October 2006 Wine Tasting Notes:
2003 Clautiere Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles.
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Inky purple-red in color, this wine offers dense aromas: black currants with a Crème de cassis density, boysenberries, blueberries and an interplay of oak and anise with a peppery note. The palate follows suit and delivers concentrated black currant and cherry with sweet oak and rose. The focused finish continues boysenberry and cherry with a floral afternote. Tannins are appropriate with some potential to mellow. Alcohol is a bit bold but suits the density of this wine. |
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RWB Score: 93 breakdown 14.5% Alcohol $28.00 Retail (from winery); 1230 cases produced |
A balanced and densely extracted Paso Cab. The nose and palate are inundated with broad, robust and plump fruit that reveal multiple layers. Upper medium body with a rich structure and a plush mouthfeel. Nicely executed delestage makes this wine complex with distinct fruit and soft tannins approachable to a broad array of wine lovers. Drink now through 2011. |
More Clautiere reviews
Detail
Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clones 7 & 337) - Estate Vineyards - Paso Robles. Fermented in small lots, employing the method of delestage. Aged for 17 months in 40% new French oak and 60% neutral oak.
Clones 7 and 337 are very popular clones in California. Clone 7 has a long history as a major component of California Cabernets because of the strength of its fruit, moderate yields and some herbal character. Clone originates in Bordeaux (where it belongs to the highest rated group of clones) and gives moderate yields of small berries which result in dense and complex wines with notes of black olive and cassis.
2003 was challenging to wine growers all over the state. Recurring unseasonable weather resulted in a smaller yield. Summer cool spells delayed maturation in some regions. Early autumn rains followed by cooler temperatures delayed harvest for other growers. This resulted in a leaner crop. Despite the stresses brought on by weather variations, fruit from the 2003 harvest was intense in color and flavor. Juice chemistry parameters indicated a promising vintage.
Clautiere Winery follows the motto: "Live the best life you can". A husband and wife team, Claudine Blackwell and Terry Brady transitioned from the restaurant business in Los Angeles and began making wines autonomously in 2000. Their original vineyards were planted in the late 1980s to Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, they have expanded their plantings, adding more Syrah clones as well as Grenache, Viognier and Counoise. They currently have 57 acres under vine.
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5 points |
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Nose |
5 points |
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Palate |
4 points |
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Finish |
4 points |
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Tannins |
5 points |
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Acidity |
5 points |
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Alcohol |
4 points |
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Aging potential |
2 points |
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Overall quality |
9 points |
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