Happy New Year! Not only is this the first day of 2022, but it's also the first Saturday of the new month, making this a Cellar Saturday, that magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making. And tonight we open up a new vintage to eligibility, so I've opened a bottle of 2012 DaMa Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I'll admit, this wine hasn't been in my cellar long, as it was part of some verticals of Cabernet and Merlot included in our fall wine club shipment. So, let's see what this wine has to offer!
The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, still vibrant despite its maturity. A gentle swirl of the glass releases aromas of black cherry, currant and plum, with hints of oak and vanilla undertones, creating an almost tawny sort of vibe. A sip reveals rich black fruit bursting forth, blackberry, currant and plum that transition easily to some notes of caramel and umami midpalate. The tannins are supple and create a fine base for the smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderfully mature Columbia Valley Cabernet that is really hitting its stride as a mature wine. This wine would pair well with hard cheeses, earthy dishes like braised short ribs or wild mushroom risotto, or even a nice steak. I'm enjoying one such steak tonight with this wine, a rare Angus New York strip, mashed potatoes and some asparagus with hollandaise. Cheers!
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