Donati Cabernet Sauvignon

2003

96% Cabernet Sauvignon / 4% Cabernet Franc

California

1,825 Cases Produced

This is not my post or "The Guy's", it comes from our friend "PasaRoblesCab" with my gratitude in absence of anything from myself or "The Guy".

When poured it has a nice garnet shade and good long legs in the glass. Medium-bodied mouthfeel. It starts out much milder than I expected. It's mostly dark fruits, cherries and plums. Definitely not a fruit bomb. Medium fruits, medium body, moderate tannins Good dark fruit flavors (mostly cherry) and a tab bit of of licorice.The color is rich and dark.

You may want to let this wine breathe a little before drinking. Maybe let it decant for a while, The moderate tannins and full mouthfeel do a good job standing up against the alcohol.

This 2003 Cabernet reminded me of another wine I have enjoyed from Paso Robles: J Lohr. If you've enjoyed the Seven Oaks Cab from J Lohr, you will love the Donati Cab from Paso Robles. The nose is reminiscent of currant. It reminded me of being in the garden with my grandmother picking currents and eating more than I saved for fresh jam. The Donati Cab has a nice and smooth mouth, and it was a very pleasant wine with almonds as you can see from the pics they were freshly cracked by my 8 year old who just loves to be destructive.

When poured it has a nice garnet shade and good long legs in the glass. I picked up hints of peppercorn, vanilla, and a slight bit of alcohol in the nose. There is a moderate amount of fruitiness, mainly black cherry and currant flavors. As it's pretty young, there is a slight tartness and you do taste some alcohol but it doesn’t overpower the wine. After decanting, the black cherry does come out a bit more to match the alcohol and the tartness dissipates making for a very satisfying wine. It is a mouthful, perhaps in a perfect world it could have used another couple months in Donati’s oak barrels, but it was very enjoyable. I think if cellared for a year or two it would be a knockout. Thats why I bought 3 cases to keep for my future. It makes me feel like I am saving for college tuition for the little one. Buy now at $30 or pay $80 later, with 1,800 cases shipped, get it while you can. This one is definately a keeper.

Submitted by PasaRoblesCab

15.3% Alcohol

$30-$40 / 750 ml bottle

http://www.donatifamilyvineyard.com/

Hopkins Vineyard Cabernet Franc

2003
Litchfield, CT

I can't believe I haven't posted in over a week and now today I'm posting twice. I've been tasting wines but haven't had much time. I also have a Gwerztraminer to review here and I will be enjoying a French Syrah tonight. Hopefully I will get those posted in the next couple of days.

The Guy and I taste-tested this Cabernet Franc at a wine and bread tasting event last week. We both enjoyed this very much. When I was on-line looking for a label to insert above, I read a review by a guy who is always in search of a decent Connecticut Vineyard red. He's been to many vineyards in the United States, and especially loves the pastoral settings and wines of Paso Robles wineries. He was very impressed with Hopkins Vineyard and said it reminded him a lot of the Paso Robles settings. He enjoyed all of the whites, but said he was completely disappointed with this red.

I found it to be medium to full bodied, lighter on the fruit and spice than I usually prefer, but there was a real nice earthy finish that I liked very much. I recommend it. The Vineyard recommends it be served with any of the following: grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, flank steak, blue cheese, or French Onion Soup.

"Penicillin cures, but wine makes people happy."
--- Alexander Fleming (1881-1955)

8.0 out of 10
$17.95 / 750 ml bottle
http://www.hopkinsvineyard.com/