Happy Saturday! I know I've been completely slacking on my blog posts, but this has been a busy week for me, so I hope you can forgive my lack of wine sharing. In any case, today was a day filled with errands, which of course meant a trip to Costco where I found tonight's wine, the 2018 Raymond Reserve Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Having visited Raymond in Napa Valley and seeing the somewhat eclectic decor, it wasn't a surprise when they somehow came up with a way to do a label on this reserve wine that feels like red velvet! In any case, let's see how this one tastes.
The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with an inky center, just as you might expect from a hearty cabernet. The nose is a trip down the yellow brick road, with aromas of black fruit then some leather, then some violets and lavender, that somehow all work together. The taste is classic big Napa Cabernet, with a rush of ripe blackberry, cherry and currant that washes over your palate, before careening toward some notes of mocha and the faintest hint of black pepper midpalate. The tannins are supple and smooth, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish without the sharpness that you can often find in a big Cabernet.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasure to sip, and at $28, it's one that you can sip regularly without breaking the bank. This wine would of course pair well with a nice steak, but this would also do well with some lamb chops, braised short ribs or classic pasta, all good options now that the fall weather is in full effect. Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled prime ribcap, big baked potato with sour cream and chives, and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts. Cheers!
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