The story of Schramsberg Vineyards in the Napa Valley is a long and intriguing one—so much so, it celebrates two ‘histories’, and with it a fantastic blend of both old and new.
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Dominus, the Greek word for master, is also the name of one of the greatest red wines produced in California and fits right in with top class wines from across the world. It gets highest respect and some very high scores from numerous wine writers, from Britain’s Jancis Robinson to America’s Robert Parker, including some 100 point scores.
2007 Hidden Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Impassable Mountain
Very dark, not revealing anything like an 8 year old in colour. Beautiful nose of blackberry and blueberry, with hints of cedar and vanilla mixed in. This is a big, powerful, full-bodied wine that was custom made for a grilled steak! Despite its size, it retains balance and does not overwhelm you. The finish goes on and on as it offers up minerals and a touch of spice. Definitely in the top echelon of California Cabernet.
Extraordinary
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2011 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot
Dark red in colour, it was so dark you could have been fooled into thinking you were drinking a much more full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon rather than Merlot! But don’t let the look of it fool you, this wine is full bodied but not at all overpowering. Lots of red fruits on the nose with a minerality to it that creates a beautiful balance. Drinking well now but still has lots of time to be forgotten in the cellar.
Excellent
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2001 Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha’s Vineyard
This is really quite extraordinary. One of the greatest wines we have tasted. Deep purple/ruby. Not exactly the colour you would expect of a 14 year old wine! The nose was just incredible: as I was decanting it the intensity was noticeable. Black cherries, just a whiff of menthol, some vanilla form the very expressive and powerful bouquet. With time, the menthol component increases. The palate brings out black cherries and black currants delivered in a medium full body. Hints of cedar and earth add to the complexity. The balance here is as precise as can be which results in a mouthfeel that is wonderfully smooth. Tannins and acidity elongate the finish and balance perfectly the intensity of the fruit. It is quite astonishing to feel the sensations of power and smoothness simultaneously. The finish must be at least a minute long. This wine has everything. Still on the rise I would think and may even be better in another 5 years. Simply stunning.
Extraordinary
(Available in BC through their distributor Vintage Corks www.vintagecorks.com; 2005, 2007 and 2009 also available)
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