Tasting Journal - Northstar Columbia Valley Merlot 2006 - Elisabeth Chambellan Vielles Vignes Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2007

Northstar Columbia Valley Merlot 2006 

Medium to full-bodied, dark garnet color - forward fruit, complex but polished for easy pleasant drinking - rich concentrated fruit flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, hints of black cherry and plum with tones of spicy clove, cinnamon cigar box and a hint of black chocolate on the nicely balanced moderate silky tannin finish. This is the most flavorful and polished Northstar in many years, reminiscent of the mid-nineties. RM 91 Points. 

The 2006 Merlot Columbia Valley is 76% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot - aged in French and American oak, 65% new, for 18 months. The fruit was sourced from 14 different vineyards.

Tasted at Petits Plats at Woodley Park in Washington D.C. w/ George N - a perfect complement to the beef borgogne and the dark chocolate supreme. Fantastic cozy atmosphere, best foie gras ever, wonderful chocolate desert, great value authentic country French dining.

Northstar Columbia Valley Merlot 2006

Second wine tasted w/ dinner:

Elisabeth Chambellan Vielles Vignes Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2007

Ruby colored - medium bodied - black cherry, redcurrants, red berries and hint of licorice and leather on the moderate tannin medium finish. RM 88 points.

Rick's Tasting Journal - Fisher Vineyards UNITY Napa/Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Rick's Tasting Journal - Fisher Vineyards UNITY Napa/Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Continuing exploration of Mayacamas Mountain cabernet sauvignon, the Fisher Vineyards UNITY is a Bordeaux blend sourced 60% from Napa and 40% from Sonoma.

I discovered this wine, available by the glass at Capital Grille in Washington DC - a nice accompaniment to steak dinner.

This wine is dark inky in color, medium to full bodied - it exhibits flavors of blackberry, black raspberry and black currant with tones of cola, anise, spice and a hint of floral, with moderately firm by dusty tannins on the moderate, soft finish. RM 90 points.

The UNITY blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Malbec.

Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - Montelena, Hall, Trefethen - Fleming's Steak House - By the Glass Offerings

Three current release Napa cabs available by the glass at Fleming's Steak House, Tyson's Corner, Mclean, VA.

Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2007 - RM 91 points: Very approachable for being so young - drinking great right now - deep purple-garnet color - medium-full bodied. Full forward flavors of black raspberry, black cherry, currant, hints of spice and dark chocolate. Great complement to the Portobello Mushroom Ravioli. This wine represents a good value. - http://cellartracker.com/w?875375

Chateau Montelena Estate Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2007 - RM 89 points: Dark, full bodied - firm, complex black berry, black cherry fruits with hint of tobacco, tar and anise. Somewhat tight and closed - needs time. This would no doubt go well with a juicy steak. Parker gave this wine a 94 indicating its potential in a few years, noting it should be cellared for five years and should last for thirty years. - http://cellartracker.com/w?617461

Trefethen Double T Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - RM 87 points: Medium bodied - cherry and berry fruit flavors, hint of spice - a bit austere/lean on the structure.  -  http://cellartracker.com/w?788206