Sunday, October 6, 2013

Ernest & Julio Gallo 2000 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

Another one of those finds in the cellar ... what am I doing with a Gallo wine from 2000 still kicking around down there?  On the other hand, these days the Gallo boys are derided for being successful, or is that for making plonky, cheap wine ... but when you climb the ladder of quality (away from Barefoot and such) you do find some really beautiful wines - and in 2000 this was the case.  I found this Sonoma Cab to be very good, especially when considering its age: dark red fruit (definitely not fresh) along with dried cranberry, there was also just a hint of spice towards the finish.  What I really found surprising was the long lingering mouth presence that came post-swallow and that brought with it some hints of licorice.  This was actually a very pleasant surprise of a wine, showing that when the Gallos aren't making those cheap and cheefuls they can make some really good ageable stuff too.


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