Occasionally, cellar circumstances beyond my control necessitate the commission of oenological infanticide. Or, put less pompously, sometimes a cork leaks, and wine out generally means oxygen in, so it’s time to crack that bottle before too much damage gets done. It’s actually fun to do with wines like this one that are built to soften a bit in the bottle thanks to micro-oxygenation over time. I discovered the leak about two months ago, pulled the bottle from its slot and stood it upright on my tasting desk. Opening it reveals a lovely fruit forward Cabernet Sauvignon, with blackberry, black cherry, cassis, vanilla, fall spice and just the smallest hint of leaf. Bright acidity, supple tannins and a long rich finish have me in agreement with the panel that awarded it a Gold Medal at the 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition. The moral of the story? Inspect those foils once in a while.
Imagery Estate, Sonoma Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
By Rich Cook