Twin Fin Cabernet 2002

Well, I'm sitting here at work killing time like the rest of you, and I figured I could jot down some info in the blog.

I found the Twin Fin California Cabernet [pdf] at Safeway $6.99 while shopping over the weekend. I got home, made dinner, and went to apply the ol' cork screw to the top. Since the Twin Fin people apparently decided to use metal screw caps, this was looking to be easier than anticipated. Nothing like an easy open bottle for the kids!

The Cabernet fruit (90% Cab), according to the website, is from the Monterey, Mendocino, and Paso Robles areas. None of which are noted for outstanding Cabernet. Cabernet grapes from these areas (except maybe Paso Robles) will tend to produce juice that would be lighter in color and body than we are used to seeing from Napa or Sonoma. Mendocino and Monterey are better noted for whites and Pinot, while Paso Robles produces some of the best Syrah and Zinfindel (IMHO) then many other areas. This is a climate thing and it affects how well the grapes grow. This would account for the 10% Syrah added to the wine which would improve both the color and taste of the wine by adding depth and concentration to the wine. Petit Syrah is frequently used in smaller percentages to do the same to Syrah or Zinfindel.

So how was it? Pretty good actually! It is one of the few low cost Cabernets that actually smells like a Cab. (Pretty much, though don't confuse it with a Napa grown wine.) It is fruity and smooth allowing easy drinking to the bottom of the bottle!

Add some Pizza or a steak, and you have a good time for all. (Weber grilling only, please!)