Attributes:

Joan Raventós Rosell

Penedès, Spain

Cabernet Sauvignon

750 ML

1997: WineSpectator Rating: 85

bright

supple

distinctive

cherry, cola, tobacco

juicy

1997: Tastings Rating: 86

bright, crisp

medium-bodied

cedar, oak, vanilla

fruity

Food Matches:

(cab er nay saw vee nyon)—This highly adaptable grape grows almost anywhere it is relatively warm, but the best wines come from the Burgundy region of France (where it is a noble variety), California, and Australia. It became famous through the red wines of the Médoc district of Bordeaux and is now grown in Washington, southern France, Italy, Australia, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes make wines that are high in tannin and medium- to full-bodied. Usually identified as having black currant or cassis flavors, the grape can also possess vegetal tones when the grapes are less than ideally ripe. The best wines are rich and firm with great depth, and are often aged for fifteen years or more. Because it is highly tannic, Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with other less-tannic grapes such as Merlot.

Penedès is a wine-making region of Catalonia in Northeast Spain. The area is surrounded by coastal hills and mountains from inland. Considered one of the country's best wine-producing regions, it is also one of the most ancient in Europe dating back to the 6th century. Known for its production of sparkling wine (Cava), the region also produces some highly-regarded red wines. On the hot humid coastal plains red varieties such as Grenache, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown. Meanwhile on higher inland terrain Macebo, Xarel Lo and the white grape varieties dominate. (Muscat, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling)

Attributes:

Villa Mt. Eden

Santa Maria Valley, United States

Pinot Noir

750 ML

2004: WineEnthusiast Rating: 89

rich

classic

2004: CGCW Rating: 86

supple

cherries, cola, spices

ripe

2003: CGCW Rating: 85

lean

bitter

ripe

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 78

berry, earth, earthy, herb, leather

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85

well-made

cherries, cola, mocha

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 86

cherry, oak, peppery, spicy, vanilla, wild berry

2001: CGCW Rating: 88

medium-bodied

supple

elegant

cherries

smooth

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 85

racy

blackberry, earthy, herb, peppery, strawberry, tea

Food Matches:

(pee noh nwahr)—A tricky grape to grow, Pinot Noir makes some of the best wines in the world. The prototype wine is red Burgundy from France but Oregon, California, New Zealand, and parts of Australia also produce good Pinot Noir. The wine is lighter in color than Cabernet or Merlot with relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin. Its flavors and aromas can be very fruity or earthy and woodsy, depending on how it is grown. It is rarely blended with other grapes.

Northern most wine region of Santa Barbara County. The Santa Maria River Valley is 19,000 acres of vineyards running east to west with the river. The Pacific Ocean sends cool air over the region, creating mild temperatures all year. This region has a growing season that is longer than most wine regions in California. The cool summers and long growing season combined account for slow maturation of the Pinot noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay grown there.

Attributes:

Mommessin

Morey Saint Denis, France

Pinot Noir

750 ML

Food Matches:

(pee noh nwahr)—A tricky grape to grow, Pinot Noir makes some of the best wines in the world. The prototype wine is red Burgundy from France but Oregon, California, New Zealand, and parts of Australia also produce good Pinot Noir. The wine is lighter in color than Cabernet or Merlot with relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin. Its flavors and aromas can be very fruity or earthy and woodsy, depending on how it is grown. It is rarely blended with other grapes.