Category Archives: Cabernet Sauvignon

A visit to Cataluña’s Priorat district and the Morlanda winery

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Carolyn Blakeslee

Recently, I went on a media/trade trip to Spain to visit the Freixenet (pronounced “fresh-a-net”) properties. I learned about their famous Cava, the sparkling wine made in the Method Champenoise (more on that in another post). But besides Cava, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cava, Grenache/Garnacha, Spain, Visits to Vineyards/Winemakers | 3 Comments

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Casey Flat Ranch “CFR” 2010 Estate Red Wine, Capay Valley, 14.8% ABV, $35 SRP.

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Carolyn Blakeslee

WOW. This opaque, nearly-black wine was smooth yet charismatic from the get-go. Flavors of cassis and blackberries played nice with the pleasant but not-overbearing wood overlay of faint cedar. This was an extraordinarily rich potion that was balanced, impressive, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Mourvedre, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Cono Sur “Bicicleta” 2012 Merlot, Valle Central, Chile, 13.5% ABV, $7 and up

Posted on May 10, 2014 by Carolyn Blakeslee

It was one of those nights when I didn’t want to consume any of the wines we’ve laid away at home; I just wanted to get ripped. Late Thursday night, I was on my way home from a theatre rehearsal … Continue reading →

Posted in Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chile, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot | 3 Comments

New Branding: Pennywise (and an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon)

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Carolyn Blakeslee

I don’t normally pay much attention to labels. (Kind of a contradiction, as I’m an artist and publication designer/editor.) However, the Pennywise redesign caught my attention in a big way. The previous Pennywise label was okay. Reminiscent of a postage … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, News, Syrah/Shiraz | 2 Comments

RECOMMENDED: 2010 Cryptic, California red blend. 14.5% ABV, $18 SRT; available for less.

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Carolyn Blakeslee

If you haven’t decided on your Halloween wine yet, here’s a quick recommendation: the 2010 Cryptic red blend. It is delicious, inexpensive, and fun, with backwards lettering and scramble puzzles on the label that you must decipher in order to … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Zinfandel | 2 Comments

RECOMMENDED: Two from Murrieta’s Well. The Whip, 2011 white blend; The Spur, 2009 red blend. Around $15.

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Carolyn Blakeslee

The Murrieta’s Well winery name is based on Old West history: Joaquin Murrieta, a.k.a. “Zorro,” would steal horses from northern California and run them down into Sonoma or Mexico, watering them from the artesian well on the property en route. … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Food, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Orange Muscat, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Tastings, Viognier, White Blend | 1 Comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 2009 Gen5 Cabernet Sauvignon (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec), Lodi, CA. 13.9%, $12.

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Carolyn Blakeslee

If you’re looking for a big, opaque, nearly-purple California Cab with big bubbles and the heady aroma of oak, cola, and deep dark fruits, this isn’t it. The Gen5 isn’t a typical Cab at all. That said, every once in … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot | 4 Comments