Now, I'll admit I'm unfamiliar with "Tangley Oaks" as a winery, but I happened across this wine last weekend at a tasting at my local wine merchant, G.B. Russo's, and what I learned was that this wine was made from the same grapes used to make the Rutherford Napa Valley Cabernet, which typically costs about twice what this bottle costs. When there is a surplus of grapes, they simply bottle the wine under the Tangley Oaks label so as not to dilute the value of their premium brands - it's really a win-wine (get it?) as we get some stellar wine for a bargain price!
The wine itself has a deep purple color, as you might expect from a Napa Valley Cabernet from this super vintage. The nose is quite subdued, with notes of cedar, leather, cocoa and some mixed floral notes accented by rich ripe fruit of blackberry and black currant. The taste is exactly what a high-quality '07 NV cab should be, rich ripe fruit up front, followed by some chocolate and earthy notes midpalate, and a finish that is bone dry, with supple tannins creating a long, smooth balance of woodsy flavors. This really represents a solid Napa Valley Cabernet effort.
Now this wine is a big, bold Cab that stands up to the best of a bold beefy dinner, which it so happens I am lucky enough to enjoy tonight! I stopped at a local supermarket in Indiana where I've been working the last two days and picked up a "cowboy cut" ribeye!
Can you believe they classify this as "semi-boneless"? In any case I am enjoying this wine with this monster steak and it's delicious in every way! A rare steak, big baked potato and some steamed Brussels sprouts, what could be better? Oh, the wine, yes I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's really a great Napa Valley Cabernet from a great vintage but for only $22! So if you happen across this one, pick up a bottle or two for the holidays!
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