Back in Paola now, we enjoyed two nice Napa Valley Cabernets, courtesy of my father-in-law, with tonight's leftover braised legs of lamb and venison. I served them over soft, cheesy polenta. Both wines were perfectly delicious with the dinner.
2001 Galleron Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - Beautiful color. Somewhat simplistic with tart cherry and raspberry and vanilla-scented oak notes. A bit hot. Still holding on quite well with a nice balance of fruit and tannin. Finishes a bit rustic. Drink now or hold for another 3-5 years. A very nice, mature Napa Valley Cabernet. About $26 on release.
2001 Cuvaison 35th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - The deepest blackberry and black cherry fruits and a hit of latex in the nose. Very classy, polished French oak. Sweet cherry notes on the palate with ferocious wood tannins. Really long, dry finish. But will the fruit outlive the tannins? A great expression of rugged Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon that I would be drinking now if I had any in my cellar. $75
Had the Cuvaison not been on the table at the same time, I think everyone would have been perfectly satisfied with the Galleron. But tasted side-by-side, it was pretty obvious that the Cuvaison displayed more depth and polish than the Galleron.
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