Cabernet Sauvignon Blends

This month’s picks from the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center

Lodi has been a major winegrape growing region since the 1850’s. Tokay Flame grapes dominated then, but today more than 60 different varieties make up the Lodi appellation. Lodi grows more Zinfandel than anyone else in California, and you may be surprised to learn that Lodi is also the biggest grower of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, as well.

Cabernet Sauvignon may be the dominant grape variety in many wine regions in California, but it has not been as widely recognized in Lodi. For years the grapes have been sold to wine companies outside the Lodi appellation to be used in some of the best Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Sauvignon blends made in California.

This past year has seen an emergence of Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines in Lodi, many 100 percent varietal wines. This trend will continue as consumer demand increases. Most Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines incorporate other grapes in the blend, most notably Merlot, the second most prestigious Bordeaux grape variety. There are three other traditional blending partners: Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, and Malbec.

Grands Amis 2007 Premiere Passion

A blend of 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 45 percent Petite Verdot, and 5 percent Merlot, Premiere Passion is a dark cherry-red color with nice clarity. Aromas of cherry, mint, and chocolate are enhanced by floral notes. Tart cherry fruit and spicy oak flavors, medium body, and soft tannins highlight the palate profile. ($25) www.grandsamis.com

McDonald Family Estate 2007 Cor Sanare Meritage*

A blend of 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 percent Merlot, and 5 percent each of Malbec, Petite Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, Cor Sanare has a color profile of garnet red with hints of black cherry and is very clear. Subtle oak, cedar, and mint, augmented by cherry and plum fruit highlight the aroma. Red cherry, spice, and oak comprise the palate flavor profile, while soft tannins and a lingering cherry and spice finish complete the picture. ($25) www.corsanare.com
* Meritage is a combination of the words ‘merit’ and ‘heritage’ and is pronounced with an emphasis on heritage. Cor Sonare is a Meritage red. In order to put Meritage on the label the winery must belong to the Meritage Society and the wine must contain at least two of the five noble Bordeaux grapes.

LangeTwins Family Winery 2006 Midnight Reserve  

A blend of 68 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 16 percent Petite Verdot, 13 percent Merlot, and 3 percent Malbec, Midnight Reserve is a nice cherry-red color and clear. The ripe cherry fruit aroma is quite pronounced and supported nicely by eucalyptus, chocolate, and spicy oak nuances. Midnight Reserve has a nice mouth feel, modest tannins, and medium body. Flavors of dark cherry, spice, and oak give way to a lingering fruit and spicy oak finish. ($30) www.langetwins.com

For more information: Visit the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, and taste from a selection of over two hundred award-winning Lodi wines. 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 367-4727, www.lodiwine.com