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2007 Pure Love Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Layer Cake - USA, California, Napa Valley (10/29/2009)
This wine will be scorned as a spoofilated Cal Cab by many and I admit I went in with trepidation. It does have a somewhat “by the recipe” structure – toasty oak, quite ripe, very spicy, etc. What saves the wine is that the fruit is really delicious. Surprisingly ready for a 07 with some soft, unobtrusive tannins. Good nose that starts with the oak but follows with rich blackberry and a bit of menthol and smoke. Rich berries and spice (some from the oak, some from the fruit) and some nice earthy qualities as well. It has enough acid to have gone well with dinner. Oh and the oak, while present, doesn’t overwhelm with the dreaded vanilla monster. Perhaps better on night 2, toned down a bit.
For those who avoid opulent Cal Cabs with obvious oak I’d put this in the DNPIM category. For those who occasionally dig a ripe, lush, tasty, bit toasty Cab then this is a buy in the $20-25 range (the fruit really is fine). Unfortunately I paid $32 but I don’t mind that I have one more bottle. (89 pts.)
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