If you love fruit-forward, juicy Cabernet, this is not your huckleberry. If you love a strong, boldly-structured, memorable wine that is just now realizing it's potential, then I proudly present the 2014 Galante Vineyards Rancho Galante Cabernet Sauvignon. This smart blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Malbec and Merlot create an absolutely stunning deep garnet color. The blend of these wines gives this wine a bit green aromas that blend magically with dark fruits, blueberry, spice cake, and vanilla after some time in the glass or in a decanter. This wine is not hot at all. In fact, it feels strong and welcoming in the mouth with flavors of blackberry, ripe beefsteak tomato, steak spices and a brief spot of soy sauce at the back of the throat. The tannins frame the finish of this wine and I tasted it by itself and with dark chocolate chips. You can eat this with a rare hunk of prime rib now, but I suspect this wine will be even more wonderful in the next 3-5 years and it will probably knock you out of your cowboy boots then! If you collect wines (which is contrary to "drink the bottles") you should have no problem cellaring this for 10-15 years.
ABV: 14.0%
Carmel Valley, California
Suggested retail price: $40.00
Drink The Bottles score: 92/100
