Today I had the pleasure of meeting and tasting with Robert Kamen, proprietor of the Kamen winery and renowned screenwriter. His most recent work, Taken, can be seen on the big screen now. But if you haven’t seen that you most certainly have seen one these- The Karate Kid, TAPS, The Transporter series, A Walk In The Clouds, The Fifth Element, Lethal Weapon 3, etc. And, as far as his wines, he’s got a great winemaker in Mark Herold and some good juice in the bottle. I have to say that I underestimated these wines the first time I tasted them and I am glad I got a chance to taste them again today.
Kamen Syrah 2005:
Aromatic nose- notes of spice box, red fruits and vanilla. Balanced mix of black fruits, peppered meats, licorice and medium wood. This was my least favorite of the wines but one where I sensed a great deal of potential. In 2008 there will be a small amount of Viognier co-fermented. For now it is a pleasant and powerful wine but not spectacular. 88 points
Kamen Cabernet 2005
Very floral nose and purple color. Concentrated and pure, this wine is smooth and velvety and immediately delicious. Loaded with sweet fruit, shaved chocolate, lilacs, and roast espresso. This wine manages to be masculine and elegant at the same time- a rare feat. I like it. 92+ points
Kamen Cabernet Kashmir 2005:
Made from specific lots from the same parcels as the regular Cabernet and with a different oak regimen. (And in a big ole’ bottle) The wine is totally different. Lush, dense, sexy, exotic, lip-smacking good. The core fruits are bold blue and black fruits surrounded by touches of white flowers, vanilla and smoke. Really very good. This is the wine I underestimated the most. It actually may be worth the price tag. Sorry if I said it wasn’t before and you passed. Sadly there are only 100 cases. 94 points