Last Week's Tasting Notes

Disruption Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.99)
Washington
From the producer:

"APPELLATION:
Columbia Valley, Washington

VINEYARDS & COMPOSITION:    
82% Cabernet Sauvignon (Katherine Leone, Purple Sage & Wahluke Slope Vineyards), 11% Petit Verdot (Wahluke Slope Vineyard), 4% Malbec (Dehoed Vineyard) & 3% Merlot (Newhouse Vineyard)

WINEMAKER:
Andrew Latta

WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
We’re sourcing from the Wahluke Slope for rich and long Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot that gives fantastic color and structure. The cooler Yakima Valley Malbec gives dark fruit and great color with  oral aromatics and our Merlot offers velvety mouth-feel and length. The result? A deep garnet wine with notes of cassis and black cherry complemented by fresh sage and tobacco. A generous palate backed up by the ripe tannins of the vintage. Classic Washington.

T.A.:           P.H.:              ALCOHOL:                CASES PRODUCED: 
5.3              3.81              13.7%                          5047"

From me:
Andrew Latta is one of the stars of Washington winemaking. He made a name for himself working on Charles Smith wines, and now is on his own. The Disruption line is his entry-level label, but the wines drink above their price. This Cab has a lot more body than others I've tried from Washington, and I really love its bold flavor. Pair with meat dishes, pastas, cheeses, or drink on its own.

Troublemaker Blend 10 ($17.99)
California
From the producer:
"Comprised of varietals that flourish in Paso Robles’ distinct growing region, Troublemaker consists of Syrah, Zinfandel, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah. Syrah is the backbone of the wine, setting the stage for a fruit-forward style and a full body. Petite Sirah contributes to the deep ruby color. Sweet and bright red fruit flavors of Grenache blend with the rustic and lively flavors of the Mourvèdre, while Zinfandel adds its signature zing to round out the blend.

50% Syrah, 17% Zinfandel, 15% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 8% Petite Sirah
Alcohol 14.5"

From me:
This is a lush, ripe, and bold wine that has a full body and a smooth texture. The blend of varietals lends balance and interest. I really enjoy Syrah, and here it makes an excellent base, complementing the other grapes, and giving the wine nice structure. 

Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99)
California
From the producer:
"Known for taking the road less traveled, Michael David Winery has always stood apart from the crowd. Whether it be their outlandish brands and packaging or their quirky personalities, Michael and David are definitely on a stage of their own and this wine showcases just that. The fruit for this brute of a Cab comes from the original “super freak,” Michael Phillips’ vineyard located only a medicine balls toss away from the winery.

Bing cherry, toasted French vanilla bean and a hint of juniper berry on the nose. In the palate oak and fruit flavors are complemented with refined tannins and flavors of dark ripe plums, mission figs and toasted legumes.

Winemaker Jeff Farthing's favorite pairing for Freakshow Cab and filet mignon with bearnaise sauce and grilled asparagus."

Appellation: Lodi
Acid: 0.62g/100ml
pH: 3.61
Aging: 17 months French oak
Bottling Date: June 16, 2016
Alcohol %: 14.5

From me:
This is a big wine. When people think about California Cabs, this is what they imagine. It's fruit-forward with a soft tannin, a bit jammy, dark, and rich. If you haven't tried Michael David wines, this is a great one to start with. Although it is bold, it's also very smooth and easy to drink.