The Cork Board

This past weekend we were up at The Hess Collection, where there was quite a bit going on. First, it was a Cellar Door Red weekend, meaning our half-gallon jug was refilled with 100% cabernet sauvignon (2005) from Mount Veeder. Second, the winery was having a warehouse sale, which we checked out but didn’t wind up purchasing anything. Finally, we picked up our May ‘08 Rare Reds shipment, which included two wines.

The 2006 Artezin Zinfandel from Mendocino County is 91% Zinfandel and 9% Petite Syrah and is 14.5% alcohol by volume. The wine is described as follows:

Garnet red in color, this Zinfandel expresses the forward red fruit profile of raspberry and boysenberry followed by nuances of black pepper, and allspice. Flavors that begin with black cherry and plum flow effortlessly into zesty spices such as clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. The palate is racy and plush with richness and full body. The tannins are round and seamless, yet provide solid structure. Created for immediate enjoyment, this handcrafted wine emanates classic varietal expression.

The Hess Collection Mount Veeder 19 Block Cuvée - 2005 saw 385 barrels produced. Here are the winemaker comments:

The aroma first expresses sage and black licorice combined with cherry and milk chocolate, followed by complex notes of cedar and pepper. The palate is concentrated and shows some of its mountain Cabernet backbone with generous tannins. Cherry flavors resonate through the mid palate leading to a firm finish.

Previous iterations of this wine, which we’ve always enjoyed, were called the ‘Mountain Cuvee’.

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