2017 Ser Cabernet Pfeffer Wirz Vineyard- USA, California, Central Coast, San Benito County (4/14/2021)
I’ve been banging on and on about Nicole Walsh’s wines at Ser, and especially her Cabernet Pfeffer. I’m telling you guys, this stuff is amazing. Her wines straddle that perfect trinity of fruit-forwardness, restrained old world classic winemaking and new world. This is fruit forward, but with a huge depth and great acid. So elegant, such great mouthfeel and profoundness. In color, somewhere around Zin or a darker PN. In feel, more like a slightly bigger PN, but still in the “lighter” category. My only question is: why isn’t this the biggest variety in the world? (93 pts.)
Had a 2012 Kenneth Volk Cabernet Pfeffer from San Benito (thinking Enz or Wirz vineyard) last week from Grocery Outlet for $5. It showed some age, but was a very pleasant wine. As you mentioned, it looked like a Zin, but felt like a Pinot. There was some muted red berry and almost a plum taste, with a spicy finish of good acidity and minerality. Light mouth feel for sure. Grocery Outlet for the win!!!
Had this this weekend. Original note pretty much nails it. Opened with some non-geek friends and they thought it was smokin’. (Actually one said it tasted like a juice box, but meant it as the highest compliment.) Best bottle I’ve opened in awhile.
Have really enjoyed the 2016 and 2017 Ser Cab Pfeffer on both occasions I have had them, and looks like I have two each left to try. It has been about 18 months, so hope to put them back in rotation soon!
