• The following 2018 Slow Press Wines ‘Craft Vinted Wines’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon/8% petit verdot/8% petite sirah/4% merlot sourced from three key cabernet sauvignon producing regions in California—Paso Robles, San Lucas, Monterey and Lodi. The fruit underwent an extended cold soak and slow fermentation then was gently pressed. It underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged nine months in American oak barrels.
90
Slow Press Wines ‘Craft Vinted Wines’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
California $18.95 (15760) 13.5% alcohol
Piquant spice, savoury herbs and juicy black cherry aromas dominate the nose. This blankets the palate with a creamy smooth, medium-full bodied river of black currant and crème de cassis liqueur decorated with notions of mint and toasty notes and just enough tang to provide interest and good balance. There’s persistent purity of fruit, deft balance, good structure and a lingering fruit-filled finish and replays of palate flavours. Pour with gourmet sausage, backyard burgers or beef fajitas. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Tribute Winery Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from certified sustainable vineyards located within three renowned California growing regions—San Benito County, Paso Robles and the estate-owned San Lucas Vineyard near the town of Monterey. Fruit underwent malolactic fermentation then matured for 13 months on toasted French and American oak.
91
Tribute Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
California $19.95 (20807) 14.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of exotic spice, black plum and juicy black Bing cherry abound. It captures the palate with a full-Monty surge of full-bodied, rich and luscious flavours of cassis, dark cherry and bramble berry intertwined with excellent tang and acidity delivered on pie cherry and passionfruit flavours. This showcases varietal flavours, deft balance and oodles of pizzazz. It finishes with good energy and a lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour with grilled burgers or steak or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Stave & Steel Wine ‘Canadian Whisky Barrel Finished’ Cabernet Sauvignon was created exclusively for Canada with Whisky barrels sourced from Hiram Walker’s facility in Windsor, Ontario. The 100% California cabernet sauvignon wine was aged 4 months in previously used whiskey barrels.
91
Stave & Steel Wine ‘Canadian Whisky Barrel Finished’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
California $19.95 (13733) 15.0% alcohol
Aromas of dark chocolate and espresso roast coffee precede a lip-smacking wash of flavour with dark cherry/berry fruit, toffee, blueberry and excellent tang and pizzazz to the fore. This is medium-plus bodied with good balance, fully textured, and underpinned with supple tannin. The lingering fruit-flavoured finish and aftertaste mimics and replays palate flavours. Pour with grilled striploin, burgers or smoked brisket and roast potatoes. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Stave & Steel Wine ‘Bourbon Barrel Aged’ Cabernet Sauvignon was matured for 4 months in previously used charred bourbon barrels.
90
Stave & Steel Wine ‘Bourbon Barrel Aged’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
California $19.95 (541946) 13.5% alcohol
Charred toast, piquant spice, earthy and leather aromas abound on the nose. It envelops the palate with flavours of pie cherry and cranberry adorned with good tang and pizzazz along with riper flavours of dark plum, black currant and hints of sweet vanilla. This is full bodied and well textured with balance and persistent purity of fruit through the lengthy finish. Pour with osso buco, cassoulet, or chili con carne with mashed potatoes. (Vic Harradine)