Here’s a wine that could impress on a first date night, or seal the deal several dates in to the relationship. Sourced mainly from Temple Family vineyards in Pope Valley and fermented with wild yeast, it shows the full throttle side of Napa Valley Cabernet, with ripe black plum, baked brown sugar, vanilla, bright oak spice and a touch of chocolate in both aroma and flavor. A long, soft, well-integrated finish and good acidic structure seem to say "buy a few of me so you can pull me out on a distant anniversary!" Pair it with simpler beef preparations. Contains 2% Petit Verdot.
Phifer Pavitt, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
By Rich Cook