2004 columbia crest grand estates cabernet sauvignon

http://www.columbia-crest.com/



the bottom line - a nice, balanced cab with rich fruit on the nose, nice acidity on the mid-palate, and a lingering finish of oak, fruit and tannins. this wine is a consistently great value although some with find the high degree of oak off-putting. i liked both the 2003 and 2004 although the 2004 generally gets better press.




alcohol - 13.5%
total acid - 0.56%
final pH - 3.68

aroma - vanilla, coconut
flavor - medium bodied, balanced - fruit forward cherry and green apple. nice vanilla, oak finish.
price - $8.99
verdict - 89, WS87

2007 maipe cabernet sauvignon

this is a simple, sound cabernet from argentina at a very reasonable price point.

alcohol - 14.0 %
residual sugar - n/a
total acid - n/a
final pH - n/a
blend - n/a
production - n/a

aroma - cherry, cocoa, and smoke
flavor -light, cherry and chocolate with dusty tannins. a nice finish with lingering oak, chocolate and fruit. un-ripe tannins at the end point detract from the appeal of this wine.

price - $7.99
verdict - 85

2004 barboursville vineyards cabernet sauvignon reserve

barboursvillewine.net

"we could in the united states make as great a variety of wines as are made in europe, not exactly the same kinds, but doubtless as good" – thomas jefferson

the bottom line - barboursville is one of the better producers in virginia. I picked this bottle up at the winery. the palladio restaurant at the winery is exceptional and i recommend touring monticello (jefferson's home) if you are in the area. jefferson was interested in wine and attempted to cultivate grapes and produce wine on his plantation.

i found this cab to be a bit light in style and the green, ashy aspects were distracting. i would have a hard time recommending it considering the price point.

alcohol - 13.5 %
residual sugar - n/a
total acid - n/a
final pH - n/a
blend - n/a
production - n/a

aroma - coffee, prune, cherry cola.
flavor -light, cherry mouth feel with nice acidity. lingering oak and ash and green vegetable flavors on the finish.

price - $34.99
verdict - 84, 82 WS