'00 Bommarito Napa Valley Cab

[randery]

Bought a mixed case yesterday from the tiny shop that I usually frequent. As he sometimes does as a thank you gesture, the merchant made it a baker's dozen with a complimentary bottle of this cab. I searched these forums and didn't find this wine. So, for what its worth, I would like to share my impressions. Bear with me on the TN's. We decanted the wine for an hour while preparing a dinner of dry pepper-rubbed grilled steak, sauteed italian cut green beans and shredded potatoes with baby ears of corn for earthiness. The wine had a moderate nose. The initial taste of vanilla was frank but pleasant;not at all too oaky. Nice round feel that stood up well to the steak and seasonings and provided good balance. The most notable flavor was cherry (although there were other pleasant tastes that I can't identify). Long finish. The label indicates some (undisclosed amount of) merlot in this blend. This meal with this wine,I think, may be an example of what Foodie has often written about concerning wine as a food. IMHO, it was an absolutely integral element of this dinner; just as important as any other component.Kind of nice stumbling on this combo. The 750 ml bottle retails for $17 here in NW CT.

[hotwine]

Google turned up the following on the Whitehall Lane Winery Website:

"This maiden release of Bommarito Cabernet Sauvignon is the culmination of winemaking expertise and the stellar growing season of 2000 in the Napa Valley. This wine is not a 'vineyard designated' wine; it is a stand-alone brand. The 2000 Bommarito Cabernet Sauvignon is presented by Whitehall Lane Winery in St. Helena and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from a select number of Napa Valley vineyards.
The summer of 2000 was ideal with warm days developing the grape flavors and ripening the fruit. The weather was perfect from bud break in May through the summer season. The Cabernet grapes were harvested at full maturity in October 2000 from vineyards in Rutherford, St. Helena and Napa. There is also 20% Merlot from Rutherford blended into this wine that was aged in American oak barrels for 14 months. This oak aging enhanced the fruit flavors and added length to the smooth finish. The Merlot increases the plush mid-palate of this wine."

[randery]

Thanks Hottie. As for the TNs, Yeah, that's it, what he said. Couldn't say it better myself)obviously).

[winoweenie]

Another knotch on the handle of Whitehalls' pistol. This is one super producer who looks for ways to improve their position in the wine industry Will look for this hummer to show up in our market. WW

[randery]

Hottie and WW, I had some of this left over, let it warm from the fridge and it was even better, smoother and creamier than the day before. Ordered a case @ $16 p/btl.

[ShortWiner]

Hey, randery--I liked your notes better. More descriptive and more personal [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[winoweenie]

SW ole Bean Them notes are from the back of the Label. ww(GIGGLE)

[randery]

Thanks for lettin' out the secret you gave me as to how to post TNs, WW. Its even more fun to take the back label TNs of a DIFFERENT wine and ascribe it to another. Jeez, and I thought I was progressing so well.