing in an unfinished cave.

A finished tasting room and cellar in the cave.

 
Nick and Bri looking at the finished product.

Dinner was getting close to being ready.  The lobster was in the oven and I had preheated the grill for the steak so I decided it was time to pull the cork and grab my tasting sheet before dinner was ready.

Here are my notes:

Sight
Nice deep color depth and a garnet hue.

Smell
Very aromatic and fruity.  We could smell, cherry, caramel, sweet chocolate, and spice.

Taste
My initial taste was dry and slightly tart.  I could feel the tannins in the rear of my mouth.  The Claret was full bodied and very balanced.  The finish was long, nice and velvety.  I could taste cocoa, cherry and black berry.

After dinner I had a half of glass remaining.  Sipping the remaining 2007 Claret, I could taste truffle at the end of the finish making the experience even better.

abv: 14.6%

How much? $70 retail.

We both rated the 2007 Claret three glasses.  I think this wine deserves time in a decanter.  I’m not saying it was not good straight from the bottle, but the decanter would have made it even better.  If we would have decanted the wine I’m sure it would have become even softer and could have been rated four glasses.

The 2007 Claret paired very well with our Surf and Turf.

In Vino Veritas!

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Twitter: @BillswineWander

I needed to go to Colorado for a business trip.  I try to get out to the Longmont area every couple of months for customer face time.  I also need to spend time with my co-workers so I stay in sync with the day to day operations.

As I was booking my ticket I asked Chris if she wanted to come with.  The price for a Delta ticket to Denver from Minneapolis was cheap so she of course said yes and booked her ticket!

Our flight was Monday morning and it was a good thing we arrived before 4pm.  We are pushing the second week of April and here came another snow storm.  By the time we reached Longmont, the winds had picked up and were blowing around 40 miles per hour.  The flight in with those strong wind gusts would not have been fun!

The following day unfortunately was a light day in regards to work.  The winter storm hit, and the roads were pretty bad.  Half of the guys I work with did not come into the office and my customer also stayed home so my Tuesday meetings were a bust.

Wednesday was pretty calm as the storm had blown through and the roads were dry again.  I attended a few customer meetings and spent time in the lab which was productive.  So the trip was worthwhile.

It was the end of Wednesday’s work day and my co-worker mentioned happy hour at a local restaurant called SugerBeet Eclectic American Cuisine.  We have taken our customer there many times over the years and they have great food.  Chris and I arrived at around 5:15pm and Mark shortly thereafter.  We enjoyed a glass of wine and a couple small plates before Mark had to leave.

Chris and I decided to stay and have dinner.  I reviewed the wine list and there were many that I was not familiar with.  Their wine list is honestly not the best, but you deal with what you’ve got when you’re thirsty!  After a few additional minutes I decided we would try a bottle of 2011 Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah since Syrah is Chris’ favorite varietal.  I’m always working on those brownie points!

The Boom Boom Syrah is a wine from Charles Smith of Columbia Crest out of Mattawa Washington.  The Charles Smith Wine brand was themed as “The Modernist Project,” which focuses on the way people generally consume wine today: immediately. The intent was (and still is) to create wines to be enjoyed now, but with true typicality of both the varietal and the vineyard.

After choosing our wine, we ordered our meal and our server brought us the bottle of Boom Boom.  She pulled the cork and poured us both a glass of Syrah.  After she left a wrote down a few notes on the wine.

Sight
Medium color depth with a purple hue.

Smell
Slight spice, ripe red fruit.  Possibly a touch of oak.

Taste
Slightly tart but it worked with the foods.  The syrah was not full bodied and the flavor intensity was medium with a medium finish.

abv: 13.5%

How much? At the restaurant we paid $40.  If you look online you can get it for $15.00.  It was priced high for the value of the wine.

We did not finish the bottle and I had it corked.  Back at the hotel watching TV I decided to finish it.  Again it was just “ok” and I would recommend drinking wine with food.

I rated the Charles Smith 2010 Boom Boom Syrah two glasses.

In Vino Veritas!

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Twitter: @BillswineWander

Chris and I were recently hosting our “Winers” group at our house, where a good group of folks interested in wine get together at least monthly to socialize and share great food, wine and camaraderie.  At the last Winers night, I instructed everyone to skip bringing wine because I had a 6.0L bottle of 1998 Cosentino Cabernet Franc I wanted to share.  The six liter bottle holds eight bottles in volume, so I needed to have some experienced wine drinkers come over and help!

The table was set awaiting our guests.

I took this picture along side of a 750ml bottle so that others could get sense of the
size of the 6.0L.

We had Mitch Cosentino sign this bottle when we bought it.  I like the saying he wrote “Enjoy with only people I would drink with”.  We had the right people.

Dave and Heather were the first couple to arrive and it was time to cut the wax around the neck and pull the cork.  Once the wax was removed I could see the cork was showing its age.

I had some difficulties with the cork when I initially tried using a traditional cork screw.  I could tell that it would likely remain intact as I pulled upward.  I then decided to use my “Ah-so” corkscrew to be safe.  I inserted the Ah-so into the cork and started twisting and pulling slowly and after a few attempts the cork broke into two pieces.  I went back to using the original corkscrew again and this time I pulled out the remaining cork.  I was relieved because I did not want to use a filter in the event that there would have been a need to remove the broken cork.

Once the cork was removed I poured some of the 1996 Cabernet Franc into my decanter.  I also poured Dave, Chris and myself a glass.  I had a few minutes remaining before everyone else showed up so I decided to grab my tasting sheet and rate the Cabernet Franc.

Sight
The 1996 Cabernet Frank was showing age, but the color depth was medium and clear.  The hue was garnet to bricky.  Notice the half broken cork behind the glass?

Smell
For it’s age it was still very aromatic but smelled middle age to me.  The aromas included plum and ripe fruit.  There was a floral bouquet and a slight mineral nose as well.

Taste
The Cabernet Franc was not dry.  It was medium bodied and slightly tart.  The tannins were there but were soft and it was very flavorful.  We could taste light fruit and it was velvety with a long finish.

abv: 14.5%

We rated the 1996 Cabernet Franc three plus glasses!

Right around 6:00pm the other guests, Lois, Richard and Sylvia and Dwayne arrived at the same time.  Minutes later the girls were prepping the appetizers and I was pouring wine.  As usual we enjoyed the night with these great friends!  We spent some time visiting about the upcoming Napa and Sonoma trip in May that some of them will be joining us to again this year.  We are all looking forward to a wonderful trip!

By 9:30pm we had poured the remaining 1996 Cabernet Franc into the decanter.  We did not waste anytime enjoying this wine!  There was a lot of water consumed between the multiple glasses of wine.  Some other time we plan on offering our 6.0L of Cosentino Merlot to see how it compares to the Cabernet Franc.  I am pretty sure it will be a part of our next hosting!

In Vino Veritas!

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Twitter: @BillsWineWander