Kestrel 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; Columbia Valley

The 06 Cab has an almond- raspberry nose. It is concentrated, well rounded, and polished. Very deep flavors. The first impressions it gives is Red Raspberry, cherry, a bit of mint/menthol, even some cola notes for good measure, sweet tannin, and a long, toasty vanilla finish. With a hint of raspberry sauce. What this wine does, it does very well. The flavors are big, but with the harsh edges chipped off; this wine elegantly glides from front palate, mid palate and finish...and the finish keeps going...and going. This is a very good effort from Kestrel. Would be tasty with a NY Strip, roasted potatoes, and Creme Brulee for dessert.

More frequent updates

Sorry for the lapse in updates...I was beginning to think I was blogging to myself. But I will do my best to review 7-10 wines per month, or as my budget allows. Please, leave your comments and let me know your thoughts and opinions!

-Shawn

Amavi 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; Walla Walla Valley

Brilliant Purple color out of the bottle. The nose has elements of blackberry jam and menthol. My first impression is of nice currant and brown sugar, and some herbal notes (and tannin). Mid palate includes a wonderful creamy texture, some restrained vanilla, raspberry, and caramel. The finish is long and elegant, and tastes of raspberry-cream cheese danish. Really. This Cabernet is young, and really opened up after 30 minutes out of the bottle. As it opens, the wine is becoming far more generous and opulent; the flavors are concentrated, tannin takes more of a back seat, and the finish gets more pronounced...and it really is a dead ringer for danish...This is a beautiful work by Amavi. I'm sure it would evolve with a little more aging; the tannins are nicely complemented by acidity and concentration.