Friday, September 26, 2008

Wine Review – 2005 Piccolo Cru

This wine was given to us as a gift from a friend of ours who came over for dinner recently. This wine is my first experience with Paoletti Vineyards in Calistoga, California. This is a beautiful vineyard that is just off the Silverado Trail. The Piccolo Cru is a classic Bordeaux blend of several grapes; 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. It is very dark in the glass but soft in the mouth. It has a bouquet of berry, spice and some earthiness. This full-bodied wine has great legs in the glass due to the relatively high alcohol content at 14.5. On the palate, there are tastes of dark cherry, herbs, and some oakyness. The oak taste is from the aging in 30% new French oak and 70% neutral French and Hungarian oak barrels. This was a very pleasant wine and would go well with hearty dishes. We had it with grilled flank steak and it was just delicious. Thanks Mr. H for bringing this wine and winery to my attention. I will definitely get it again!

Cheers!

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