1996 Gallo of Sonoma Frei Ranch

[newsguy]

Oops. Make that 1996 Gallo of Sonoma Frei Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99). A purplish red color, with a little browning at the edges. Let sit for an hour then sniffed: Nose of sweet red fruit, alcohol. Good forward red fruit (cherries?) taste, fairly soft tannins, with a medium-length finish that gave up a hint of spice and cedar. After another 30 minutes or so, really started to notice mint on the finish.

This is a much softer wine than Gallo's Barrelli Creek Cab. The Frei Ranch is very drinkable now, and I'd guess will probably be at its peak in 2-3 years. Good juice, but if I had to choose, I'd go with the Barrelli Creek hands down (although it really is like comparing apples and oranges).

BTW, still waiting for the '97 Barrelli Creek Cab to appear down here in Florida. We've had the zin for months, but no sign of the cab. Did those of you in more northerly climes buy the whole vintage [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

P.S. Drew, if you still have my e-mail, please get in touch. Thanks.

[This message has been edited by newsguy (edited 08-01-2001).]