Hestan Vineyards
Stephanie
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
Napa, California, USA
2006
14.9%
$39.98 -- Costco, Austin, TX
Color: Deep garnet
Nose: Plums, sour cherry, violets, sage
Body: Full
Front: Plum, vanilla
Middle: Nutmeg, black cherry
Back: Slim Jim, orange, soft tannins
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is Cabernet to my taste. The oak is well integrated, as are the tannins. They help structure the palate instead of overpowering it. It's got sourness (a little) and spiciness (a little nutmeg) and beefiness (a little) and they're all distinctly present, emerging as the wine gets a little air. This evening it was lamb chops and a blue-cheese-dressed salad, and with the lamb in particular the wine was a delight. I'm going to go back and get another bottle!
Note, spring 2014: This is even better now; unpacks itself more rapidly, and shows even more depth.
