2017 Columbia Crest Grand Estates uncorking.
I had this bottle of Columbia Crest kicking around for a bit; l honestly don't even remember buying it. So, as per usual after doing a bit of research, l decided, "Why not open this bottle and see just what is it about?"
I proceeded to call my wine friend because my wife was out of town and let's face it, she just doesn't get wine as a tasting event. I explained that this bottle of 2017 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon was in need of exploration, and like the trooper he is, he agreed to suffer through the tasting with me.
I uncorked the bottle and was happy to see that the cork remained intact and was properly pliable. When my friend arrived I poured a satisfactory tasting amount into the glass rather than performing a total decant. The deep, rich, plum hue greeted us with long legs and a delightful sheen. We gave it a moment to breath and nosed the contents while we waited.
First impressions were of the oakiness and that little barrel funk reminiscent of a properly aged bourbon. The grape was under the funk, and was slightly sweet on the nose with an undercurrent of earth and bitterness, perhaps the grape skin? We let this Cab sit for about 20 minutes, working the liquid in the glass, conversing and perhaps playing a song or two on the guitar while we let the wine breath. We spoke as men do, wondering if l should have left the bottle another couple years in the rack, but l had read in my investigation it might be at the beginning of its peak with the almost 10 years waiting for this moment.
Finally, after what we've felt was an acceptable wait, we dove in for the first tasting. The oak nose carried through in the sip, coating the mouth as a base for a sharp, tart grape which gave way to a creamy vanilla. There was a red fruit explosion drying nicely on the tongue. A wash of saltiness opened the taste buds to a tart cherry that ended in a wild berry, finishing sweet around the back of the mouth.
Oh, that berry finish.
As we continued to taste the flavors expanded, melded, smoothed, and lingered, we agreed this was a fine bottle. I wish l had bought four more. As expressed more than once that afternoon, "This is a goddamn good bottle of wine."
If l only had four more...