2005 Stevenot Cabernet Sauvignon

The Wooden Guy was impressed. This wine came from California Wine Club. Through the Club it was a mere $15.99, a great price for any Cali cab.

Night One

The nose was complex, showing blackcurrant, menthol and cedar. On the palate it was equally interesting, opening with blackcurrant and cigar box, yielding to a midpalate of cranbery and vanilla, before finishing sweet with brown sugar and vanilla. Tannins were drying, a bit harsh, but this is a very new cab. Wait to Night Two to judge this part of the wine.

Night Two

The nose is much rounder and softer now, offering much fuller odors. The blackcurrant still leads, followed by vanilla and a touch of nutmeg.

On the palate the mouth feel is far more full, the flavors darker and richer. Blackcurrants and joined by stwed plums, with a midpalate of cedar and blackberries, then vanilla and a sweet brown sugar finish. Tannins softened considerably, with only a memory of leather, rather than strong lingering leather, on the finish.

Stevenot Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Sierra Foothills
California

The Little Wooden Guy is not pleased.

Night One

The nose is very classic California Cabernet. Blackcurrants, plums and spice. Vanilla is evident but not overpowering. There is also a touch of tobacco and cedar. It is a very nice nose, one you can revel in for a long time before even taking the first sip.

The fruit is more red than black on the palate. Cherries and baking spice are out front, tannins are mild and very smooth. It is surprisingly acidic and bright.

It will be interesting to see how this holds up up on the second night, given the low tannin content and high acid in a Cabernet.

Night Two

Funky, just funky. The nose on Night Two is green pepper and spoiled milk. Through that you can smell a little cinammon and black fruit.

On the palate, a ton of graphite and raw tobacco leaf overpower the red and black fruit. The bright acidity from Night One is gone, replaced with drying tannins. The mouth feel is thin.

No, I did not find this to be a wonderful wine. The promise of the nose on Night One was not met by the nose or the palate on Night Two.