Santa Barbara Winemakers.

Koehler 2003, cabernet sauvignon, Santa Ynez Valley, 15.5% alc.

Interesting juice blast. Blast is about the size of it too, unexpected thrash of ripe sweet fruit like a smoothy. And that was after the bottle was just opened.
I have started to brace myself for the impact of vegetation in a lot of cabs I have tried here in SB, but not in this bottle. There really is a clean fresh bramble picking morning going on in here. The fruitiness opens the door to deeper, darker, richer, goodness. This is like a first date that leads to something longer lasting. The perky conversation, the pleasant fragrances, the interesting humour, neatly attired, the evening isn't long enough. A second date (with the same bottle 2 days later), more profound thoughts, wafts of leather, dark berries, down to earth richness. A comfort zone is reached. If you are wondering whether to bring chocolate or flowers to the date, why not bring this wine instead?

April 23, 2006