Sunday, March 3, 2013

2006 Elyse Tietjen Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon
 
This wine is from California. I purchased the wine on sale from Wine Library in the dirty Jerz.  It is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Even though there are trace amounts of Petit Verdot (4%) in this blend, I thought that it would be a good opportunity to discuss the virtues of the varietal.  Mainly used in Bordeaux, it adds tannins to the blend and stiffens the mid palate of Cabernet Sauvignon blends.  Most vintners use the old adage that less is more with Petit Verdot. It is almost never the main grape used and ripens later on in the season, which makes it rather unpredictable in its quality.  This wine has an alcohol content of 14.6%. I partook in the consumption of the 2006 Elyse Tietjen Cabernet Sauvignon.

On the nose: Oak. Very one dimensional.  Smells like candy. Exactly like the Grape “Big League Chew” I used to get after East Yonkers Little League games from a broken down ratty old hot dog truck in Coyne Park (flashbacks of my childhood). Smells nice, but lacks complexity.  Can get the same nose from a $10 cabernet and not pay the premium for this wine.

Palate: First thing I noticed is the alcohol.  Maybe this is little too young to dive into at the moment.  Purple Gatorade taste. Too much make-up.  Harsh tannins.  Finish is rather short. I would be real pissed at myself if I bought this for the retail price of $60 or $120 on a restaurant list. Was hoping for a lot more.

Rating Scale (out of 5 +):
+½ (better luck next time)

Price:
$28


No comments:

Post a Comment