Yesterday I tasted the best Sonoma Cabernet I think I have ever put in my mouth. My benchmark for Sonoma Cab was pretty much Arrowood Reserve for as long as I can remember, but this (new to me) wine just blew that out of the water. A unreal-delicious 2007 at an absolutely "don't miss" price, with some incredible pedigree and winemaking. I've heard a little buzz about this wine on the Internet boards and such, and now I know what it's all about! If you buy one Cabernet from me this month, BUY THIS ONE!!!
Here's one thing that says a lot about this vineyard and the potential. Robert Kamen's incredibly steep, rocky, and meticulously planted hillside grapes were so compelling that none other than the legendary MARK HEROLD (the man and mind behind MERUS, Buccella, Kobalt, Harris, Hestan....just a slew of critically acclaimed wines) called Robert to say: "I need to make your wine, from your vineyard." Thus agreed, the pact was made and Kamen quality took off like a shot.
This is great stuff. In my humble opinion, Parker's praise is right on, but he needs to add a couple of points. Anyway, to recap:
- Steep, rocky, hillside vineyard, average 1250 feet!
- Mark Herold, Winemaker
- Phil Coturri, Viticulturist
- The excellent 2007 vintage
- Terrific price! Only 10 cases to sell!
- 93+ points Parker, 95+ points Blicker (really, I mean, if I had to)
2007
KAMEN Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley
$75 RP93+
But...buy 6 or more and pay just $69.99! This is a GREAT price for Cabernet at this quality level.
RP93+: "...the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals the vintage’s silky, elegant style with ripe tannins, beautifully pure black and blue fruits, medium to full body, and no hard edges. It is almost more evolved than either the 2005 or 2006, but the fruit purity is so admirable that the 2007 should turn out to be every bit as good as its two predecessors."
Mark Herolds' notes: "...a powerful expression of Sonoma hillside fruit. In the glass are pronounced aromas of ripe cassis, roasted dark raspberry and cherry, with notes of violets, rose petals, wet stone, mocha and spicy oak. The mouth seamlessly integrates black fruit and a solid spine of soft, supple tannins. The full, round mid-palate showcases the balance of acid, fruit and tannins persist with a lasting finish."
My notes: "holy #*!$*&!%! Great presene and balance, minerallly black fruit, silky, rich and textured, very long. Sonoma, wow! BUY BUY BUY"
Tanzer 92 points: "Bright ruby-red. Deep aromas of raspberry, cassis, violet and minerals. In a distinctly creamy style, but with a rocky minerality and firm acidity framing and lifting the black raspberry fruit. This concentrated, mineral-driven wine shows an intriguing suggestion of grapefruit peel and finishes with noteworthy persistence."
Anyway, I kid you not, this stuff is going to knock your socks off. It's worth noting that some of Mark's other projects, due to the huge scores and whatnot, generally run in the $90-$200 a bottle range. This Cab delivers all that cache, with a terribly attractive price point in my book. Here is some Merus that we do have, as well, to prove my point....
2001 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 3 x 750mL -- $139 WA94-97
2001 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2 x 1.5L -- $345 WA94-97
2002 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 1 x 750mL -- $129 WA95, WS96
2002 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 1 x 1.5L -- $295 WA95, WS96
2002 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 1 x 1.5L -- $295 WA95, WS96
2003 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 3 x 750mL -- $119 WA95
2003 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 1 x 1.5L -- $345 WA95
2003 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 1 x 1.5L -- $229 WA95
2004 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 3 x 750mL -- $129 WA94, WS96
2007 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 6 x 1.5L -- $299 WA95, ST93+
So there you have it! Let us know what we
can do for you! Arrives in one week or less!
