THE CHICAGO WINO | February 2016

3 CABS, 2 REGIONS, 1 YEAR How’s this for fun? I went to a friend’s house for a dinner party and decided to bring over two 2006 Cabernet Sauvignons, a Lewelling and Ramey. After seeing the bottles I brought over, my friend pulled out a 2006 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon from her stash. BAM! We had an impromptu, and what the business calls, a Horizontal Wine Tasting. We tried 3 different cabs from 2 different regions all from the same year.

The first bottle we opened, Lewelling (97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc) was a marriage of dark berries, black cherries, exotic spice, earth and tobacco flavors. The tannins were velvety and the finish was long. We then tasted the second bottle, Ramey (91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec). This stood up strong with notes of prunes, dried figs, currants and oak. It was a deliciously well-rounded wine. Finally we got to our third bottle, Don Melchor (100% Cabernet Sauvignon), with bold flavors of dark chocolate, tobacco, leather and cedar. It was a rather voluptuous wine. We were all very impressed with each wine’s characteristics. Although we had different favorites, we really enjoyed them all immensely.

You don’t have to go to a formal wine tasting, just have one at your dining room table. Invite some friends and have them bring a bottle fitting your theme. It can be as simple as Pinot Noirs from around the globe to different grapes from the same region, or something like what I just did, with a specific year. However you do it, have some fun with friends and hopefully you’ll learn a little something new along the way. Sláinte!

ABOUT THE WRITER Eric McMillan, The Chicago Wino, is your source for lighthearted reviews of wine. thechicagowino.com also features links to fun tools like wine/food pairing, ideal serving temperatures, and "must try" bottles! Visit thechicagowino.com for a simple look at some complex flavors. "Like" Eric on Facebook–The Chicago Wino

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