The "All-Cabernet" Wine Dinner

 

James Baselici will be preparing & serving up:

 

1st Course: 

Paired with: Acumen 2021 Peak Cabernet Franc Atlas Peak Napa Valley California
The Tasting Panel 95 Rating
This is the inaugural vintage for this variety from Acumen (with the addition of 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot). The mountain-grown concentration of fragrant blue fruit, leather, and espresso emerges on first sip. Dried violets linger on the tongue, along with chewy, dusty tannins. Black cherry and clove laminate the palate on the luscious finish.

 

2nd Course:

Paired with: Dineen Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley Washington State
Vinous 94 Rating
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon evolves in the glass with nuances of stone dust and tangerine zest, giving way to black currants and gravel dust. It is energized by a core of cooling acidity, as crisp wild berry fruits cascade throughout under an air of rosy inner florals. Structured and dramatically long, the 2022 leaves a tart raspberry twang that lingers on and on.

 

3rd Course: 

Paired with: Aquilini Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Washington State
Wine Advocate 95+ Rating
Erupting from the glass with a firm rocky core and red floral essence, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain seduces with dusty resinous flowers, showing a generous oak frame and plum reduction. Full-bodied, the palate displays a delicate mineral tension with a firm tannic edge before gobs of ripe dark red fruit flavors elevate the palate with elegant oak tones. You'll be tempted to open this far too young, but your patience will be rewarded with years of additional cellar aging. The wine was barrel fermented in Taransaud oak and aged for 28 months in 78% new French oak. Only 8,544 bottles were filled.

 

4th Course: 

Paired with: Adversity Cellars 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard Napa Valley
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Rating
Red and black fruits, baking spices, classy oak, graphite, and even a hint of espresso all emerge from the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard, another serious wine from this producer offering flawless overall balance, ripe, building tannins, and a great, great finish. It's probably not for the instant gratification crowd, and the cellar will be your friend. Russell Bevan winemaker.

 

5th Course: 

Paired with: Trujillo 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Gary Morisoli Vineyard Rutherford Napa Valley California
Wine Advocate 97 Rating
Always some of the best grapes Trujillo has had to work with, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Gary Morisoli Vineyard marries black cherries and dusty earth with hints of cedar and vanilla. It's full-bodied, silky yet rich and complete—it's hard to find anything to critique on the palate, while the long finish adds beguiling hints of licorice and dark chocolate.

 

6th Course:

Paired with: Adversity Cellars 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sage Ridge Vineyard Napa Valley California
Wine Advocate 97+ Rating
From a relatively large vineyard (60 planted acres, selling to multiple wineries) overlooking Lake Hennessy, Adversity's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sage Ridge Vineyard features complex aromas of crushed stone and dried herbs, accenting notes of blackberries and a hint of blueberries. Full-bodied and concentrated, this finishes long, with layers of dusty but ripe tannins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions? Text me at 941-404-9685