About 15 years ago, DNA testing showed that Cab Sav is actually a cross between Cab Franc and Sav Blanc. Since vine breeding wasn’t well understood at the time Cabernet Sauvignon first showed up in the 17th century, we might assume its creation was not planned. Let’s sample one of each:
Novelty Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Columbia Velley, WA — For 35 years, winemaker Mike Januik has been producing elegant, balanced wines that reflect the unique geography, climate, and soils of Washington’s best Columbia Valley vineyards. Novelty Hill focuses on estate-grown, single vineyard wines from Stillwater Creek. The varied topography of the site creates a diverse series of mesoclimates, allowing more than a dozen grape varieties to thrive there. This Sav Blanc is fresh and vibrant, offering juicy pear, ripe melon and lemongrass aromas and flavors, this is a balanced, flavorful wine with a hint of citrus that lingers on a focused finish. $22.99/$8
One Stone Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Paso Robles, CA — One Stone is a tribute to the women who move mountains, one stone at a time. The grapes come from select sites that exemplify Paso Robles as a world-class region for Cabernet Sauvignon. The resulting wine is sophisticated, elegant and powerful—much like the land and the women from which they come. A portion from every bottle sold is donated to Dream Big Darling, which provides educational opportunities and mentorship programs for the next generation of female leaders in the wine and spirits industry. This Cab offers rich aromas of cherry and cassis with varietal hints of tobacco and olive. Offers a rich aroma profile of cherry and cassis with varietal hints of tobacco and olive. A deep, supple palate presents layered flavors of plum, black cherry and black currant underpinned by notes of mocha, cedar, cola and vanilla spice. Smooth, sweet tannins unfold into a lusciously rounded finish. Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. $19.99/$8
El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2017, Mendoza, Argentina — El Enemigo translates as “the enemy”. Nodding to the fact that at the end of any journey, most remember only one battle — the one fought within (the original enemy). This is the battle that defines us. The wines of El Enemigo are a tribute to those internal battles that make us who we are. Cab Franc is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. Ruby red in color with soft violet tones. The nose has intense aromas and concentrated notes of cassis, ripe currants, and sweet spices including black pepper and cloves. Integrated oak notes of cedar and vanilla. Fresh impact and excellent structure on the palate, reminiscent of ripe red fruits with hints of eucalyptus and tagged black pepper. This wine has excellent balance and elegance with a well-structured, persistent finish. Contains 8% Malbec. $29.99/$10
PLEASE NOTE: We have returned to the bar for tastings, as was the method pre-COVID. We are honored and humbled to have been very busy during the last bunch of Friday WTs. We have SO enjoyed having a full place again and seeing all of you! Barside tasting is the most efficient and organized way for us to provide tastings at this point. C’mon in when you’re ready, head to the bar/tasting area, and sample away. Be sure to make room for others, chat, and compare notes. Then find a table and continue on with the evening. As always, please select a table that matches your party size so that we can accommodate everyone.
Feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a garbage can at the back entrance of the store). AND, don’t forget the cheese shop, St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese. They are introducing new cheeses regularly. They can pair cheeses for you to enjoy with your wine.