July Cabernet Challenge~Vintage 2009

July Cab Challenge 2009

“Best wines at any Hansen Cab Challenge in History” ….. Bruce

The participating wines:
Ackerman Family Vineyards, Napa Valley 2009
Beringer “Private Reserve”, Napa Valley 2009
PlumpJack Estate, Oakville Napa Valley 2009
Hansen Vineyards Estate Grown Reserve, Templeton 2009
Hansen Vineyards Limited Release, Templeton 2009
Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve 717% Sonoma County, 29% Napa County

Upon aerating these wines at 11am, Bruce stated that each Cab was showing excellent potential and it would be an interesting evening trying to produce an overall winner. This showed to be true as there was no overall winner (depending on who you ask) and three of these wines tied for first place.

Picking out the first wine to eliminate was extremely difficult for the panel but they agreed on the Pride Mountain. It scored lowest and was said to have a muted nose when compared to the other wines.

Bruce’s Reserve and the Beringer were next to be eliminated. Scoring low on the nose as well as tasting either weak on the palette or too strong as if there was added oak extract. (Remember ALL of these wines were delicious, just some poured better than others.)

The Hansen Vineyards Limited was like silk with notes of crushed violet, Jasmine and ripe blackberries with a delicate tannin that flowed like silk over your tongue. The Ackerman had a dank flavor that showcased a body and taste that was so true to the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The PlumpJack showed a brilliant complexity that was hidden under a simple cranberry/flowery smelling nose. Most concur that Ackerman, Hansen Limited and PlumpJack are tied for first place. What a night!