Good Cheap Wine Guide

Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Paso Robles $13.99

RANKING: SERVE PROUDLY TO GUESTS

What Others Say: winemaker’s notes:
In 1999, Estancia planted nearly 700 acres along the Estrella River benchland in Paso Robles, nearly 400 acres of which is Cabernet Sauvignon. This emerging region is ideal for producing grapes that result in complex and delicious Cabernet Sauvignon displaying intense black currant and dark cherry fruit flavors followed by a long, rich finish.

Appearance: Deep garnet with crimson hues

Aroma: Ripe, dark black cherry, chocolate and currant complement the spicy, peppery notes and hints of toasted sweet oak

Flavor: Jammy dark fruit accompanied by soft velvety tannins, followed with a long, rich finish

What I Thought: I was beginning to wonder if my taste-buds were getting worse. (Do they do that?) The last couple of reds I tried just were, you know, flat.  Then I Wine Quested the Estancia Cabernet. Hurray! My taste-buds are saved… OK!  Bought this wine on a recent trip to Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck). (I complain about the prices at Whole Foods, but you know, the food quality and selection is pretty much unmatched in our area.)  We opened the Estancia to pair with some grilled salmon. Used a great little seasoning on the salmon that has become our favorite,  from William Sonoma, Potlatch Salmon and Seafood Seasoning.   It’s a rub where a little goes a long way.  A little steamed asparagus and portobello mushrooms on the side and…wow! A thirty minute meal that was rich, complicated in taste and flavorful.

Oh yeah, this is supposed to be about the wine.  Sorry.  I thought I would like the Estancia right off the bat. Nice warm, rich and penetrating bouquet, rich taste, velvety look to the point that it even made the swirling glass look somewhat sensuous. (Hey Estancia, what are you doing later? I’m kidding, we’re just friends.) But don’t you have to like a wine that you can play with? More importantly, this was a great full-bodied red that also swirled around the tongue (like velvet as they say). Real deep berry taste with some lush ending. You really didn’t want the lingering flavor to leave too soon.

The wine oaf’s tongue is not sensitive enough to pick up “chocolate” as the winery refers to but hey…if they say “chocolate” then OK, it was “chocolate”.  I really liked the wine and will do this one again.

What a great Wine Quest. No bitterness and a great lasting impression. Just like a great first date! Definitely serve to guests. Use stemware and swirl in a suggestive manner.

Cheers from the wine oaf.