Sip Into the Weekend: Five Friday Finds with a Showstopper Cabernet
This week's standout lineup is led by the bold and expressive 2015 Dowdell Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is your cheat sheet.
Walk into the wine store prepared to answer the “Can I help you find anything?” question.
The One Minute Wine Guy sets your entire weekend with five spectacular wines.
Dowdell, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($100): Loaded with flavors and aromas. There is blackberry compote, black currant, violets, and resin on the nose. The flavor collection of blackberry, vanilla, currant, cedar, and lead pencil shavings is bold and concentrated, yet in line with the gravelly tannins that emerge on the finish. Everything is turned up yet balanced, as each component plays off the other to create a memorable experience. There's an extensive finish that is a long-lasting pleasure ride.
Intrinsic Columbia Valley Red Blend 2021 ($19): Violets, blackberry, and anise on the nose. Black cherry, currant flavors mingle with dusty earth and black tea notes on the finish.
Keller Estate Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County Rôtie 2019 ($65): Meaty and woodsy with sandalwood, tanned leather, and anise on the nose. Flavors of licorice, blackberry, and the texture of coffee grounds run through the midpalate. A worthy tribute to the Northern Rhône.
Moone Tsai, Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2022 ($108): Cherry and sandalwood mix with an exotic spice note on the pronounced nose. There's tart black cherry, cedar, and hints of spring violets on the finish. Sourced from Dave Phinney’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard and crafted by winemaker Philippe Melka.
Trapiche Mendoza, Argentina Malbec 2023 ($10): A spectacular value with smoky black cherry and sweet tobacco, with an expansive dark fruit profile on the finish.
Every Friday the One Minute Wine Guy offers up five wines for the weekend. Come back Satruday for the OMWG’s deep cuts, wines that will take you off the grid.