I really enjoyed Fresh & Easy's WineWrights Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, so I had high hopes for this Merlot. While it's not quite as rich or complex as the Cab, it's a good red in its own right, featuring flavors of plum and chocolate, wrapped up in a pleasantly dense, typically plush Napa Merlot package . There is a measure of oak and soft, lingering tannins on the finish.
All in all, a well-made red from Napa, and at ~$10 the price is definitely right for that storied wine real estate.
Score
Drinkability: 8/10
Price: 4.5/5
Total value: 12.5/15
Showing posts with label Napa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Napa. Show all posts
Wednesday
WineWrights 2009 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon - ~$11
I've long held that Fresh & Easy does better with Old World regional (e.g.the Reflexión Rioja Reserva)and New World varietal wines (e.g.McGuigan's Handmade Barossa Shiraz) while tending to struggle with domestic offerings. The recently-released WineWright series of premium-appellation California varietals may tip this balance. Given the price and grape sourcing (Napa, Monterrey) this line seems poised to compete with the likes of Trader Joe's in-house Napa reds (such as their Vintj Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon and Napa Meritage). If the WineWrights Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the Napa's Rutherford sub-appellation, is any indication, Fresh & Easy has progressed by leaps and bounds from its previous California entries, notably the underwhelming Clairville Russian River Cab.
The wine opens with dried raspberry, menthol, and something a bit cedary on the nose. A pleasant, subtle jamminess characterizes the flavor profile, which is distinguished by notes of dark ripe plum, tar, and spice. The astringent tannins loosen up after twenty minutes or so and give way to moderate oakiness and a richness that is still structured rather than unctuously velvety (this is a flaw I've noticed in TJ's otherwise tasty Napa Meritage).
As for the price ... even in the current context of depressed prices for Napa Valley grapes, you don't come across many Rutherford Cabs at ~$11; that this Cab actually tastes like it's from Rutherford is impressive. Quality wine at a reasonable price: I hope this is a harbinger of Fresh & Easy's future direction in California.
Score
Drinkability: 8.5/10
Price: 4.5/5
Total value: 13/15
The wine opens with dried raspberry, menthol, and something a bit cedary on the nose. A pleasant, subtle jamminess characterizes the flavor profile, which is distinguished by notes of dark ripe plum, tar, and spice. The astringent tannins loosen up after twenty minutes or so and give way to moderate oakiness and a richness that is still structured rather than unctuously velvety (this is a flaw I've noticed in TJ's otherwise tasty Napa Meritage).
As for the price ... even in the current context of depressed prices for Napa Valley grapes, you don't come across many Rutherford Cabs at ~$11; that this Cab actually tastes like it's from Rutherford is impressive. Quality wine at a reasonable price: I hope this is a harbinger of Fresh & Easy's future direction in California.
Score
Drinkability: 8.5/10
Price: 4.5/5
Total value: 13/15
Napa Family Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - ~$12
Given Fresh & Easy's mixed record with California reds, this Napa Cab is a pleasant surprise. A fragrant nose full of bright red cherry and tobacco notes is followed by nice balance of cherry, raspberry and a hint of mint. The lively acidity and good tannic grip offer some nice structure, and the whole package closes out with soft, subtle oak.
So I would put this one in the "win" column; Fresh & Easy's domestic offerings may yet catch up to the recurring quality of its European and New World imports
Score
Drinkability: 8.5/10
Price: 3.5/5
Total value: 12/15
So I would put this one in the "win" column; Fresh & Easy's domestic offerings may yet catch up to the recurring quality of its European and New World imports
Score
Drinkability: 8.5/10
Price: 3.5/5
Total value: 12/15
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