'04 Shelton (NC) Cabernet Sauvignon

[Innkeeper]

2004 Shelton Vineyards, Yadkin Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, NC ($16.00). Alcohol level: 12.8%. We picked this up last year on a trip south. It was approachable on release, but had a little sharpness in the tannins, so we hug on for a year.

It gives black cherries on the nose and upfront. There is more fruit along with anise and mocha in the complexity in the middle, along with now smooth tannin. It finishes very nicely.

We matched it with boneless sirloin that had been rubbed with Morton Rub and sautéed in EVOO; along with mini baguettes and salad with blue cheese dressing. It was a very nice Sunday evening.

[wondersofwine]

I will have to visit the vineyard sometime. They make a passable (sometimes beyond that to quite enjoyable) Riesling but I haven't tried the full range of their wines.