TN: 2007 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

WINE TALK
1
  • 2007 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (12/5/2009)
    Popped and poured during SEC championship/dark ruby with lots of sweet oak and vanilla, still quite primary and dominated by oak. Full bodied and balanced, menthol aromas with cassis. Tannic and young. Good value. (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

2

Thanks Ki, I probably enjoyed it more than you but it looks like you liked it too.

Here’s my note:

3

Otto: actually enjoyed it much more on day 2, so it did improve with some air…

4

I had this tonight at The Palm. I agree with the comments. A very good YOUNG cab. Definite menthol notes, and some fruit that is hiding for now but should really shine with some time. I am happy that I went long on this purchase.

5

Ki’s description is quite apt, I’d give it another point or two, but pending the development over the next couple of hours I am inclined to say at this point that I wish I would have waited a bit longer…as in a year at least.

6

Ki,

Thanks for the note. This wine is very young and definitely needs time. If you are able to save some for the next day or decant for hours, I believe it would have softened and gotten even better. Having tasted every wine he made in 07. These are all top notch. Great winemaker Period! (but, we already knew that).

Ki, Glad you enjoyed it and See you tomorrow.

7

Thanks Ki. I’ll throw my note into the mix.

2007 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (12/28/2009)
At first I was noticing what I thought was VA. Whatever it was dissipated after 60 minutes. I had this open for a few days and the aromatics changed a bit but never really captured me. Lots of sweet fruit and an somewhat briney quality on the nose. Smell like blackberry syrup and although the oak is there, the wine avoided the milkshake quality I get from things like Molly Dookers. The palate is chocolaty but not soft. The acidity is bracing although it has a unique sweetness. Silly to think of drinking a cab at this young. This is big and ripe. Drying tannins. Not closed but it is angular. Very sweet. Enjoyable for its hedonistic qualities. I wonder if this will peak in 3-4 years or actually develop over the next 12-14. (89-90) (90 pts.)

8

While I haven’t had the 07, I have had the 06 and found it to be very delicious and probably about 93+ on my scale. I would expect the 07 to be even better. Reading these notes alone, they seem to be screaming about a wine that needs some time to come together. I think I’ll open my first in a few years and drink the 06’s in the meantime.

Thanks for all the notes!

Chris