This weeks tasting came together really well. I had a number of Cabs or Cab Blends in mind in the mid to upper end range but nothing in the “value” arena. During my Wednesday “wine rep day” two of them came through by showing me two inexpensive knockouts that I had never heard of before and so the tasting is set. The Domaine Eden bottling is new from Mt Eden Vineyards. The grapes are sourced from vineyards on the same hill as the winery but from their neighbors fruit. I think it’s a steal at $30. Ridge, what can I say. The single best California Cab I’ve ever had was the 1977 Ridge Monte Bello. I had a couple of bottles around its 20th birthday and it was awe inspiring. The closest thing to a great Bordeaux I’ve ever had that’s not from Bordeaux. I’ve mentioned the two great values in the Hudson and Brand. Over the past 2 years Gilbert Cellars has become a big hit with the Washington Cab lover crowd and our solo Oregon selection is from the Jacob Williams Winery out in Hood River. For my money the best winery in the area. So there you have it. Cab Ho!
THE LINEUP
2009 Hudson Shah, Cabernet Sauvignon/ Columbia Valley, Wa. $13
2009 Brand, Cabernet Sauvignon/ Columbia Valley, Wa. $15
2008 Gilbert Cellars, Left Bank/ Wahluke Slope, Wa. $21
58% Cab Sauv, 15% Cab Franc, 12% Petite Verdot, 10% Merlot, 5% Malbec
2008 Jacob Williams, Cabernet Sauvignon “Eagle Ranch Vineyard”’ Echo, Or. $28
2008 Domaine Eden (Mt. Eden), Cabernet Sauvignon/ Santa Cruz Mtns., Ca. $30
PREMIUM POUR ($4)
2008 Ridge Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Estate/ Santa Cruz Mtns., Ca. $43
75% Cab Sauv, 20% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Sandy Thompson, Proprietor Mt. Tabor Fine Wines
4316 SE Hawthorne Bl
Portland, Or. 97215
(503)235-4444
