In my bid to become the "anti-Spohn" of afw, I hereby submit these notes. It is the custom of my research group to conduct a Friday afternoon "Show and tell" research meeting accompanied by light snacks and a brown-bagged bottle of wine. At the end of the meeting, we all submit our guesses as to the vinous contents. As the penurious students are typically supplying the wine, we get our fair share of cheap reds that show no great varietal character punctuated by the occasionally interesting wine (Aussie Shiraz, Chianti, Sangre de Toro, Chilean Cab, etc.) Today's contribution was a fascinating exception to the pattern, though:
nose: cherries and plums with a bit of cedar color: dark red-purple with just a hint of brick at the edges palate: cherry and plums, lightly tannic and good balancing acidity (no overt oak!)
I managed to get the year and region, but dithered between Cab and Cab-Merlot because of the softness. I was genuinely shocked when the label was revealed as I have never liked a Woodbridge wine before. Perhaps as testament to the quality of the 2001 vintage, this wine had plenty of of fruit, but also a serious backbone. It will probably soften a bit more over the next year, but should last for a few. At $6-7 per bottle, it's quite a good value. Kudos to Mondavi for producing a quality wine under this label!
Mark Lipton