Maddalena Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

(Yes I know. I've been remiss in my duties. But in my defense, the house and the commute have made life a bit hectic. And I'm doing some graphic design on the side so no time to write and litle time to drink... If you have work in the wine business and in the Sonoma Valley, give me a call. I need to kill my commute!)

This wine is sourced from Paso Robles, which typically means fruit forward, rich, full bodied wine. If you had to hang in that hot sun for months on end, you would be ripe too!

These grapes came from six vineyards in the area, picked in 2004, and barreled for 24 months in new American and French oak. 8780 cases made. (That's over 105,000 bottles; put the calculator away!)

If you follow the link you'll find out that the winery is owned by the Riboli Family who have a variety of wine and restaurant interests based in Los Angeles proper.

I've tried several of their wines in the past, the Maddelena being the value priced line. I say that because this bottle retails at $13.95. But for it's price it can only be the volume that makes this wine come in at the price.

This wine shows very little to the nose, which I wouldn't expect at the low end, however the palette has more than meets the so called nose.

The first thing that comes across is the fullness of this wine, and the color which is deep purple/red. The barrel toast (or how the barrel was charred inside) is evident more than the oak flavor itself. Silver Oak does this at $100/bottle so don't be fooled. The fruit is noticeable bright cherry, cloaked in mild tannins. This should age for a year or two should you have more wine than you can drink at any one time. Alternatively, give it some open time in the glass while making dinner and let the flavors come out.

I'm having this with spaghetti, but this would be a fine beef side dish. I think you get one fruit portion for each glass, don't you?

If you find it, give it a try. There aren't many Cabs at this price that give you more than flavored water, and this wine comes across assertive and with more power than you can get from any other wine I've had at the price.

(note: This wine provided by the winery. your milage may vary.)