2013 DaMa Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

I can't even describe how tires I am after 8 hours of leaves!  I guess this is my punishment for living in my own private forest.  But at least there is wine, and tonight I've opened a recent wine club shipment from DaMa wines in Walla Walla, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, a 100% Walla Walla Cabernet from the Golden Ridge Vineyard.  I've been a fan of DaMa for a while, and I must say I really like the redesign of the label for the 2013 vintage, though I will miss the curves of the previous label.  So let's see what she has to offer.

The wine is a wonderful deep ruby color in the glass with nice clarity.  The nose presents aromas of tart cherry, green grass and a bit of smoke.  The taste is classic Walla Walla cabernet, with a wonderful hint of sweet bing cherry on the front end that transitions nicely to some mineral notes and bit of vanilla midpalate.  The tannins are young but well integrated, providing a foundation for the finish, which is dry and sultry, with a reprise of dried herbs at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a great example of a Walla Walla cabernet with plenty of fruit and savory notes that make it a perfect steak wine.  Which is a good thing, since I'm enjoying this one with a rare prime black pepper bacon wrapped filet mignon, with a baked potato with sour cream and chives and some grilled Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2010 L'Ecole No. 41 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

Tonight I've decided to open a bottle of one of my favorite varietals from one of my all time favorite Walla Walla wineries, L'Ecole No. 41.  Specifically, I've opened a bottle of the 2010 L'Ecole No. 41 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon, inspired by my finding a bottle of the 2009 vintage at my local wine store last weekend.

The wine is a deep purple at the center, with a bright ruby along the edges.  The nose is classic combination of rich leather, cocoa powder, a touch of green grass and some ripe cherry.  The taste is a blast of cherry cola which transitions to some lovely mineral notes of basalt and limestone along with some green herbs midpalate.  The finish is lovely, as the elegant tannins provide for a velvety mouthfeel and the basis for a long, sultry and exceptionally dry finish that just begs you to ask for more.

Overall I would rate this as a solid 9, as this is by far one of my favorite Cabernet Sauvignons!  Tonight I am enjoying this with a classic pairing, a nice prime New York Strip grilled rare with a big baked potato with all the trimmings and some steamed cauliflower.  The great tannins and solid backbone of this wine makes it just perfect for steaks!  Cheers!