Nov. 16, 2005 - Issue #526: Sex, Lust & Love

Grape Expectations

THIS WEEK: Provenance Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 ($55)

2001 is considered by many to be a stellar year for Californian Cabernets. ’99 is rumoured to be much better, and though I tend to agree, I found this release from California’s Rutherford district to be very enjoyable and a great wine with a rich meal.

It’s ruby-red colour shows very dark in a dimly lit restaurant but explodes when held to a light, a sign of what awaits. As my large inhale begins, there is a hint of fruit and richness and a subtle yet savoury sample of its high alcohol content of 14.5 per cent. The first mouthful shows a blossom of fruit at the middle of the palate. The majority of this release shows at the front and middle of the mouth and is so pleasant that it makes your forget about the lack of flavour at the back.

My friends and I enjoyed this wine at La Boheme as half of us ate venison and the other half fish. The flavours, I was told, added to the experience of the fish and proved a pleasant complement to the venison. Since the ’99s are not very available, 2001 California Cabernets are a great second choice. And Provenance is a wonderful place to start. V

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