Two 2012 Cali Cabs

I was in the mood for some rich, juicy Cali Cab, and I thought that these two would fit the bill. They were paired with fillets of veal with a mushroom sauté and a foie gras sauce. The meat and richness of the sauce really calmed the Cabernet´s down - a great pairing.

2012 Girard Artistry Cabernet Sauvignon
This blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 11% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot sports a upfront, deep, sweet nose with notes of ripe black currants, dark chocolate, new leather and the aroma of a warm, yummy Cherry Pie.
The taste is big, creamy and rich with notes of ripe dark cherries, chocolate biscuits, cocoa and some bonfire notes. Very long, rewarding and very good. There is a some warmth in the back of the finish, and the label points out that there is 15% alcohol in this one. The first twelve sips...are yummy but after that it gets a tad heavy and fiery. If I would have tasted this just for a sip or two I would have rated this higher, interesting enough...
90p   (tasted 2016/09)

2012 Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvigon
This, on the other hand, just keeps getting better and better All Night Long. The nose is big yet firmly structured with notes of cool black currants, dark coffee, mint leaves and some autumn leaves burning in the background. Very deep and complex. With lots of air it becomes more and more Bx like. This is very, very good.
The taste is tight, seedy and concentrated with notes of ripe red and black currants, dark chocolate, warm tiles and Christmas spices. A long, long, intense finish. Utterly gorgeous. There are some sandy tannins in the finish, promising this a long, healthy life in front of it. Great wine!
96p   (tasted 2016/09)