Musings from Wine Expressions

I have tasted two cabernet sauvignon based wines over the last few days that truly stand apart from the field. The first is an Australian offering, 1999 Henry’s Drive from the Padthaway region in South Australia. The second is a French Bordeaux, 2001 Chateau Rauzan Gassies from Margaux. Both are excellent examples of how this varietal can shine.

While the Henry’s Drive is 100% cabernet, the Rauzan Gassies is a blend. The exact blend was not exactly clear but the vineyards are planted 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. The French wine is a second growth in the 1855 classification. However for many years the chateau has significantly underperformed it’s high status. Clearly that has changed.

The French wine was a beautiful offering of ripe black fruits, tar and silky smooth tannins. I decanted this wine one hour before drinking. The nose was full and fresh with black current, tar, and chocolate. The palate was rich and full bodied with black fruit predominating and a hint of raspberry. I drank this wine with steak and chicken fajitas (why is another story) and it paired equally well with both meats. There is some left so I wil be enjoying it again this evening.

For those interested in ratings, Parker gave the wine 88 and rated it in 2002, 2003, and 2004. His suggested maturity is 2006-2014 so I was drinking this one near its peak maturity. Wine Spectator gave it 87 and said best after 2006. 12,500 cases were made.

The Henry’s Drive is an admittedly older vintage and Parker says past its prime. I thought it was delicious. Not at all tired as I had feared. The nose was again black fruit predominant with hints of earth and chocolate. The tannins were silky smooth as you would expect in a 10 year old wine. I had originally tasted this wine at a tasting event at Sweet Alyssum Wine Shop. The biottle sat in my basement until I opened it Saturday night to pair with a steak.

The winemakers were Sarah and Sparky Marquis lately of Marquis Phillips and Mollydooker fame. This wine was rated 90 by Parker and 87 by Wine Spectator. 1,000 cases were made.

It is unlikely that you can find The Henry’s Drive 1999 for sale at retail but I sure did enjoy opening it, drinking it, and writing about it. The Chateau Rauzan Gassies 2001 is available as are the 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. As you might imagine, the 2000 and 2005 vinatges are by far the most expensive. The 2001 will likely be in the high $30’s to mid $40’s.