A mini New World blind tasting. The Don Melchor was light years ahead of the rest.
2017 Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (11/13/2020)
– cork pulled approx. 30 min. before tasting –
– tasted blind over approx. 40 minutes –
NOSE: Ripe, dark fruits; a touch oaky; mushroom.
BODY: garnet-violet color of deep depth; medium-full bodied.
TASTE: oak; oak tannins; red-purple fruits, leaning red; guessing young Bdx. blend. 2/5 rating.
2017 Buehler Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (11/13/2020)
– cork pulled approx. one hour before tasting –
– tasted blind over approx. 40 minutes –
NOSE: oaky; violets; fumey (alcohol).
BODY: garnet-violet color of medium-deep depth; {forgot to note weight}
TASTE: red-fruited; oaky; a bit spicy/spiky; some tannins; more red-fruited than #1 (2017 Mt. Veeder – Napa Cab). 1/5 rating.
2018 Leviathan - USA, California (11/13/2020)
– cork pulled approx. 1.5 hours before tasting –
– tasted blind over approx. 40 minutes –
– blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Franc –
NOSE: complex; “dark”; hints of leather and something earthy.
BODY: garnet color of medium to medium-deep depth; medium bodied.
TASTE: tobacco; ripe red fruits; black licorice; very big wine, but I liked it. The last glass remaining in the bottle was moderately oxidized two days later. 4/5 rating.
2005 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor - Chile, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto (11/13/2020)
– cork pulled approx. 2 hours before tasting –
– tasted blind over approx. 40 minutes –
NOSE: expressive; cherry; mineral; red licorice ropes.
BODY: medium bodied; dark color with slight bricking throughout.
TASTE: a bit spiky; leather; hints of pine and smoke/cigar; dark-fruited; in a nice spot now, but still on its upswing. My favorite of the tasting, by quite a bit. 5/5 rating.
