As you all know… the DH and I are HUGE Dottie and John fans.
They are our wine gurus (all hail Dottie and John)(we are not worthy).
So, as such faithful fans, we celebrated “Open That Bottle Night” a few weeks back. Now, we are still pushing our way through a Groupon purchased case of California wines we bought a few years ago (yep, we are as surprised as you are that there is wine in this house that has been here for two years)(it even had dust on it)… and because the case came with two bottles of each wine, we decided to revisit a wine we opened back when we first received the case (mind you… none of these wines have been spectacular)(much to my chagrin)(and I certainly would think twice about purchasing the Groupon deal again)(but, we must move on…).
It was a 2009 Burke Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. I make little notes some times, when tasting. Yeah, I know… snobbish. But, it’s the only way I remember what the wine was like. I have a teflon coated mind… nothing sticks to it. Anyhow, the first time we had this wine, my notes say it was rather thin for a Cab with weak fruit and light color. Huh? Must be we weren’t too impressed with it. I believe we served it with beef last time and the meal enhanced the wine which often happens (or completely obliterates the flavor of the wine). This time, we served it with, of all things, smothered chicken and coucous. Our report this time?
Much better. Still not one of our favorite Cabs (but, only because it was lacking that big bold flavor you expect from a California Cab). The meal definitely enhanced the wine, considerably. Before the meal we found it to still be a bit thin (in the wines defense, we love huge robust wines). In color, still lighter than we think a Cab should be. We found the flavors to have more depth. Just a tiny bit of sweetness this time. Still not much of a bouquet (or nose, if you are feeling snobbish about the whole thing). Better mouth feel (you know, what it feels like in your mouth)(elementary). I would say that this time it was a far more enjoyable wine (and lets be honest after a few glasses, it gets better)(because it breathes)(not because you are tipsy).
As with some reds, it has become better with time.
I did see that this was on a good value list, so the quality of the wine is right in line with wines in the per bottle price range of $7/$12.
We served this wine at room temp as we often do with Cab.
Cold Cabs tend to lose their flavor until they reach room temp again, in our opinion.
All in all not a bad choice for the meal we were having… and a totally enjoyable evening was had. Good food, good wine and good company… it’s the little things in life that are the most gratifying. I know… I know… I am waxing all poetic and stuff…
Picture of the dust on the bottle… DH thought you all needed to see it… even though it’s hard to see from this picture.
I thought, it might be nice to list which Cabs are our favorites. Some are blends… we enjoy a Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot from time to time… So, here’s the list with price points for our area (Michigan).
Dancing Bull Cabernet Sauvignon — $8.99
Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon — $8.99
Lindemans Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon — $9.99 (but are often two for $11 at our local Meijer)
Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon — $11.99
Concha y Toro Frontera Cabernet Savignon-Merlot — $9.99 magnum (Costco) This is a favorite “go to” red for us and the price is right.
Kirkland Signature California Cabernet Sauvignon — $7.99 magnum (Costco) Also a favorite “go to” red, and the price is great!
Three Thieves Red Wine — $7.99 magnum (Costco) This is a blend of four varietals, one being Cab. Great price, good wine!
If you try any of our faves, let me know… I would love to hear what you think.
Salute!!!
Wine a little, everyday... 