2010 Michael Pozzan Special Selection Annabella Cabernet Sauvignon

This fantastic cab we purchased from one of our favorite wine stores in Ridgewood, NJ, based on its display and it hit the mark in every which way.  A very affordable Napa County cab, it served in part as a “test” sample for a Christmas gift that we’ll be sharing with my folks in a few weeks.  This 2010 is actually a blend of 75% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Napa Valley Merlot, 5% Sonoma Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s aged in French oak for 16 months.

2010 Michael Pozzan Special Selection Annabella Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa County, USA.

2010 Michael Pozzan Special Selection Annabella Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa County, USA.

Rich in its color, you could tell the Annabella was going to be great as soon as you started to pour it. It smelled fantastic…a mix of dark berries and hearty spices that were a knockout.  Already I want another…and here some initial thoughts from its producer:

“This medium plum-colored Cabernet Sauvignon is from one of the best places in the world for producing the varietal–Napa. The aromas are textbook Cab, from the fruit profile being dark cherry with ripe cassis notes…”

It would absolutely kill if served with a nice medium rare steak, but I simply had a single glass(ish) on several nights this week rather than a meal.  Next time it’s served with blood and will be part of the night’s highlights.  If you have a chance to pick this up I strongly recommend–you will NOT be disappointed.

Leaping Lizard 2006 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Leaping Lizard Grand Reserve Cab

Leaping Lizard 2006 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

This Napa Valley Cab was fun and fruity–the pour itself was crazy pungent and a dark purple that was filled with promise.  Big bellied glasses helped this breathe and, though we probably tasted too soon, we enjoyed this cab on a Friday evening (11/18/11) after a long work week.  This was a perfect cab to accompany a rich, pan-cooked filet mignon, asparagus (again with an amazing burnt butter and lemon!), and baby potatoes. Here’s what the purported experts report:

“This Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied and fruit-driven wine that has all the hallmarks of a classic Napa Cab. Concentrated aromas of plum are complemented by notes of dark chocolate and vanilla. The wine was aged for 16 months in both French and American Oak barrels. The palate shows flavors of cassis, plum and ripe red berries. This is a wine to savor and may be aged for 5 to 7 years.”

It was fun saving this one for a while, but even more fun to crack it open and enjoy it together.