Rock & Vine Three Ranches Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 North Coast by Nine North Wine Company

Deep black cherry color in the glass that is consistent to the rim. On the nose there are subtle hints of green leaf/green herb, bitter-sweet chocolate and black licorice. The wine is medium to full-bodied and dry although there is a sweetness on the palate offering ripe black cherry, black currant with hints of chocolate and black licorice.currant. The tannins are soft and fine grained and there is a medium level of mouth-watering acidity. There is no indication of alcohol burn on the back palate. The finish is clean with a medium to long length dominated by the sweet black cherry and black licorice.  Serve between 55F to 60F.

Food & Wine: Cheeses might be one of the "blue veined" varieties. Barbecue Ribs, Steaks, and even Chicken when prepared with a Barbecue Sauce that is sweet and tangy (slight spiciness) BBQ sauce.

Approximate Retail Price: U$15.00

-- Review by Kenn Pogash ("the guy wearing the bow tie")


Producer's Comments About Kenn's Tasting Notes
Kenn,

I would not disagree with anything that you have written. Here is the wine notes that we have created for this wine.

The fruit was selected from three ranches located in: Solano County (78%), Napa Valley (14%) and Mendocino County (8%) that showcases why the North Coast is the leader in California for growing Bordeaux varieties. The Solano County grapes highlight the rich and ripe black fruit flavors, while Napa Valley grapes provide the backbone: rich textures and firm well- integrated tannins. Finally the Mendocino grapes tend toward dried herbs and a wonderful spice component that rounds out this intensely rich wine.

Varietals: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot, 1% Malbec Aging: 60% (2 year old) French & 40% (2 year old) American Oak.
Time in Barrel: 16 Months

Thanks,
Skip Karabian
Director of Sales
Nine North Wine Companywww.ninenorthwines.com