Tasting Notes:

In the glass, a sultry, dark garnet with gentle fading at the edges. On the nose, bright cherry dominates, with rose petal and notes of cinnamon, pepper, cedar, and tobacco. The palate shows same, further rounding out with strawberry and raspberry up front and smoky tobacco on the finish. Very smooth upon entry, with a mellow but full mouthfeel on the mid-palate, and a medium to long finish. Gentle tannins provide just the right amount of depth, complexity, and structure, making this cabernet a clear winner. This delicious wine is ready to enjoy now or lay it down for another 5 years for an even softer cabernet.

Pairings:

The ’09 Spirit Horse Cabernet is a very versatile, food-friendly wine. Steaks of all kinds, from tender filet to heavily marbled ribeye, will pair perfectly, as will grilled burgers, beef stroganoff, and slow-roasted prime rib. Its fruit forward component allows it to be paired with foie gras (with bing cherry compote), duck (braised legs, seared breast), and more adventurous meats like venison, antelope, and red wine braised oxtail. This cabernet will also complement charcuterie plates with hard salami, Serrano ham, membrillo, marcona almonds, and cheeses such as blue, gorgonzola, goat, aged gouda, aged cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and manchego.