Weekly Wine Review - Napa Red - 2011 Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

We have been experimenting with some of the food services that send you fresh ingredients and recipes on a weekly basis - like Blue Apron, Home Chef, and Home Fresh.  I have been very impressed by the quality of the ingredients and the variety of recipes.  On the downside from a wine paring perspective, there is very seldom steak in those boxes that arrive each week.  When a New York strip with balsamic glaze did show up recently, it was time for some Napa cab! Yes!

Wine: 2011 Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

Region: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon

Obtained from: Purchased at winery

Price: $80

Wino4Life Category: Splurge Wine

Aeration before tasting: Decanted for 4 hours.

Cork Condition: Natural cork - no defects or issues.

Appearance: Clear, purple in color.

Aroma: Lots of fruit, some herbal notes, and darker coffee or smoky elements as well.

Taste: Great tannins to hold up to a steak, nice acidity, well balanced.  

The Grade: I give this one an A. Enough tannins to age a few more years, but after decanting was definitely ready to drink.  Very Napa in style, no complaints here. I would put this up against many more expensive Napa Cabs and I think it would hold up quite well.  I wonder how it would be taste with a Kale salad?  I hope another steak shows up before I have to find out! Cheers!!!

Weekly Wine Review - French White Burgundy - 2008 Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine

To say the least, the name of this wine is a mouthful and a half, but don't be intimidated - it's just a really (really) long name. The appellation of Macon-Villages will tell you this a white burgundy wine, and that tells you that this is 100% Chardonnay.   Whew - now that we know what we have in the bottle - let's give it a try!                                                                                                                                        

Wine: 2008 Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine

Region: Burgundy, France
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay

Obtained from: Purchased at Last Bottle

Price: $15

Wino4Life Category: Everyday Wine

Aeration before tasting: Just a swirl or two, no special aeration.

Cork Condition: Natural cork - no defects or issues.

Appearance: Clear, light straw color.

Aroma: Somewhat surprising for a Burgundy - some tropical fruit aromas, and wet rock minerality.
Taste: Very nice level of acidity, creamy mouthfeel, mineral comes through on the taste as well.

The Grade: I give this one a B+.  A nice creamy mouthfeel without being too big and buttery.  Very interesting with mineral, tropical fruit, creaminess - all leading to a very long, pleasant finish. A very nice wine for a very nice price. Not the most glamorous pairing, but I think this would be a great one for a big bowl of popcorn.