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If I Could Buy Only One – September 27th Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the September 27th release, which one would it be and why?” Shanahans The Barking Dog GSM 2023, South Australia, Australia$19.95, Five Senses Wines & SpiritsSara d’Amato – I have a soft spot for rotundone, the aromatic compound behind that peppery kick in certain grapes like […] More
Buyer’s Guide to Vintages September 27th Release
Aged Wines – Expectation and Reality By David Lawrason, with notes from Sara d’Amato, Michael Godel and John Szabo The twin maxims that all wine is better with age — and the older the better — is just not true. I sense that most WineAlign readers know this, but it is worth repeating as Vintages […] More
If I Could Buy Only One – September 13th Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the September 13th release, which one would it be and why?” Henry Of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2023, Ontario, Canada$34.95, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery Sara d’Amato – In a Vintages release that is stacked with impressive local wines, the Speck Family […] More
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Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. It is the most planted of fine wine grapes, just ahead of merlot, and it is grown in nearly every major wine producing country among a spectrum of climates as diverse as Canada's Okanagan Valley, the high plains of Argentina, Tuscany or Lebanon's Beqaa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon became internationally recognized through its prominence in Bordeaux wines where it is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet franc. The Judgment of Paris, in 1976, where Napa Valley cabernets scored ahead of some top Bordeaux châteaux in a blind tasting, is a perfect example of the way this variety has played a key role in bringing international recognition to a wine region. One of the most noted traits of Cabernet Sauvignon is its affinity for oak, either during fermentation or in barrel aging. In addition to having a softening effect on the grape's naturally high tannins, the unique wood flavours of vanilla and spice complement the natural grape flavours of black currant and tobacco. The aroma of black currants is one of the most distinctive and characteristic element of Cabernet Sauvignon that is present in virtually every style of the wine across the globe. Styles from various regions and producers may also have aromas of eucalyptus, mint and tobacco. In general New World examples have more pronounced fruity notes while Old World wines can be more austere with heightened earthy notes.
